Below is a blurb that Roberta has written about Valentina Phiri.

 

I'd like to tell you about some of the girls I've met on my trips to Malawi. I especially want to tell you about some of the girls at Atsikana Pa Ulendo Girls' School.

 

All of the girls have amazing stories, but of course some stand out more than others.

 

When the school opened in January 2007, Silent River Kung Fu began sponsoring one of the girls. That girl was Valentina Phiri.

 

Valentina is the eldest of five girls. Valentina’s father is polygamous, and Valentina is the daughter of his first wife. It is often difficult for first wives since the husband is usually more sympathetic to the newer wives. This was the case in Valentina’s family. The second and third wife turned their husband against Valentina’s mother. Although she was expected to contribute labour to the family’s tobacco garden, her husband wasn’t supporting her. Eventually she returned to her family’s village with her children.

 

Life was even more difficult for Valentina’s family after the move, and Valentina’s mother remarried. Valentina’s stepfather refused to support Valentina’s schooling because she is not his daughter. Eventually he left Valentina's mother because he didn't want to help Valentina out. Finally Valentina’s uncle stepped in and offered to look after Valentina. This caused tension between him and his wife. Because of the extreme poverty in Malawi, any extra strain on a family is keenly felt. And Valentina’s aunt was jealous of the extra burden Valentina placed on her family. It was Valentina’s uncle who saw the notice for Atsikana Pa Ulendo and told Valentina she should apply.

 

Valentina started school at Atsikana Pa Ulendo (Girls on the Move) in January 2008. Like all the girls, she had difficulty with her English, but she has been improving ever since. Valentina feels very guilty for causing her family so much trouble. She is a gentle, innocent girl and didn’t understand the situation. She feels a great deal of shame.

 

Valentina was sad and withdrawn during the second term, but the situation has improved.  When I saw Valentina in May this year, she was in good spirits and positive about school. She speaks English well now, she works hard on her studies and her grades are improving. Her favorite subject is Bible Knowledge, and she loves to play netball. She is still a bit naïve about her future goals, she wants to help orphans, but she is a good kid with a big heart and a great attitude. She has the potential to go far and make a difference in her country.