Malawi Testimonials

“I never thought that I would be a writer, but the writers’ workshop exposed my talents and skills.”

“Sindimadziwa kuti ndingakhale olemba koma maphunziro a zolembalemba amene amapangitsa a VoiceFlame anandithandiza kupeza luso ndi ukadaulo wa zolembalemba.”

Mwai Makhalira

“It is life affirming to see a project that will allow Malawian women and girls to tell their stories. Such a project is propelling me on with more zest to continue being a voice for the women of Malawi and to be able to bring about change. I believe that given the right resources, women in Malawi could move mountains.”

“Ndizosangalatsa komanso zopatsa chiyembekezo kuona kuti tsopano pali ndondomwko yomwe ipereka mwayi kwa amayi ndi atsikana a chi Malawi kukamba nkhani zokhudza iwo eni ake momasuka. Ntchitoyi ikundilimbikitsa kuti ndipitirire kukhala liwu la amayi ndi atsikana a chi Malawi pothandiza kuti miyoyo yawo itukuke. Ndikukhulupilira kuti amayi ndi atsikana a chi Malawi angautse mapiri ndikukweza dziko lathu atapatsidwa mwayi ndi danga.”

Pilirani Semu-Banda

“Winning goes deeper than receiving the money; the recognition of my work is what’s important.”

“Kukhoza nkopambana kupotsa kulandira ndalama; kudziwika kwa ntchito yanga komwe kuli kofunika.” 

Margaret Towemu Kondowe Khonje.

“The workshop gave me the confidence to share my stories with others. I have always felt that people would never enjoy reading or listening to what I write, but the other participants smiled, laughed and begged for more when I had finished reading my story. It made me feel great. I left the room a changed person. Thank you for helping me believe in my capabilities.”

“Maphunziro aja anandipatsa chilimbitso choti ndi gawane nawo anthu ena nkhani zanga.Ndinkaona ngati anthu sazatsangalatsidwa kuwerenga ndikumvetsera zomwe ndimalemba, koma ophunzira anzanga anasangalala ndikutsekerera ndikupemphatso ngati ndingapitilize kuwerenga nditamaliza nkhani yangayi. Ndinadziona opambana. Ndinatuluka mchipindamo ndili osinthika. Zikomo kwambiri pondithandiza kukhulupirira zochita zanga.”

Grace Kalua

“Men here take advantage of women’s illiteracy to abuse them emotionally, physically, and in so many other ways. If more women had a chance to go to school, I believe they would be empowered and able to defend themselves.”

“Kuno amuna amatengerapo mwawi pa  kusazindikira kwa amayi po wazunza  m’maganizo,machitidwe ndi munjira za mbiri. Ngati amayi ambiri akanakhala ndi mwai opita kusukulu, ndikukhulupirira kuti akanakhala ndi mphamvu ndi kuziteteza pa okha.”

Gloria Kampondeni

“Together we weaved the various shades of our stories into one beautiful cloth. And together we realized that we were connected by a common purpose – to use our womanhood to make a difference. I see a flame so bright shining ahead of me. We agree that we must not let the flame die. I want more Malawian women to tell their stories and to see their name in print. I am inspired and I want to inspire others.”

“Tonse tinabwela pamodzi ndipo nkhani zathu zosiyanasiyana tinazipeta limodzi monga umo chikhalira chilundu chokongola. Ndipo muumodzi wathu tinazindikila kuti tinali ndicholinga chofanana – kusintha zinthu kuzera mu umayi wathu. Ndikuwona kuwala koposa kutsogolo kwanga. Tagwirizana kuti tisalore kuti kuwala kumeneku kuthe. Ndikufuna azimayi ambiri aku Malawi atamakamba nkhani zawo ndi kumalemba mabuku. Ine ndakhuzidwa ndiponso ine ndifuna ndikhuze ena.”

Deborah Nyangulu-Chipofya

“I would like Malawian women to write on their identity, femininity and the beauty of womanhood in the hope that through doing so, we will affirm ourselves.”

“Ndikufuna azimayi achi Malawi azilemba za umunthu wawo, za ukazi wawo ndi ubwino wokhala nzimayi. Ndikukhulupilila kuti tikamatelo, tizilimbikitsa muzinchito zathu.”

Akossa Mphepo

“I did not understand what “VoiceFlame Writers” meant when Mary Tuchscherer and Susan McCollum introduced themselves in our Village of Tukombo in Malawi. Later on, though, I fell in love with this noble work that penetrated women’s hearts during sessions conducted amongst such historical places as Livingstonia, Mayoka Village, Tukombo,and Fishermans Rest. Innermost stories that women had hidden for years poured forth. The stories we heard came from different classes of women, including the illiterate and the USA visitors who came with VoiceFlame; they were revealing and healing, allowing us to share and understand each other’s experiences and imaginations of life. It was awesome. Old and young women equally shared, some depicting bad experiences and fears about women growing old. At Fisherman’s Rest, academicians, nurses, pastors, teachers and journalists, amongst others, attended the most touching session.

The sessions were unique. What a discipline and great way of reaching women’s hearts across the globe. Seeds were planted that will continue to grow in Malawi as we continue to share stories amongst ourselves both in villages and urban settings.

Women across the world are one despite color, race and where they come from. It is my wish that VoiceFlame continues to reach out and touch all women in the world. The writing sessions have opened my heart and improved my perspective of life.”

Emily Phiri Aluziya