If you passed Rev. Chipeta in the street, you would be forgiven for thinking he was just another elderly man who had already given his best to society and was enjoying a quiet retirement, cared for by his family. If you stopped to talk to him, you would feel the peace that surrounds him and go on your way somehow changed by the encounter.

But Rev. Chipeta is anything but ordinary. In his eighties, he lives in the centre of Malawi's largest orphanage, with hundreds of boisterous children his lullaby each night.

His outstanding contribution to Malawi and its orphans has been recognised nationally and internationally:

TVM Our People Our Pride awards Dec 2009
Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow 2002
World Vision Robert W. Pierce Award for Christian Service 2001

The Orphan Crisis

Rev. Chipeta's story begins like that of all too many young Malawians. Orphaned at 14 years, he was raised by his elder sister. He was fortunate - both loved and educated.

Unfortunately, many orphans in Malawi are not so blessed. Dire poverty and illness means that extended family often cannot help. Many grandparents, aunts and uncles have already taken in orphaned children and struggle to feed themselves, let alone another mouth. Food is scarce and schooling is often halted early so that children can work and help feed their family.

Home of Hope: one man's vision

Motivated by overwhelming, increasing numbers of orphans in Malawi, Rev. Chipeta began to invite orphans into his home in 1992. He offered them the very things that had benefited him; love and access to education. High demand in the local area quickly outgrew one man, his wife, and their small farmhouse. And so, Home of Hope was born.

With $6 in his pocket, Rev. Chipeta began searching for land for an orphanage. The orphan crisis meant the Malawian Government's resources were stretched. No State aid was available. Rev. Chipeta trusted God and stepped out in faith.

Five years later, in 1997, the local Presbyterian Church gave 40 acres of land to Home of Hope. Shortly afterwards, construction began. Classrooms, dining facilities, a maize mill and accommodation sprouted. Word spread and more and more orphaned children arrived at the gates, wanting to live at Home of Hope.

Like father, like daughter

Rev Chipeta still lives on-site and plays a central role in the orphanage. Lucy, his daughter, has inherited his passion for Home of Hope. As Executive Director, she looks after the day to day running of the orphanage, with a team of managerial staff and the local Board of Trustees.