WeSeeHope Christmas Card 2023

“ I am confident that I can achieve big things in my life.”

Rashid, a member of the Mbalame Kids’ Club in Malawi.

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS Dear Friends, This festive season, I encourage you to reflect on the power of hope.

The children we exist to support across East Africa face unimaginable obstacles every day. Hunger, isolation and exploitation put them at severe risk and make life an incredible struggle. In these most desperate of circumstances, looking ahead can feel almost impossible.

But all children deserve to see hope in their futures - to be happy, healthy and feel a sense of belonging. To look ahead with optimism and confidence.

Rashid, whose story you can learn about in this card, is a fantastic testament to the change that is possible and the transformation that opportunity and support can bring.

For the past 18 years, it has been the greatest privilege to lead WeSeeHope. But sadly I have decided to step down as CEO, remaining in place until my successor is found.

As I begin preparations to leave, please know how grateful I am for your generosity and commitment to supporting our work with children like Rashid and how hopeful I am for the future of this incredible charity.

With the very best of wishes, Mark Glen, CEO

Head to our website to learn more about Mark’s immense legacy at WeSeeHope. www.WeSeeHope.org.uk/News

Rashid with the corral he built for his animals.

Rashid with some of his fellow members taking part in a drama performance.

I AM, I CAN… …is the motto of the Mbalame Kids’ Club and the driving force behind Rashid’s journey over the past two years.

to grow in confidence, open up about their situations, and access the care they need.

“Before I joined the Kids’ Club my life was very difficult. I was regularly missing school to try and find work so that I could earn money and help out at home, but steady jobs were hard to come by.”

“The facilitators recognised the challenges I was facing and encouraged me to start a six-month training course in carpentry. After graduating I started my own workshop making furniture and doing repairs for my customers.

Working in the evenings and weekends, I earn a reliable income of at least 45,000 Kwacha a month (£33) - enough to take care of my needs, help out at home, and invest in ducks, rabbits and a goat. I am now back in school full-time, paying school fees myself!”

Rashid lives with his mother and stepfather in Mbalame, a rural village in central Malawi. At 14, he began to think about dropping out of school entirely.

“After I joined the club things started to change. Activities like drawing my family tree helped me to learn more about myself and my past, and to think about my ambitions for the future. I really enjoy all the games and drama performances.”

On the surface, our Kids’ Club Programme creates safe spaces for children to meet new friends, learn through play, and have lots of fun. Look a little deeper and you’ll find trained local volunteers - called facilitators - providing vital emotional and social support to at-risk children, helping them

Quickly becoming the beating heart of a community, the clubs are places where all children have a voice and feel like they belong. Now at just 15 years of age, Rashid is a leader in his community.

Asked about his hopes for the future, he replied: “I am confident that I can achieve big things in my life.”

Cross Bridge is a popular Kids’ Club activity.

It represents overcoming life’s challenges as the children watching offer words of encouragement.

GENERATE HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS £25 is the average cost for a child to be a member of a Kids’ Club and receive the full support of the programme.

If you would like to make a donation, head to www.WeSeeHope.org.uk/Donate or get in touch using the details below.

T: +44 (0) 208 288 1196 E: HELLO@WESEEHOPE.ORG.UK W: WESEEHOPE.ORG.UK @WESEEHOPE WESEEHOPE IS A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE, REGISTERED IN ENGLAND AND WALES, COMPANY NUMBER 03926278, REGISTERED CHARITY 1079385.