A few more details

 I have some catching up to do and some details to fill in— there is really quit a lot to tell. The news of the “Visit” and then of course my trip across the world. I don’t even know what is interesting to read about or what I should focus on. I have no idea if anyone is reading this or if it’s really more of a personal journal. But…well, here we go.

I’ll give a little back story— I started working at AGE Africa 6 months ago. Early, early on, I found out that AGE Africa was among three organizations that was being considered for a visit by Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates and Amal Clooney to shine light on the subject matter of child marriage (every three seconds a child is married somewhere in the world). Just the prospect of consideration was thrilling, as I am sure you can imagine. Imagining that each of these three women were evaluating and assessing the work my new colleagues had done over the past 18 years seemed like something an organization can only dream of. They each have teams to determine if the work is worthy, if it is impactful, if it is worth seeing. So when we were chosen as the only destination the three would visit together while they were in Malawi, I must tell you, I was quite confirmed that I had hitched my wagon to the right horse!

A tremendous amount of work went into the preparation of this visit. The advance teams for all three principals visited Malawi two times, the secret service conducted an 8+ hour assessment of the grounds and we were warned that if anyone tries to climb over the wall, “they will be shot!” We adjusted our programming to fit the parameters that met the standards of the advance teams and everyone rehearsed. Over and over, these girls and our staff members practiced and then practiced again and then we changed things and they practiced again. 

We were not allowed to use our phones while the principals were on site, so I did not get ad hoc shots of anyone. We are waiting for more approved photos from each of their offices that we can use, but here is one that we have access to. I could have taken this photo— it is exactly the view I had when Michelle

Obama was talking with the girls about the root causes of Child marriage and ways to keep it from happening to their friends and sisters. And the girls loved her. She is kind and funny and warm. They told their stories and she listened. She heard them and she promised them that even though they can’t see them, that she, Melinda and Amal are out there advocating and helping to change the acceptance of antiquated practices that marry girls off as young as 11 or 12 years old. 

The three visitors participated with 30 girls in a CHATS session (creating healthy approaches to success) which involves some brainstorming, discussion and reporting out to the larger group. From there, they moved into a smaller venue where there was a round table discussion with three of AGE Africa’s alumnae who talked about their upbringing in their villages, how they managed to get an education despite the odds and what they are doing now (two of them are now staff members for AGE Africa!) From there Melinda French Gates and Amal Clooney left for other appointments. Mrs. Obama stayed for a larger conversation with the 30 girls where she gave them permission to ask her “anything they wanted.” This was a special, special time. They found out what her favorite subject in school was (creative writing), what is her greatest challenge (her own inner doubts) and her inspiration (the girls themselves!) We all felt she was talking to each of us directly, but of course her focus was on the girls. 

I’ll give some more details in a bit. I have to go find my gate— I am leaving today. I can’t wait to see all of you in person and tell  you more!