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Mzuzu-based organization provides shelter, support to under-privileged young people
Mzuzu-based organization, You Are Not Alone (YANA), is making a difference in the lives of young people from less privileged homes by providing them with shelter and support, writes Mustafa Makumba.
Mzuzu, Malawi - Mzuzu-based organization, You Are Not Alone (YANA), is making a difference in the lives of young people from less privileged homes by providing them with shelter and support, writes Mustafa Makumba.
Founded by Tusaiwe Mukhondiya, the organization aims to nurture children and teenage mothers who struggle to live independently.
Mukhondiya established YANA in 2021 in Mzuzu, Malawi, after discovering that many children from underprivileged backgrounds and teenage mothers could not afford basic amenities such as accommodation, food, and clothing.
YANA's vision is to become a large, safe home for the hopeless and to give a brighter future to those who cannot do it on their own.
"At YANA, we have around 100 children of all ages that we are living with. Four houses that we are renting accommodate us all. The people are segmented into groups, children in one house, adults in another, and the elderly in a different one," Mukhondiya explained.
Apart from providing inhabitants with basic needs, YANA operates a home school for children under five.
The home school offers academic training to prepare children for formal primary education until they reach the age of six, where they interact with diverse children from various backgrounds.
Isaac Manda, a 12-year-old member of the YANA community, said, "I came here two years ago, and my life has entirely changed. I dream of becoming a soldier with the Malawi Defense Force when I grow up."
Manda grew up with his grandmother and does not know the whereabouts of his biological parents. He said he does not wish to return home as he has found a safer home at YANA.
Mirrium Kaifa, an 11-year-old standard four pupil, said, "YANA provides necessities that my parents could hardly afford. I am grateful to be here, and I hope to become a teacher in the future."
YANA also provides vocational skills training to mothers housed at the facility.
"We provide vocational training skills such as tailoring to some adult members of the community, so they should be able to earn a living when they leave YANA. We know that we cannot be together forever, so those abilities will help them be independent in the future," Mukhondiya added.
Maseeda Mkandawire, a 20-year-old beneficiary of YANA's program, said, "When I got pregnant, life was very hard, and YANA came to our aid to support me. Now I'm attending a training in tailoring, and I hope it will help me a lot. YANA supports both me and my child."
According to the beneficiaries, YANA is a beacon of hope for those who have no one to turn to.
With its commitment to providing shelter, education, and training to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the community is empowering them to live independently and contribute positively to society.
"The support we receive at YANA is so important to us. The staff members are always ready to listen and to offer guidance. They make us feel like we are one big family," Mkandawire added.
YANA is currently relying on people's donations, and sometimes the funds run out early. As a result, YANA is reaching out to people of goodwill for assistance.
"We are grateful for the support we have received so far. However, we still need more support to build a YANA village. A large house is being constructed, which is expected to accommodate all the beneficiaries so that the organization stops living in rented houses," Mukhondiya said.