Last summer, I completed my internship in Livingstonia,
Malawi in Eastern
Africa. I befriended and worked closely with a wonderful man named
Fletus Ziyewo. He recently passed away, so this is a tribute to a man who I owe
my life’s calling to.
When I first met Ziyewo, he exuded so many qualities – he was
shy, humble, sweet, kind, and wise. Even though he faced hardships in life, he
handled them with grace and always a smile on his face. He always cared so deeply
for me: he was enraged when he found out that I would have to walk for 2 hours
to get to our training site and he was overly protective at the thought of me
riding on his motorbike on rocky paths. And he was proud of me for pursuing my
masters in public health.
Having spent two years working with health workers in Malawi and
experiencing the frustrations that came with it, Ziyewo was the one who
restored my faith in Malawians who loved their jobs because of the goodness of
their hearts and their love for their communities. Because of my experiences
working with him, my passion and resolve to pursue a global health career was
strengthened.
When I left Malawi
in July 2011, he made me promise that I’d return to visit him one day and that
I wouldn’t forget him. To the first promise, I was so sure that I’d see him
again and now I am sad that I can’t fulfill it. But to the last promise, I will
certainly never forget it. Not only was he a nurse and environmental health
officer, he was also a father, husband, community leader, church elder, and a
friend.
Ambuye akudalitseni Abambo Ziyewo – May God bless you
Ziyewo.
