In Praise of Ourselves

I have lived in Mthunzi for many years – actually half of my eighteen years of life! And I really feel I have to thank all the people who have contributed to our happiness: our friends from Amani , our friends from Mali, all the many other friends who visit and spend some time with us, and Father Kizito. In the first months of my stay here I could not believe that this ‘stranger’ would come every few months from Nairobi to see us, and be concerned about our education and our growth into good people. Now I understand, because he really is my father, as each one of us in Mthunzi would say.

Mthunzi is no paradise on earth. The people living here, both the staff and the boys, are not perfect. Mthunzi is a Christian centre whose vision is to educate and help the youth of today to become better and more responsible citizens of Zambia and the world at large. I feel that in spite of some problems we have to thank God because we are getting there.

Life in Mthunzi is a continuous exercise in sharing. We take great care of each other, we make sure that each one gets to know his inner talents and gets to develop them. We are inseparable, and we enjoy all the time we spend together. The biggest gift that God has given me and all the rest of us is this big family of 58 boys, and we feel lonely whenever we are far from each other. We depend on each other, and as our motto says, WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER. Our hearts are open and we welcome everyone.

Do you think I am exaggerating? Come and spend some time with us!

Mike Mwenda