Interested in making a difference to others across the globe? Junior Lexi Perconti is a great example of how ladies at Mizzou can make an impact around the world. Lexi is the student advisor for Mizzou for Malawi, an organization that raises money for a school in Salima, Malawi.
Her Campus Mizzou: How did Mizzou for Malawi start?
Lexi Perconti: Mizzou for Malawi started in 2008 and was created by three girls on campus. The initial goal was to raise $25,000 for a school in Salima, Malawi, that would help 600 orphans receive an education. Mizzou for Malawi is paired with an organization that works out of Kansas City called the Global Orphan Project.
The Global Orphan Project was inspired to partner with Mizzou for Malawi all because of one family. A worker for the Global Orphan Project’s wife was having a baby, and the baby deliverer was Annie Maseko, a woman from Malawi. She was sponsored when she was in high school to come to the U.S. in order to go to medical school. She was sending money back to her family in Malawi that she earned so her siblings could be sponsored as well and have an opportunity to come to the U.S. to get a higher education. There are very limited opportunities in Malawi right now.
Annie’s father, Peter Maseko, is the village leader in Salima. The Maseko family took in a baby who was left on the side of a road and named her Alpha. Alpha tested HIV positive; that is most likely why she was abandoned. So many children right now in Malawi are orphans or are abandoned. After Peter Maseko took in Alpha, he was inspired to do something to help orphans. Maseko is in charge of the overall project that is going to help create birthing centers, medical centers, a church and a school in Salima. Mizzou for Malawi only works with the school.
HCM: Wow, what a powerful story! What exactly does Mizzou for Malawi do?
LP: Mizzou for Malawi holds various events in order to raise money. Every year there is a black and gold theme party called Chisangalalo (it means to celebrate in Malawi). There is live music and a DJ, and it is held at Uppercrust in downtown Columbia. This year’s party already passed, but we have a 5K run coming up in May. It is a glow in the dark theme held at night. There is also a March Madness bracket that we do!
HCM: That sounds awesome. How can MU students get involved with Mizzou for Malawi?
LP: Last year, Mizzou for Malawi had 40 members. This year, the group was condensed to 25 committee members who work mostly behind the scenes and plan fundraising events. People can fill out applications every November to join. However, all volunteers are welcome to help with events, and anyone can participate in activities! Even if you can’t run the 5K, you’re welcome to walk, Rollerblade or bike ride. Our 5K is our biggest fundraising event. Last year’s Light Up The Night 5K helped Mizzou for Malawi surpass its goal of raising $8,000. There were 70 runners the first year, and last year there were 220! We were only anticipating 100 runners, and we had to use paper plates for numbers because we ran out. You can sign up at Mizzouformalawi@gmail.com.
HCM: Tell us about your role in Mizzou for Malawi.
LP: I initally started out as the head of Mizzou for Malawi’s public relations in 2009 and then served as one of four directors in 2010. This year, I’m acting as a student advisor for the organization.
HCM: What made you interested in getting involved?
LP: A girl from my sorority was one of the ones who started it, so that’s how I found out about the program. Also, when I was younger I visited Africa and saw firsthand situations, and it made me really appreciate how lucky I am to have opportunities here.
HCM: What is your favorite part about working with Mizzou for Malawi?
LP: The most rewarding experience would be knowing that I am doing something to help others. I got to meet the family who inspired this project last fall in Kansas City. It was so amazing to really meet people who are being affected by our work that we do. Sometimes planning can get stressful, and we get caught up in petty details and lose sight of what is actually important. Seeing a family from Malawi reminded me of what we’re fighting for. I think it’s such a rewarding program, and it’s so amazing because it is all run by students for other students working toward a common goal of providing a better education. I’ve gotten to know so many other students working together on this project. I’m so glad I can look back on this 20 years from now and see progress that has been made with this school, and I’ll be able to know I touched the lives of families in Malawi.
Editor’s Note: This year’s Light Up The Night 5K is scheduled for May 1. Keep an eye out for applications via the Mizzou for Malawi Facebook group!