Like other orphans, Matthews was particularly vulnerable to lack of adult support for school. According to a 2002 United Nations report, at least 470,000 children in Malawi have already been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS deaths.
A USAID-supported campaign came to the Mzimba District to mobilize parents and community leaders to improve their schools, and worked intensively with the school committee to generate solutions.
USAID helps poor communities to recognize their resources and commit them to educating children. In 2001, USAID launched a project in Mzimba to call on local residents to identify the challenges of effective education in their area. Through USAID’s work in the Mzimba district, the number of active school committees increased from a baseline of 24 to 98.
Teachers decided to enlist students to assist in this effort. The children planned and led a "School Press Conference" for the community about the importance of education and how parents can help. Matthews was one of the reporters.
Through the mock “press conferences”, students practice communication skills and teach their peers about issues like HIV/AIDS. Sixteen students – eight boys and eight girls – participated in the school “press conference”. The conference was attended by 900 pupils, 200 parents, and eight teachers.
When Mr. Beza heard his grandson argue about the value of education, using excellent English, he was convinced. He took over the cattle herding to allow Matthews to attend school regularly and have time to study. Matthews now plans to become a veterinarian, reflecting both his ambitions and his grandfather's training.
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