In December 2020, Sr. Bernadette contacted us about the plight of a young refugee family she had been working with. They are a hard-working family from Malawi and, after working long and hard for peanuts for over 10 years, found they could no longer cope the exploitation they experienced. Sr. Bernadette asked for some money from the Education for Life fund to help them get home to Malawi where they could begin a new life... from scratch. As Sr. Bernadette said: “
“They are a faithful couple with 3 small kids. I have helped from time to time with food.”

We forwarded £1000 to Fr. Zane, who works closely with Sr. Bernadette, and he arranged for the family’s travel arrangements etc. They were also able to pay school fees for their daughter and provide a school uniform. In Malawi, boys have no problem having access to education, but girls must pay!

The following message was received from the father of the family.

Good afternoon brethren,

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

On behalf of my daughter Irene and my family, I would like to take this moment to write to you to show my gratitude, thank you so much for your donations towards Irene’s school, you save my daughter’s life. When we arrived here in Malawi from South Africa( where we had been working) we were hopeless, but with prayers and assistance you have made impossible to be possible especially during this difficult time( covid 19)I really appreciated.

God bless you!

Davie Chipoya.

A message from Sr. Bernadette.

Dear Catherine, hoping you are well.
The message above is from the family the Tullylish Parish E4L Fund helped with the girl to go to school in Malawi. It’s wonderful. With the money you sent they will be still able cover next year. The biggest constant cost is transport. I suggest they buy a second-hand bicycle for her to ride to school. It's 6 miles one way. ☘️

Thanks for everything. I'm very happy for them.

They are so grateful. Irene is the girls name. They got a 2nd hand bicycle and she will cycle to school. Bus is too expensive.

I watched this little girl grow up. Wonderful Catholic family. They have struggled hard. They have 2 boys also. I am delighted as helping the girl child is in line with our Charism. Girls can be neglected in such situations so we/You have empowered a girl and in doing so will educate a family. We will keep her under our wing for some time. She speaks beautiful English.