THC Committee Chair, 72-year old Mr. Matenaula

Don and I were fortunate enough to be onsite one day at Thuchila Hope Center when they were hosting their monthly committee meeting comprised of the village "movers and shakers".  The 300 children at Thuchila Hope Center are comprised of children from a few nearby villages. Committee members from each village have volunteered to serve in this role to serve as a link between their respective village and Miqlat. They are upstanding and concerned citizens who consider the interests of all parities:  the children and their families; Miqlat as an organization; and the overall impact on the village.

Don at Thuchila Hope Center, sitting next to Committee Chairperson
Beston Matenaula,THC Facilitator Francis Banda, and Leanne

The Thuchila Hope Center Committee Members at the April 2012 Meeting are
sitting here within the THC classroom. Standing behind them are Francis and
MacDonald Saizi, THC Program Manager.

Mr. Matenaula, a 72 year old father of 6 and grandfather of 12, has served on this committee since its inception two years ago. I asked him why he has taken on this role?

"It is very important to look after the children in our village," he explained.  "All of the committee members keep our eyes open to know how the children are doing at home, and report back to Miqlat. We also want to have regular kitchen inspections, to review what is served to the children, and how it is cooked. We always inquire -- is it healthy, hygienic?"

Because there is a large Muslim population at this hope center, the THC kitchen staff must be sensitive to the Muslim dietary concerns.  When I asked how THC scored in the kitchen, his big smile said it all. "Excellent!"

He concluded our conversation by saying how thankful he is for the Thuchila Hope Center, and how it is affecting the families of those in his village.  "The children are being discipled and they are changing. They know God.  I can hear them praying in their homes."

Francis, always the consummate professional,
was eager to translate for Mr. Matenaula.