Le Voyage: Kasungu!

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Le Voyage: Kasungu!



                             How Can I Ever Forget Kasungu?

Kasungu, a humble district in Malawi, will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was there that I discovered my true calling. My first significant job brought me to this small town, where I spent most of my days immersed in rural communities, connecting with locals, and working toward something deeply fulfilling. Kasungu introduced me to my passion, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

A Journey of Hope

When I first learned I’d gotten the job in Kasungu, I was overjoyed. The position was everything I had dreamed of; helping bring school dropouts back to class. My title? Out-of-School Child Specialist. What could be more rewarding than changing lives through education? For me, this job was pure gold.

Leaving Zomba, my serene home city in southern Malawi, felt like the children of Israel leaving Egypt for Canaan. I was moving on from work I didn’t love to embrace a mission I believed in wholeheartedly. I’d never been to Kasungu, and while I’d been warned about the difficulty of finding housing, I couldn’t let that dampen my excitement. A friend’s friend had offered to host me temporarily, so I set off with high hopes, a suitcase, and my dreams.


My First Night


I arrived at night after a long journey. Exhaustion masked my curiosity about my new surroundings. The cab ride to my host’s home was far longer than expected, almost 40 minutes and my first realization hit: commuting in Kasungu was going to be a challenge.

When we finally reached the house, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. My hosts had prepared a hearty meal of Nsima and chicken, cooked with that signature local touch. I slept in a room with two other family members, on a mattress, with no electricity to charge my phone or laptop. Despite these challenges, my heart was full of anticipation for my first day at work.


Village Life


Morning came with an unmistakable village wake-up call: the rooster’s persistent crowing outside my window. Cock-a-doodle-do! If there were ever a sign that I was far from the comforts of the city, this was it.

My first bath was an experience in itself, a makeshift structure of plastic sheets with no roof, freezing water, and a drizzle of rain. It was a cold and quick affair, but I was eager to start my new job.

Settling In

Commuting became my first hurdle in Kasungu. The 50-minute bicycle taxi rides to work were long and bumpy. Determined to simplify my life, I began hunting for a house closer to my office. It took three frustrating weeks, but persistence paid off. My new home was just 10 minutes from work. It wasn’t perfect, sharing bathrooms with neighbors and dealing with messy communal spaces were challenges but it was close, and that was enough.

A Neighbor’s Story

Life in the compound gave me a glimpse into the struggles of others. My neighbor, a hardworking cleaner at a local hospital, juggled her job, raising three children, and dealing with a husband who stayed home, doing little to help. Every night, I heard their arguments, her voice filled with exhaustion and frustration. I often shared food or groceries with her, moved by her resilience. Her story reminded me of some rural women in Malawi who shoulder the weight of their families alone, a reality that deepened my passion for making a difference.

Adventures and Challenges

Work took me deep into Kasungu’s rural areas. Reaching these communities meant learning to ride a motorcycle, a skill I didn’t have when I arrived. My first solo ride was unforgettable. With my supervisor riding pillion, I lost control on a sandy path, and we both tumbled into the dust. We laughed it off, and in that moment, I knew this adventure was going to be as challenging as it was rewarding.

Meeting children in these communities was eye-opening. Many had dropped out of school for heartbreaking reasons. Girls lured into early marriages during tobacco season, boys forced to become breadwinners, and others simply unable to afford the basics of education. Witnessing their struggles lit a fire within me.


Finding My Passion


Kasungu was more than a place; it was a revelation. It was where I realized my life’s purpose: empowering children and bridging the gaps in education. I wanted to mentor, inspire, and create solutions for those who felt left behind.

Despite the long rides, sleepless nights, and endless challenges, Kasungu gave me something priceless. A vision for my future and a passion for uplifting communities.

How can I ever forget Kasungu? It’s where I found myself. 😊



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