BY BLAIR MHONE
25-year-old Temwani Chilenga, a primary school teacher in Lilongwe, continues to get the recognition of her humanitarian works of supporting over 100 homeless and orphaned children with her salary and donations.
The latest recognition comes from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom who awarded her with the 217th Commonwealth Point of Light award in honour of her exceptional voluntary service for providing shelter, uniforms, learning materials and food, providing four water points around the school where she works to alleviate the water problem and running a free nursery school.
According to the British High Commission to Malawi, David Beer, the Queen as Head of Commonwealth is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations such as Chilenga, for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, to help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Beer said: “Temwani’s acts of kindness are supporting one of the UK’s top priorities in Malawi: that every child enjoys a quality education. Coming on International Women’s Day, this should spur all of us to do more to educate and empower women and girls.”
Chilenga noted that obtaining the honor has given her even more desire to continue reaching out to more vulnerable youngsters.
“Today I got commonwealth point of light award which was presented by high British commissioner David Beer on behalf of the Queen. I’m so thankful for this award and I wasn’t expecting because whatever I do, I don’t expect anything in return but I always want the orphans and the other children to get what they need but getting the award means so much to me.
“I dedicate this award to the children, the volunteers from the community and all the people who have supported the children in whatever way. You do so much for these children because on my own I can’t manage. Thank you so much for everything you do and please, keep supporting the children. We can’t support with everything they need but we can help them with something,” said Chilenga.
Earlier this year, Temwani Chilenga also won the Woman of Substance humanitarian award organized by Pan African Learning and Growth Network.
