Shuri

Malawi

I am Shuri, aged 40. I was born and grew up in Zimbabwe. My dad was a Zimbabwean and my Mom was a Malawian. I am the 4th born in a family of 5 children. I lost my parents some years back in Zimbabwe. I decided to go and stay here in Malawi. On my way, I took 2 kids from my late eldest sister. When we reached my home in Chisazima Village right here in Kasungu, we were staying with my grandmom but all of a sudden, she left us within 2 years’ time. Life became so hard for us you know Village life sometimes, without basic needs at home. The kids were also worried about the long distance to school every day, travelling by foot and coming back. I then decided to go and stay in Kasungu Town. I had no money for paying our bills. I had no business and had nothing with me.

I started moving from one pub to the other, sleeping with different men in order for me to have money for our everyday life living. In 2012 I got sick and I went to Kasungu District Hospital and tested as HIV positive. I started taking my ARVs in the month of April year 2012 up to date.

I want to thank God that he has been kind to me all the way, and I thank Him for He has always been there for me. I managed to pay bills and school fees for those 2 children. Unfortunately, I lost one child. She became a nurse and was working at Zomba General Hospital so last year in August she tested positive for Covid-19 and she died. She left a 9-month-old son and the other child is doing his course in procurement and supply at Lilongwe College. I thank God for always being there for me. This is part of my life journey thank you.