At The House of Many Stories

At the House of Many Stories Youth Centre, we really focus on the personal development of young people, and how they can become positive leaders in the community. Three particular youth really caught Margaret's attention, and she designated them as official "youth leaders." (They even have official staff badges - all the rage for Malawians.) These kids all show wonderful potential, and we're so happy to have a program that deepens their skills and widens their opportunities.

Current Youth Leaders

Wallace
Wallace Salanje has a great deal of natural artistic talent, which he loves to share with all who come to the youth centre. It must run in the family, as he has a relative who produces a regular cartooon for Malawi's national newspaper. In addition to Wallace's artistic abilities, he loves to teach. He is 19 years old and in Form 4 in secondary school, where he is sponsored by Bola Moyo. He sets a great example for the youth at The House of Many Stories with his attitude, his joy, and his concern for his community and his country. We look forward to journeying alongside him as he burgeons into a mature artist and an effective leader.

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Grace
Grace has been attending the House of Many Stories for quite some time, and currently serves as our volunteer librarian. She brings great enthusiasm and knowledge to this position; specifically, she trains other youth in treating and handling the books, keeps track of books checked out, and tracks any dues owed to the library by youth members. 14 year-old Grace is in Form 1 at Secondary School this year and is well-known for her vibrant creativity, musical abilities, resourcefulness and her love of craft. As a Youth Leader at the House of Many Stories, she can frequently be found teaching young children to read (in English and Chichewa) at the youth center. 

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Yotala
Yotala is a dedicated and loyal Youth Leader at the centre. He has developed a keen interest in photography, likes teaching dance, and enjoys being the captain of the football (soccer) team. Yotala is a 17-year-old orphan and a rising star as one of Bola Moyo's ten sponsored secondary school students. His English has improved a great deal since he began attending the centre and he is known for being a very bright student. He is currently in Form 3 in secondary school, and he likes to spend his free time reading novels and watching and participating in football games.

 

Rising leaders

Chisomo
Chisomo is a sly and clever girl with a great deal of confidence (a rarity in young girls in Malawi). She likes doing fashion shows, dancing, and being in the spotlight. In addition to these activities she enjoys spending time with her fraternal twin sister, Takondwa.

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Maria
Maria is shy, quiet, sweet, and very responsible. She is learning to answer questions confidently. She likes sewing and handicrafts, and enjoys doing those things with our Project Coordinator, Margaret. She has a sister, Cecilia, with whom she likes to spend most of her time.

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Osward
Osward is full of energy, intensity, and confidence. It seems that he is involved in everything! His favorite activity at the youth center is drama club, where he enjoys taking on the lead roles. He is a natural leader with lots of spunk. He currently lives with his grandmother in Balaka.