Alice Leaper

Originally, I went out to Africa after completing my degree in Film and video and successfully gaining a first class honours.

I had visited Malawi before but very briefly. The village I returned to was in the north of Malawi, which is somewhat, forgotten territory. I went back to this particular village because I had met a young boy on my first visit that I had helped through school whilst back in England.

I didn't stay with his family initially although I wish I did. I stayed with the chief's son of the village thinking that would be more appropriate. However this proved otherwise, after 2 months of struggle with him only paying lip service to the morals I admired, practicing witchcraft and broadcasting that I was his wife, I moved in with Widi's family across the river.

This hut where I stayed full time for the next four months was similar to my previous abode but surrounded with children, smiles and such a happier atmosphere. They don't have electricity or toilets like most of the village, so early to bed and early morning walks down to the borehole where I soon learnt to carry buckets of water on my head much to the local’s amusement.

I was also introduced to the traditional food of Malawi. They eat the same meal day in day out which consists of nsima which is cassava flour or maize flour boiled with water until it meets a mash potato like texture. This is served with small fish like sardines and maybe a tomatoes and onion sauce depending on the wealth of the family.

One of the factors we are working to fight against-malnutrition I would cycle down to the local school and teach standard 6 English, science and a bit of maths. I was given my own class, which was very daunting as I had no experience but had taken a TEFL course before going.

However I was very much needed as they were short of teachers and I faced 100 children not speaking very good English. The facilities of the school were shocking as are most in Malawi, they often have lessons under a tree as there are not enough classrooms and always on the floor as there are no chairs or desks.Each room just has a blackboard at he front, and no books anywhere on site.

My original plan before I got heavily involved with village life was to use my degree and make a film about my experiences. When I got there I realised this was a great tool not only to document my stay but also promote awareness on issues that were being revealed to me, such as witchcraft, African albinos, education and also to assist musicians around me with fun of music videos.

I realise I experienced something very unique and special, I was welcomed into a world completely alien to my own and embraced. Butterfly for me is a place where I hope people from similar backgrounds to my own will be able to interact and learn some real African life experience and not be pampered in a western cocoon. Even though Africa is affected by the troubles of poverty, there is an Africa that shines rich in culture, entrepreneurial energy, creativity, empathy, humour, raw power and rich diversity, understanding of life far removed from that of the western mindset.

This is the Africa whose heart beats under the million stars that litter her skies and fills its people wit the mysterious sense of love, community, respect far beyond what you or I know. I thank God every day to be part of it.

I would often go into town to get a fix of electricity and a hot shower so made a good friendship group in Nkhata-bay.As time went on I realised I would like to experience town life so moved but still went back to my home and new family every week. I stayed here for another year enjoying its similarities to the village but with a lot more people who have a good standard of English. Not many people are connected to electricity and there are often power cuts anyway. Here I met up with Josie Redmonds We became friends and realised we had very similar visions of how we would like to help Africa. When a piece of land was advertised for sale we took the plunge and began our dream of setting up our project-Butterfly. Long may it last!