Mphatso Kamanga and Junior Kamanga, who grew up in Ekwaiweni, never imagined their young lives would take such a painful turn.
Mphatso, an 11-year-old girl, and Junior, her 8-year-old brother, were left vulnerable after the arrest and imprisonment of their father. With his absence, their world began to fall apart—losing not only the shelter of a home but also their access to education and basic necessities like food.
For a short time, their mother tried to hold the family together. But the burden proved too heavy. One day, she disappeared without a trace, abandoning the children to face the harsh world alone. With no adult to care for them, Mphatso and Junior found themselves struggling to survive.
Eventually, they were taken in by their grandparents. But due to extreme poverty, even their new guardians could not provide school supplies or basic needs. The children remained at home, unable to return to school, living more like lost souls than children with a future.
Hope seemed out of reach.
That was until the Ekwaiweni Tafika Youth Organization stepped in. The organization, touched by the children’s story, extended a helping hand. They provided the siblings with clothes, shoes, and other essential items. But perhaps most importantly, they gave them the gift of education.
Thanks to this support, Mphatso has now been enrolled in Standard 2 and Junior in Standard 1 at Ekwaiweni Primary School. Their journey back to the classroom is more than just an academic milestone—it is a return to dignity, belonging, and hope.
Mrs. Chipeta, Headteacher at Ekwaiweni Primary School, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Tafika Youth Organization for making it possible for the two children to attend school.
Shupo Kumwenda, Director of Ekwaiweni Tafika Youth Organization, also shared his deep appreciation to Friends of Scotland for their unwavering support through the Banana Box initiative.
“I am truly grateful for the support we received from Friends of Scotland through Banana Box,” Kumwenda said. “Their generosity has not only changed the lives of Mphatso and Junior but has also brought hope to many others in our community.
wonderful!!!!