You may remember the village in Malawi that got its first school after a Jamaican-Canadian woman met a young Malawi vendor in a market in Cape Town, S. Africa and discovered that he yearned to become a teacher and educate his village.
Well, that young man Chimwemwe Musa (who goes by the name “Happy”) recently completed his teacher education and is now a fully qualified teacher! Guided and supported by the retired educator whom he met by chance in the Cape Town market, Happy and his community have been on a life-changing journey.
And the school that Kamala-Jean and Happy co-founded has kept growing and growing to educate not just the community’s children but also its adults.
The women learned how to sew and now use their skills to make school uniforms and other clothing. And the men have been learning cabinet-making. Here are some of their creations:
I am happy to share this good news story because good news it is!
One of the things that have impressed me throughout is the respectful partnership between Kamala-Jean and Happy.
She’s been the one raising funds for these developments here in North America, while he’s often the one with the knowledge of what would work in his local community. Together they discuss the ideas for the development of Happy and his community, communicating often and listening to each other with trust and respect.
Congrats, Happy and Kamala-Jean!
Cynthia Reyes 
It’s excellent news and I’m glad ‘Happy’ has got his wish, and the village a chance at an education, especially one that extends to cover adults too.
Huge Hugs
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and leave this response, David. I’m very glad too. Take care and hugs back.
Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story Cynthia. It’s amazing what an inspired person like Happy can do.
I am so happy and proud for Happy and Kamala-Jean. It’s a rare partnership with a great vision and ability to get things done.
Nice.
My favourite kind of good news story. It takes a village …
So true, Diane. and a village that stretches as far as Kamal-Jean and her funding supporters in Canada.
❤️
Good news is right! Wonderful.
Thanks, Laurie. This community is an inspiration, and the result of this cross-country partnership still amazes me.
It’s about time something good happened there. So much more is needed. I hated to see all those refugees being turned away at our border. We are really missing the mark. A little hope though, can go a long way.
Yes, indeed. I still marvel at how Kamala-Jean met Happy totally by accident (divine intervention?) and realized that she could invest in his dreams, trust him and guide him along. Their partnership has been remarkable.
How wonderful. I have wood cravings my grandfather collected in Kenya so long ago, and those I bought from artisans in South Africa. Such amazing artists.
Me too, but from S. Africa. And the furniture these men have created looks beautiful. Lucky you to have older Kenyan wood carvings!
A wonderful story
Thanks, Derrick.
Fabulous story. X
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Great story …
Well done 👍🏾
Thank you, Rosie!
Thank you for sharing this uplifting good news! It helps to know that there is still much good being done in the world.
Reblogged this on powerfulwomenreaders.
Hello Cynthia. It’s been a while reading your delightful articles. I definitely got some catching up to do. What an appropriate title, “The Little School That Could.” It’s definitely an inspiring and heartwarming story. Brava! Touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing this uplifting experience about Happy, his hard work to achieve his dream, and his success with his students and fellow supporters.❤️
You are most welcome. Thanks for visiting my blog.
This wonderful news, Cynthia, and a bright spot in world news for today, for me. If only success stories like these could make the daily headlines of major news outlets! These are the stories that inspire people to work together to do good! Thank you! ❤️
Very welcome, dear Lavinia. I think Happy and Kamala-Jean still marvel at times at what can come of a chance conversation far from home, a shared interest in education and community development, and the trust, respect, and willingness to work hard towards shared goals.
Great news, Cynthia! Thanks for sharing this with us.
And thank you for visiting my blog. I haven’t been blogging much as other duties have swamped my time and energy, but one of these days, I will return to active duty!
Always good to hear from you, Cynthia!
How wonderful. I love these stories.
Thank you, Darlene.
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
This is a lovely heart warming post.
Thanks, Robbie.
How wonderful that one mans love of education has gone on to help not only children but an entire village.
Thanks, Karen. His love of education indeed! That, and meeting a woman who loved education as much as he did, and was prepared to do everything she could to help him and the community realize their dreams.
Reading this I am, slightly, tearing up because it’s such a lovely story. Congratulations to Happy and Kamala-Jean on their amazing achievement. Seriously impressive. Bless them all.
Thank you for this lovely comment, MT. There are such important lessons to be learned from what these two founders have done: 2 persons with vision and honesty; a willing and supportive community; start small with one project and build on it; respectful and trusting partnership; a source of funding and people willing to do the work; etc.
It’s awesome. 🙂
This is such good news, Cynthia, and we have so little good news these days. Hard work, vision, dedication, love of our fellow man/woman, insight and so many more qualities have gone into this successful project that will continue to grow, God willing.
Thanks for your beautiful response, Clare. It’s a small light in a big world but it is a light.
I am always amazed at the impact one determined person can make. Thanks for sharing this joyful story, Cynthia!
Thanks for reading it, K.
Yes , Cynthia, ” Congrats, Happy and Kamala-Jean!” . And thanks Cynthia to report this wonderful adventure for the progress of mankind
Love ❤
Michel
Thanks, cher Michel. I hope you’re enjoying the autumn.
I lve the longs sobs of the violins of the autumn, the poet Paul Verlaine wrote.
https://verlaineexplique-free-fr.translate.goog/poemesat/chanson.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=nui,sc
Good story with a win win – it doesn’t get much better than that.
What a truly good news story – thanks, Cynthia. I’m looking at those woodworking projects and they’re amazing – so beautifully crafted. If he found someone in the states, my guess is that little school could make money selling items like that over here, too.
Glad to hear from you and hope you’re well!
Jeanne
Inspiring ambition with results. – Oscar