Maria Issa was born on 10 January, 2009 in the village of Chimwala, in the Mangochi District. Her mother died of HIV related illness when she was 18 months old.
Aunt could not provide the care that she needed. On the 28th July 2010 Maria came to Open Arms Mangochi. She had a swollen belly and was suffering from malnutrition.
Maria is now a happy and healthy 4 ½ year old and ready to start school. We were delighted this week when she moved from Mangochi to Blantyre to become part of the Family at Annie’s House, able to go to school with her new brothers and sisters in September.
Matron and Doris, Maria’s Caregiver in Mangochi, had prepared Maria well, and she was excited about moving to a new home. They both travelled with Maria and spent a few hours at Annie’s House to help her adjust. Though Maria was quiet at first, the other children soon introduced her to the slide and played together.
Julita, who is almost five years old and one of the eldest in Annie’s House, has always been very caring, and happily pushed her around on a tricycle.
Jasmine, from Open Arms Blantyre said:
“ It was wonderful for me to see Maria adjust so well and enjoy being with children of her own age. There were no tears when it was time for the ladies from Mangochi to leave. Now in September Maria will be able to start at a good nearby school and be on the way to her primary education”
“I have to say that witnessing days like that are part of what makes being at Open Arms very special, and the support we receive from all over the globe makes it all possible. We are so grateful. ”
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