UNICEF Malawi Letter to the Community The Honourable Patricia Kaliati ( September 2008)

http://www.unicef.org/childsurvival/malawi_45755.html

The power of patience...

The twists and turns continue! Not only has Virginia been able to connect with part of the Australian community in Lilongwe but the project has been lifted to an extraordinarily public platform.

The cabinet minister for Gender, Community and Community Development, The Honourable Patricia Kaliati, a member of the Malawi full cabinet has taken a personal interest in the project. It has become an opportunity for Virginia to show other women - and men- what is possible when women are enabled and empowered to act without threat or repression. The Honourable Kaliati's desire is that this will show how empowering women to become active in national development can contribute to the community.

Last week, Virginia was also interviewed on air by Zodiak Broadcasting Corporation, a local radio station who visited her and interviewed her regarding the shoe project. Virginia has been receiving calls ever since with peopel congratulating her for her amazing work. The callers have also been thanking the Aussies involved back here too, specifically remarking on the amazing work of the Shoe-Pals - the children who reached out to other children across the globe.

Stepping out in the right direction...

The process seems (well actually has!) taken such a long time but we are almost there. What we do know is that had the path been smooth and without challenge, so much would not have been discovered. From the outset, V and I committed to persevering, no matter where the journey took us and there have been so many twists and turns!

The shoes have been cleared, finally, but not without much anxiety, frustration and sheer determination on Virginia's part to ensure that they reach their intended destination. Virginia's resolve and commitment has been simply extraordinary. There is no doubt that the easy path would have been to succumb to the temptations of a 'speedy resolution' made possible through payment of bribes, deceit and release of any sense of personal dignity, self respect and morals. In refusing to participate in such corrupt and immoral activity, the cost has been financially increased but the sense of personal strength and integrity cannot ever be diminished. There are some things that cannot be valued through dollars and cents.

The shoes are now safely being guarded and awaiting transport to the village...and the tale continues!