Mbedza started working in Malawi for many reasons but one of the significant catalysts was a conversation over 20 years ago. In 2001 we met Peatry Ntodwa, acting as a translator for UK visitors. “What is the goal of your life”, we asked Peatry “We are in a war with HIV and we are going to beat it!”, came the response.

The journey that we have been on over the last 23 years to assist Peatry and his co-workers has been a challenging one. There have been significant step changes in that journey including the commitment from Manor Church of England Academy York in 2011 to support Mbedza’s HIV/AIDS work on a regular basis. In 2019 we were able to build and open a new centre with the help of Sue Bird. Sue has been another step change and the community of support that Sue has galvanised in Brussels has been truly remarkable. The advent of the new Songani centre has transformed Mbedza’s impact and you get a sense of that in this film - https://bit.ly/3CRbwdn

A third step change has been the 23 monthly sponsors whose donations enable us to pay a significant part of our HIV team’s wages.

Earlier this week three of our Mbedza female staff - Daphney, Bainatu and Mphatso presented to 65 girls from a Primary School near Lilongwe. They distributed sanitary kits and spoke to the girls about sex and relationships. 14 girls came forward requesting counselling and a HIV test. Reflecting on those 14 brave Primary School girls tells us that there is much to do in helping young people navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood.