BIG NEWS from Malawi: We Bought a School!

Big News from Malawi! 🇲🇼

I’m beyond thrilled to finally share this with you…

Giving Basics, in partnership with Shine Malawi, has officially purchased a secondary school in Mzimba, Malawi. 🙌

It’s called St. Patricia’s, and while the name stays the same, everything else is being made new. This is more than a Christian school—it’s the start of something deeply personal and powerfully spiritual.

Earlier this year, members of our team visited the site. One man in particular felt a stirring from God when he saw the property—something he couldn’t shake. 

That spark turned into prayer, and by God’s grace and perfect timing, it turned into a school with a brand new mission.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner

This is that place.

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A School That Feels Like Home

Phiri, the original owner, had a vision for St. Patricia’s to serve the vulnerable children of the area. We share that same vision and are committed to seeing it through.

Our vision is that this school won’t just be a place for learning—but a place of safety, belonging, and transformation.

Most of our sponsored students will now be able to learn, eat, and sleep under one roof. For many students, it’ll be the first time they’ve had consistent meals, warm beds, and a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. The impact of that alone is hard to put into words.

We hope to speak God’s truth into every classroom and hallway—to raise up young people who know their value, not just in academics, but as sons and daughters of the Most High God.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

— 1 John 3:1

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His Timing Was Unmistakable

The shipping container we had packed with supplies literally couldn’t move until the school was ours.

As soon as it was, God released it—and now it sits on the property,  unpacked and ready to be used to bless these students and the surrounding communities. 

God’s hand was all over it as it is filled with educational supplies. 

We have high hopes for this place. But it will also take:

• Time and intention

• Renovation and restoration

• Hiring the right staff, both in Malawi and board members in the U.S.

• And increased sponsorships to keep the school running

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Why This Matters

The Realities Our Students Face

Let me give you a little glimpse of the need:

When we visited some of our sponsored students last spring, we were heartbroken. Some didn’t have mattresses, pillows, or blankets. 

Many felt unseen and overwhelmed, trying to thrive in systems that are incapable of supporting them due to lack of resources and funding.

One moment plays over and over in my mind. Just before we left, we visited a student who described feeling spiritually and emotionally oppressed during exams.

From what she described, it sounded like anxiety or a panic attack. Her identity and worth were tangled in her scores—something we know far too many young people struggle with.

Our teen girls stepped in beautifully. They reminded her that her worth isn’t in a grade—it’s in who she is: a daughter of the King. They spoke life into her. That’s what this school is about. That’s what we’re about.

“When we base our worth on God’s love instead of worldly success, we build a foundation that nothing can shake.”

– Anonymous

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Practical + Powerful

Saving time & strengthening relationships

Logistically, having students in one place solves a lot. 

Our Malawian team has been spending hours on rough roads, visiting students scattered across the region. 

The vehicles often break down, and the roads are brutally hard on people and equipment alike. 

With St. Patricia’s as home base, we can pour more time into relationship, discipleship, and support—not just logistics. 

Not to mention they will be closer to a hospital.

Plus, bringing students together builds community. It boosts morale. It gives them a sense of shared purpose and belonging.

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Back to the Basics

Let’s not forget—these children are the most vulnerable.

Many are orphans or abandoned. Many never had consistent meals, education, or affection growing up. They had no one to be accountable to and now they do.

Our hope is to create a place where we can go back to the basics—nurturing them, filling in the gaps, helping them catch up, and offering both academic and vocational paths. 

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A Prayer for St. Patricia’s

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for St. Patricia’s. Thank You for Your perfect timing, Your unmistakable hand, and for each student who will walk through those gates.

We pray for protection over this school, for wisdom in every decision, and for the right leaders, teachers, and caregivers to rise up in both Malawi and America.

Let this school be a place of peace, purpose, and transformation.

Let it be a light in the dark, a home for the hurting, and a training ground for the future.

We ask for provision, for favor, and for lasting impact—in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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How You Can Help

Current library

We’re so excited—but we also need your help to bring this dream fully to life.

Here’s how you can get involved:

🙏 Pray with us

• For the hiring of the right local staff including a matron, patron, and new headmaster. We kept six teachers, but need to hire more

• For wisdom as we form our school board with both Malawians and Americans

• For a powerful and transformative first year at St. Patricia’s
  
  

👧 Sponsor a student

Sponsorships will be launching this month! When you sponsor with Giving Basics, you’re not just sending money—you’re forming a relationship. 

We’re a small team, so you’ll have real opportunities to video call, send letters, and connect personally with your student.

🏫 Give toward school needs

Current kitchen

Help us renovate the kitchen and bathrooms (including adding showers and a hot water tank), provide mattresses and mosquito nets, and upgrade the classrooms. 

We also have about $50,000 left to fully pay off the school by June 2026.

School officially begins September 22!

Visit givingbasics.org and mark your donation For St. Patricia’s.

100% of your donation goes straight to Malawi—no U.S. staff take a dime.

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From a Whisper to a Reality

As a little girl, I felt God whisper "Africa" and "mission work" to my heart. I didn’t tell many people. I tucked it away quietly. 

But today, I stand in awe of how God brought it to life—through Giving Basics, through St. Patricia’s, and through your prayers and support.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for being part of this journey.

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