Mawala is the 14-year-old biological son of house-parents Violet and Mr. Mwala.  An excellent artist and student in grade 9, he is delighted to have extended his family with the children now living in the home.  He is an excellent friend, brother and tutor to the boys and girls, with the patience of a saint.  When Joseph first arrived, he chose the bunk above Mwala.  That first night the two spent the entire night chatting, telling stories and laughing at jokes they told one another. Before the home was built, it had always been his responsibility to take the maize to the local mill to grind into the important flour [called milimeal] from which is made the staple food – nshima [the staple mush].  Although there is much more maize to carry to the mill with his extended family, this continues to be one of his household chores with the help of the other older boys. 

It is his desire to become a business owner and our hope that we will be able to provide him with the opportunity and support to pursue his goals.  He was accepted into Buteko High school , where he presently attends the 9^th grade. He has to recently given a bicycle to ease the hour walk commute to and from school. He is funny and extremely quick witted. 

True to his mischievous nature (and Zambian tradition) he takes tremendous joy in christening his brothers and sisters with a cold glass of water over their head on their birthdays as a way of welcoming in their new age.  He keeps the mood light at the house and reminds everyone not to take life too seriously.