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“My Name is Innocent”
His name is Innocent Banda and in many ways he lives up to what his name implies. First, he has become parentless through no fault of his own. He is “innocent”. And “Innocent” was the name his parents gave him at birth. He does not know why they chose that name and will probably never know. His father died and his mother remarried and moved away. Innocent now lives in the Chimwemwe (Joy) House at Mtendere Village and acts as a senior guide and leader to the younger children in the children’s village. Innocent celebrates his birthday each year without fanfare and most often without recognition or gifts on January 5. He is the firstborn of two children. He also has a sister. His original home was in the Dowa District in a tiny village called Mkanile 2. His tribal authority was Chief Chakhaza. Innocent speaks concerning his life before coming to Mtendere, “I lived with my uncle. I slept on a bad sleeping mat, had little food, clothing and no parental care. My uncle fed his kids first, and sometimes there was nothing left for me to eat.” Now, after making his home at Mtendere Children’s Village Innocent can report, “My life is very, very good. I am very happy. I have a nice bed and good food. I would like to thank God for bringing me here. My prayer is for those kids who are still living in the villages who are unable to come here.”
During 2007 Innocent found his calling in song leading and preaching at the local congregation in Lumbadzi, Malawi. In August he was selected as one of the speakers at a giant youth rally in Lilongwe. Innocent reports that he wants to grow up and go about helping other people. He is off to a good start.
Dowa District Is North of the Capital
The Dowa District is the district or state just north of the capital of Lilongwe. It is situated just across the river to the north from the Lilongwe District where Mtendere Village is located. From his home in Mtendere Innocent can actually look over the hills to the north and see his home district. In 2001 the Dowa District had an estimated population of 434,693. The population is expected to reach 526,604 in 2008. The Dowa District is home to the Mponela Trading Center and the Madisi Trading Center where many of the early programs of the Malawi Project originated.