Two powerful initiatives led by Mirriam Foundation and Congregation of Teresian Sisters are making a profound impact on vulnerable communities in Malawi, offering hope, dignity, and economic empowerment to women and people living with HIV.
The Mirriam Foundation has been widely praised for its different transformative initiatives among people living with HIV in Dedza District.
Mirriam from Netherlands who is the founder of this foundation, established this foundation in the past 15 years after encountering different groups of people in Bembeke area Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza, especially people living with HIV and AIDS.
During a recent visit by Elizabeth Brunner from Germany, support groups under Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza expressed heartfelt appreciation for the foundation’s efforts in improving their livelihoods.
After visiting different supoort groups, Brunner commended the visible transformation in the lives of beneficiaries, noting that despite their HIV status, many individuals are now thriving through empowerment activities.
“I will advocate for more support from well-wishers when I return to Germany,” she said, “so that these support groups can continue living healthy and dignified lives.”
Denis Chinthochi, chairperson of the support groups, highlighted the foundation’s impact. “The lives of those affected have greatly improved in their households thanks to the assistance we receive from the Mirriam Foundation and Sister Teleza’s guidance.”
Meanwhile Sister Teleza Mulenga who is the contact person for Mirriam Foundation. said she is also impressed with what the support groups are currently doing through pig farming initiatives and farming, which said there is great change to the lives of many people.
” from the visit, I have realized there is alot of change since I became a contact person for the foundation. There is alot of change which is happening to the people, for instance I have followed the lives of people, looking at them them health wise, their health status has been improved from time to time with different interventions which they receive from Mirriam Foundation.”
Currently, fifteen groups under Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza benefit from the foundation’s support, which includes food aid, pig farming, and access to seeds for crops such as maize and Irish potatoes.
One inspiring testimony came from Ellen David of Kadammanja Village. Diagnosed with HIV in 2007, Ellen endured years of illness before beginning antiretroviral therapy. Today, she radiates joy and strength, crediting the Mirriam Foundation’s support groups for her renewed health and ability to care for her children. “These initiatives have uplifted my family and inspired many others to reclaim their lives,” she said.
Meanwhile, at St. Mary’s in Dzaleka Refugee Camp under Nanthomba Parish, a Catholic women Association expressed deep gratitude to the Congregation of Teresian Sisters for their skill-building programs aimed at economic self-reliance.
Through training in soap making, body lotion making, and other practical lessons, women are now equipped to launch small businesses and support their families. “We face many challenges in caring for our households,” one participant shared, “but these skills have given us hope and a path to transformation.”
She also highlighted that with the withdrawal of USAID under United States of America, as refugees there are now facings more challenges at the camp, like shortage of food and other basic human resources.
The women also voiced their openness to receiving further training and support to improve their daily lives.
Sister Teresa Mulenga, who is the projectcoordinator, emphasized the importance of empowering women even within refugee settings. “We saw the need to equip these women so they can stand on their own,” she said. “They deserve the opportunity to thrive.”
These stories reflect the unwavering commitment to social justice, community development, and the dignity of every person especially those living on the margins.
Through faith-driven action, the Mirriam Foundation and the Congregation of Teresian Sisters are helping communities rise, one life at a time.
By Titus Jata Phiri