Introduction: Getting to Know Me

Over the past two weeks, several important issues in Malawi have caught my attention. But before diving into those, I thought it best to introduce myself. By sharing a bit about who I am, I hope you can relate to me and understand why I’ve chosen blogging as my platform.

I come from a middle-class family and am the firstborn with two children. My siblings and I are very close. We do everything together—whether it’s going to church, shopping, or baking. Our family bond is something I cherish deeply, and I’m grateful for the love and support we always share.

A Life of Movement: My Global Journey

Ever since I was young, I’ve lived like a nomad. My father is a pastor, and his work required us to move frequently from one district or country to another. Later, this lifestyle continued after I met my husband, a humanitarian worker for an international organization. His job takes us all over the world, and together, we’ve lived in Zambia, Armenia, Greece, and Spain.

I was born in Salima and moved to Zimbabwe when I was three, where I started my primary school education. I also attended school in the Republic of South Africa before finishing high school at Moma Girls. I earned my first degree at the University of Sunderland and completed my MBA at the University of Wales. Currently, I reside in Serbia.

Why I Chose Blogging

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor to help those in need. Later, I wanted to become a lawyer to defend the oppressed. Growing up in a Christian family, my parents instilled in me a strong sense of giving and caring for others. My father, one of the most honest men I know, always gave selflessly through his work with the church, and my mother was known for her kindness. These values shaped my desire to help others.

However, I missed the opportunity to study law or medicine at university—something familiar to many Malawians, where there is only one university offering these degrees. But my husband encouraged me to find other ways to achieve my goal of helping people. He provides me with endless support, and I realized that blogging could be my way to raise awareness on issues affecting Malawians, especially in the social, economic, and environmental sectors.

Through this blog, I will also promote the beauty of Malawi. It’s an amazing country, known as the Warm Heart of Africa, with stunning landscapes like Lake Malawi and Mount Mulanje. The culture is rich and diverse, and the people radiate warmth and happiness. I want to showcase Malawi’s potential to the world.

My Contribution: Staying Connected to Malawi

Though I don’t currently live in Malawi, my heart is always there. Every year, my husband and I make sure I visit home. One time, while at my hairdresser in Lilongwe, a client asked me why I keep visiting Malawi instead of using the money for tickets to build a house or buy a car for my parents. While I could do that, it goes against my values. Family connections and relationships are more important to me than material things.

My parents taught me the value of staying connected to our roots, visiting relatives in the village, and maintaining family ties. This tradition is something I enjoy and hope to pass on to my own children.

A Unique Perspective: Looking at Malawi From Afar

Even though I don’t live in Malawi, I believe that my love for the country, my frequent visits, and my experiences living in different countries give me a unique perspective. Sometimes, the best way to understand and solve problems is by stepping back and viewing them objectively. This blog will be my way of exploring Malawi’s issues from that external but informed viewpoint, combining insights from both inside and outside the country.

Your Input: Let’s Build This Together

This blog’s success depends on your feedback. Please use the guestbook or comments section to share your thoughts and ideas. I will do my best to respond to all feedback, and I encourage you to share stories that align with the blog’s objectives. You can also reach me on Facebook under the username Loreen Banda, where I will post blog updates every Tuesday. If you prefer to receive notifications via email, let me know.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s start this conversation and work together to raise awareness and inspire positive change for Malawi.