When flames engulfed the modest storeroom at Zoe Foundation last month, it took more than just food, medicine, and school supplies. It singed the fragile security of 106 children, most of them orphans who call the shelter in Ndodani Village, Area 25 in Lilongwe their only home.
The story moved social media influencer and activist Onjezani Kenani to launch a public fundraising campaign earlier this week, hoping to help the shelter recover from the crashing blow. On Friday, Kenani announced that the drive had been successful.
“I have transferred tonight K6,975,531 and the balance in my account is 43 tambala. With the K3,200,000 received directly by Ms Temwa Chilenga herself, it all comes to K10,175,531,” Kenani shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Deeply grateful to all those who contributed, as well as those, like Mr. Dickson Kashoti, who helped to spread the message.”
Temwa Chilenga, the shelter’s founder and director, while acknowledging receipt of the funds, thanked Kenani for the kind gesture.
“Thank you so much Onjezani Kenani for raising money for the children. To everyone who has contributed, we greatly appreciate this and we don’t take this for granted. Thank you so much and God bless you all,” she posted on her Facebook page.
The fire, caused by an unattended charging battery, reduced a three-month supply of essentials to ashes—wiping out food, medication, school materials, and hygiene products.
The Foundation runs on a shoestring, sustained mainly through small-scale farming, modest business ventures, and the occasional generosity of well-wishers.
