I was beyond pleased that the front page news had positive and encouraging news reminding us that there are people out there who are willing to make a difference and sacrifices for this country.
The Strides Of Hope walkers who walked 362kms from Lilongwe to Blantyre to raise money for the High Dependency Unit in the paediatric ward at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe made my year. These walkers totally crushed the spirit of complaining and laziness and went into action.
Congratulations Wanangwa Msutu, Duwa Mvula, Milca Mphepo, Tiyanjane Kapalamula, Ruth Gondwe, Ivy Chilingulo and Kalola Msiska for pioneering progressive patriotism in Malawi in an era where selfish greed and laziness have taken centre stage.
With K18 million raised from the walk, even more touching was the message to the country on June 9, 2016 – a day after their mission was accomplished:
We finally made it!!
Our feet may have done the walking but we were propelled by the love and support we received from you- you kept us going!
Each hoot reminded us someone remembers.
The waters, energade, food and chocolates you brought were more than an encouragement.
You made us feel like stars with the selfies you were so excited to take with us
Just some 10 days ago, we were a group of young fellows that simply believed in a dream now call us heros. We met in a bedroom to plan and strategise and distribute responsibilities.
We set out unsure of the country’s response but certain of the vision and you’ve helped make it a reality.
Our journey began with a few believing hearts and many joined along the way
You prayed
You hooted
You danced
You walked
Above all you GAVE!!
Since February, the 7 walkers began to train for the walk. They had body strengthening and endurance training, practice walks and changed their diets so that this would be success. They were supported by a crew comprising 1 security guard, 2 physiotherapists, 2 general crew members who drove, prepped their meals, made beds, prepared bathing water, contacted rest houses along the way and communicated with family updating them along the way.
We learnt a lot of lessons, been through challenges and adventures that made it all worth it but most importantly we got to see that Malawi is very much worth the sacrifices we can make. It is very beautiful and the people so kind.
So yes, there were days when we did not bath, and times when the pain was excruciating, but Malawi’s future depends on what we do presently.
Only we can shape our future and it will require sacrifice to make it bright.
The Strides of Hope Initiative has seen citizens from different economic backgrounds come together for a common cause.
A certain lady gave us K50 from her K250 day earnings from her vegetable sales the day we met her.
A certain minibus collected donations from passengers and stopped to give us when they passed by.
Families came having made us meals or bought us snacks.
The vice president’s wife Mary Chilima checked on us ever so often and gave her contribution.
The Deputy Governor committed her funds to the cause as well… the response has been overwhelming from so many!!
It is incredible… the one in the palace and the one in a mud house all got involved-and we were inspired!
S o a r r i v i n g to Blantyre was great but it’s the unity that truly is incredible.
We look forward to buying the equipment and installing it into the HDU- to which we hope each time you see it, visit it or know someone in there you’ll know that YOU made the difference.
Thank you Blantyre for the warm welcome. The entire 23KM covered yesterday was done with you by our side.
Thank you for coming to College of Medicine.
Yesterday alone we raised K3, 195,471.00 through road and arrival ceremony donations.
THANK YOU.
The team has been well taken care of. We were pleasantly surprised when Ryalls Hotel sent a shuttle to pick us up for the night and the SPA treatment the walkers got today. The team will be flying back to Lilongwe tomorrow- thank you for organising this, we were ready to drive back so this is really a treat.
The security guard yesterday came to us and said he had never been inside a hotel, let alone slept in one. Tomorrow he gets on the plane with us together with 5 others for whom it will be their first time.
It’s all overwhelming Malawi. We are truly grateful!
There’s a home welcoming cocktail tomorrow in Lilongwe being hosted in honor of the initiative- hope to see you all there!!
Thank you so much Malawi!
This is beyond me indeed. I am filled with immense pride. This is the spirit.
I rest my case
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