If there is something Malawians are known for, it is the love they have for one another and for visitors as well.
Of course, some believe we are more accommodating to strangers than to our compatriots, but the truth is that politics is the main factor dividing Malawians.
When it comes to helping each other in times of need, there may be no other nationality that does it better than Malawians.
When Covid-19 hit the country a few years ago, people from all over the nation were the first to respond by pooling resources to support healthcare workers.
They mobilised resources and undoubtedly saved lives that might otherwise have succumbed to the virus, which exacted a heavy toll in other countries, even those with the most advanced healthcare systems.
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The love and compassion among Malawians came to the fore once again when Tropical Cyclone Freddy— the longest-lasting storm on record and the most intense to affect the southern hemisphere— struck 10 districts in the Southern Region.
In the midst of the chaos, suffering and sense of defeat, Malawians united to provide resources that alleviated the suffering of the affected populations.
They offered vehicles, clothing, food and shelter without being asked.
Some even risked their lives by joining experienced rescue teams as the only novices, trying to save those trapped in areas cut off by the floods.
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Some churches arranged special collections for the survivors, encouraging congregants to give more in this time of crisis.
Today, we see that kindness and compassion manifesting throughout the country once again.
Students unable to attend school due to lack of fees and other necessities are being assisted and their futures are once again revitalised.
Several stories published about people needing support for various issues have received positive responses.
On the other hand, this highlights how education remains largely the preserve of the wealthy, who can afford it.
It seems that many families in rural areas cannot even adequately afford their children’s education in public schools, where fees are somewhat lower than in private institutions.
Without social media and the support of well-wishers, bright learners destined for greater futures might remain stuck in their rural locations, their potential gradually fading away.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of students who are back in school after being assisted by well-wishers who ask nothing in return but that the students work hard for their futures.
While some are providing immediate help, others are promising continued support throughout the students’ education.
The students can repay this support only by working hard and excelling in their studies.
However, it is also crucial to point out that the goodwill of benefactors is at risk of being exploited if proper vetting is not conducted before someone receives assistance.
Here at The Times Group, we have uncovered cases where individuals claiming to have children in school, who cannot continue due to lack of fees and other necessities, have turned out to be scammers.
We have our own mechanisms for vetting those who request support through our platforms and have exposed unscrupulous individuals trying to exploit the influx of appeals for assistance to insert their own fraudulent claims.
It is also possible that some parents are shirking their responsibility to fund their children’s education, realising that they can obtain support if their stories are posted on social media.
Perhaps those seeking any form of educational support should provide all necessary evidence, including letters from their district council’s social welfare office, to validate that they are not receiving other forms of support and that they are indeed too poor to fund their children’s education.
The truth remains that, in any act of goodwill, there will always be those who seek to tarnish it with their own malicious ways.
This was also the case during the Covid-19 situation. As Malawians worked to pool resources to help those in need, some were dipping their hands into the pandemic’s public funds to take what was meant for those in trouble.
Above all, while well-wishers do their best to ensure deserving children do not remain at home due to financial challenges, the scrutiny of support appeals, especially those coming through informal channels, should be prioritised.
This will ensure that only those who genuinely deserve support receive it.
