Tendai Frashaz

Tendai is a 13-year-old girl and daughter to Samson and Cecilia from Chikhuthe Village in rural Lilongwe. Tendai’s story dates back to October 2020 when she fell sick and was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) after local health centre professionals recommended she have a full blood test and scan. With KCH’s scanning machine out of service, Tendai was taken to African Bible College Clinic where doctors there thought she may have developed epilepsy. However, when she was sent back to KCH a few weeks later, it was revealed Tendai had a brain tumour. In a society where rural families engage in limited piecemeal farm work and where medical expenses are not subsidised by the government, the cost for Tendai’s surgery was out of reach for her parents. A short time later, Tendai tragically lost the sight in her left eye.

After her diagnosis, Tendai’s schooling performance was adversely affected as her medical condition negatively impacted her self esteem and confidence, even around her friends. She began to feel left out. Her doctor advised that she participate in physical and sporting activities.

Tendai’s parents approached BPF Malawi and asked if she could join the NGO’s Clubs for Development (C4D) program to assist with physical and social engagement. Tendai was enrolled in BPF’s C4D netball program. Taking this step has since had a hugely positive effect on Tendai’s health – the interactions with BPF Malawi’s activities have helped Tendai reconnect with her school studies and friendship group. Tendai is feeling more optimistic about her future and says, “I am determined to one day train to become a medical doctor.”