Valentina Phiri

Valentina is the eldest of five girls. Valentina’s father is polygamous, and Valentina is the daughter of his first wife. It is often difficult for first wives since the husband is usually more sympathetic to the newer wives. This was the case in Valentina’s family. The second and third wife turned their husband against Valentina’s mother. Although she was expected to contribute labour to the family’s tobacco garden, her husband wasn’t supporting her. Eventually she returned to her family’s village with her children.

Life was even more difficult for Valentina’s family after the move, and Valentina’s mother remarried. Valentina’s stepfather is a poor farmer and refuses to support Valentina’s schooling because she is not his daughter. Finally Valentina’s uncle stepped in and offered to look after Valentina. This caused tension between him and his wife. Because of the extreme poverty in Malawi, any extra strain on a family is keenly felt. And Valentina’s aunt was jealous of the extra burden Valentina placed on her family. It was Valentina’s uncle who saw the notice for Atsikana Pa Ulendo and told Valentina she should apply.

Valentina started school at Atsikana Pa Ulendo (Girls on the Move) in January. Like all the girls, she had difficulty with her English, but she has been improving ever since. She experienced a setback in April during the first break. She spent the break at her uncle’s village where a man befriended her. He was very complimentary toward Valentina and began buying her gifts. When it came time for her to go back to school, he kidnapped her. The police were called, and she was returned to the school, but the experience left an emotional scar. Valentina’s uncle repaid the man for his expenses, so he wouldn’t continue to expect something from Valentina, but Valentina feels very guilty for causing her family so much trouble. She is a gentle, innocent girl and didn’t understand the situation. She feels a great deal of shame.

Valentina was sad and withdrawn during the second term, but the situation has improved. When I met Valentina, she was in good spirits and positive about school. She speaks English well now, she works hard on her studies and her grades are improving. Her favorite subject is Bible Knowledge and she loves to play netball. She is still a bit naïve about her future goals, she wants to help orphans, but she is a good kid with a big heart and a great attitude. She has the potential to go far and make a difference in her country.