By Burnett Munthali
In the remote corners of Mulanje District lies a village steeped in despair, where every passing day is a painful reminder of promises unfulfilled. The villagers, once full of hope, now find themselves grappling with a harsh reality — their cries for help echo through the hills, but no one answers.
This forgotten village, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mulanje Mountain, is a place of immense natural beauty. But beneath the surface, the struggles of its people tell a different story. The village lacks access to basic necessities like clean water, healthcare, and education, leaving its residents feeling abandoned by the world.
The dusty paths that wind through the village are a reflection of the hardship its people endure. Each day, women and children walk miles to fetch water from distant streams. Clinics are hours away, and schools are under-resourced, with overcrowded classrooms and a scarcity of teachers. The once fertile fields now lie barren, as years of erratic rainfall and neglect have ravaged their crops and livestock.
The villagers’ pleas for support have fallen on deaf ears. Politicians and leaders visit during election seasons, offering promises of change, only to vanish once the votes are cast. Years of broken promises have left the community in a state of deep mistrust and heartbreak.
“We have cried out for help, but no one comes,” says one of the village elders. “We are suffering, our children are suffering, and we feel forgotten. We don’t ask for much — just the chance to live with dignity.”
The human cost of this neglect is all too real. Malnutrition is widespread, with many children suffering from stunted growth. Preventable diseases like malaria and cholera are common, yet healthcare remains a distant dream for most. Education, once seen as a path out of poverty, now feels like a luxury that few can afford.
Despite the daily struggles, the resilience of the villagers shines through. They continue to hope that one day their cries will be heard. But with each passing day, their hearts break a little more as help remains out of reach.
This village in Mulanje is not alone — it is one of many rural communities in Malawi facing similar challenges. But the time has come for action. The government, NGOs, and the international community must turn their attention to these forgotten corners of the country and provide the support that is so desperately needed.
The people of this forsaken village cannot be left to fade into obscurity. Their cries for help must be met with meaningful change — with clean water, healthcare, education, and the chance to rebuild their lives.
Until that day comes, the village remains a place where hearts break every day, waiting for the world to finally hear their pleas
