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.