The more I learn about this country, the more fascinated I become with it. Nicknamed the “Warm Heart of Africa” due to the friendliness and laid back nature of its people, it is an inviting, yet often passed over destination. A now stable nation, it has a democratic government who actively engages in reducing corruption. With over 600 bird species (George, I can hear you yelling from excitement from here!), its beautiful and renowned “calendar lake” (due to it’s length of 365miles and width of 52 miles as my dad explained to me), a stunning mountain range and pleasant climate, it seems like the ideal place. Major tourist activities include suba diving, sailing and hiking, all of which I love.
But I won’t be there to swim and play because beneath this lovely surface lies a deeper and darker reality.
The truth of the matter is that while Malawi may be beautiful and inviting, it’s in a bad state of affairs. Ranked 164th out of 177 countries on the Human Development Index, its people suffer from chronic poverty. The average age is 15…. this means that 50% of the population are children. Their life expectancy hovers around 45. This is due significantly to the widespread occurrence of HIV/AIDS, to the lack of treatment of preventable (or curable) diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and water/food borne parasites. Almost 30% of people lack access to safe water supplies. And literacy rates remain around 64%.
Obvious questions from concerned family and friends have been regarding my own safety in such circumstances. I agree, going to Malawi (and many parts of this world for that matter) is not risk free. It is certainly more risky than Canada, North America and Europe. But even these places have their risks. It is why we are taught both in schools and at home to wash our hands. It’s why we can appreciate the benefits of clean and safe food and water, although it is sometimes easy to forget. So yes, going overseas is more risky, but I believe still very worthwhile because of one very important point: these are the facts, but there are people behind them. In a couple of months, when I settle overseas, I’ll be able to share some of the stories about these people behind the facts: their lives, their humor, their cuisine and their challenges.
Thanks for writing about Malawi. I strongly feel that your perception about Malawi and Africa in general will greatly change when you will come to ‘live among us’!
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you goooooo girllllllllll ….. birdssss ??? I’ll come and visit !!
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Hey Colleen,
Hope your trip back to Canada went well and you are getting lots of your EWB training. Most people are back in Cambridge now getting stuck into work. Good luck and I’m sure I will bump into you before you know!
Scotty
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good site omxtnq
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Colleen, I am so excited for you! Congratulations on your placement, I look forward to your updates from the field!
Do keep in touch!
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