Hidden in a rural and poverty stricken area 30 kilometres north west of Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, is a Canadian sponsored secondary school, which is transforming the lives of orphans and other vulnerable girls. Atsikana Pa Ulendo Girls Secondary School started humbly in 2008 with makeshift structures. It is slowly but surely becoming an "Eton" of Malawi. - At inception students used to attend classes seated on the floor. There was no running water, electricity and no science laboratory. Today, the school boasts picturesque classrooms, hostels and a multi-purpose hall, replete with running water and electricity. There is a well-stocked library and laboratory. “Ats…

- Fistula a hidden condition in Malawi By George Ntonya Sumita Yusufu from Mangochi district in Malawi got pregnant at the age of 18. Unfortunately, she gave birth to a still baby and ended up with obstetric fistula. Fistula is an injury to pelvic organs that occurs during child birth when a woman experiences prolonged labour caused by obstruction. The injury is usually a hole between the bladder or urethra or rectum and the vagina, leading to continuous leaking of urine and/or feaces. A woman with fistula usually smells. She cannot socialize with friends. This is what has been happening to Sumita. Her condition has also driven her husband away. When Sumita heard that UNFPA woul…

- Canadians transforming Malawian girls By George Ntonya Hidden in a rural and poverty stricken area 30 kilometers north west of Malawi’s Capital, Lilongwe is a Canadian sponsored secondary school, which is transforming the lives of orphans and other vulnerable girls. Atsikana Pa Ulendo Girls Secondary School started humbly in 2008 with makeshift structures. It is slowly but surely becoming an “Eton” of Malawi. At inception students used to attend classes seated on the floor. There was no running water and electricity. No science laboratory. Today, the school boasts picturesque classrooms, hostels and a multi-purpose hall, replete with running water and electricity. T…