Tusaiwe Munkhondiya, a 23-year-old Malawian woman, is a real-life superhero who has dedicated her life to providing a home, food, and love for vulnerable children in Malawi. She is the founder of the YANA Home and Foundation, which is a powerhouse of beauty that not only houses her 30+ children but also advocates for more than 500+ foster children.
Tusaiwe, who was left to fend for herself as a child, has developed a desire to care for disadvantaged children. “I became pregnant at the age of sixteen,” she recalls, “and people in my community began to look down on me. I lost many of my friends, and I even had to quit school at that time. It was the first time I realized how difficult it is to be a single mother.”
When Tusaiwe found out that her son was autistic, she quickly realized the shortcomings of resources and safe education opportunities available for vulnerable children. She decided to devote her life to creating a safe space for these children, as she had experienced the same struggles growing up.
Her motivations are deeply personal, and her foundation addressing the troublingly high rates of child poverty in her homeland of Malawi is a statement that highlights the dual nature of her efforts.
Tusaiwe is a passionate advocate for Malawian teenage mothers and children who suffer from mental health issues. As someone who was a teen mother in a country with an increasing rate of teenage motherhood, she dedicates a significant portion of her time to providing these individuals with the support they need to succeed.
She is actively working to improve their access to education and healthcare, and regularly shares glimpses of their everyday lives on TikTok, including one particular video featuring a teen mother attending class with her son.
Tusaiwe uses TikTok, to tell her story and advocate for other children who have faced sexual abuse, abandonment, and homelessness.
In her now-viral TikTok, she shares her 4 AM morning routine, which involves preparing food for all of her children. This routine may seem ambitious, but it is a testament to Tusaiwe’s dedication and hard work.
Tusaiwe shares her gratitude in the comments of her video, where viewers express their appreciation for her efforts and admire her gracious approach. She reveals that her family grows on a daily basis as she receives abandoned and homeless children every week, brought to her by the police and chief.
In an exclusive interview with The Africa Brief, she opened up about her motivations for her foundation and what she strives for every day with her kids.
She recently posted a TikTok house tour, showing her followers the safe and secure haven she has built for all the children under her care. Her message emphasizes the importance of letting these children and anyone who is struggling with mental health issues know that they are not alone, and with the appropriate support, they can overcome their challenges and heal.
Tusaiwe’s work is a reminder that with the right support and determination, we can make a positive impact on the world.
If you would like to support Tusaiwe’s YANA Foundation or see more of her beautiful children, you can follow her on TikTok or make a donation on her website. Every little bit helps to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Malawi.
