In northern Malawi, Livingstonia Community Secondary School, the girls’ hostel is a place of long, hard nights as girls place their bodies on thin mats laid on concrete floors. With no mattresses, students wake up in pain, their bodies aching and their minds weary before the school day even begins.
Rise for Phoka, a community-driven organisation, launched the “Yalula Mphasa”/ “remove your mat” Mattress Campaign to change that reality. With a goal of securing 60 mattresses each costing just $32.50, the campaign set out to restore comfort, dignity, and focus for these young learners.
Thanks to the generosity of donors through the $25 for 25 May campaign, with US$26 Rise for Phoka was able to purchase one mattress, bringing the total number of purchased mats to 10 so far. The impact goes far beyond numbers. The campaign has sparked local ownership, with teachers, parents, business owners, and even the hospital community contributing. A mobilisation Committee now oversees the process, ensuring transparency and sustainability. Diaspora communities have joined in through storytelling and digital outreach, deepening the culture of giving.
One story stands out. Rose Gondwe, a 15-year-old Form 2 student, shared how sleeping on a mat leaves her in pain and unable to concentrate in class. Her voice reminded us all why this campaign matters. Watch Her Story Here.
Your support has helped turn cold floors into hopeful mornings. And for every $32.50 raised, another girl gets the chance to rest, recover, and rise.