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NIGHT TO SHINE IN MALAWI

The country's first Night to Shine event

By CURE International

February 18^th, 2020

CURE Malawi hosted the country’s first “Night to Shine” event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. “Night to Shine” is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered in God’s love for people with special needs, ages 14 and older, and CURE Malawi pulled out all the stops to make the event memorable for their featured guests. Kids with different disabilities came from all over Malawi to attend the event, and some even traveled over 10 hours to attend!

Prior to arriving, each guest gave their measurements to CURE Malawi’s Night to Shine organizers. Upon their arrival, each guest received a beautiful African chitenge dress or shirt and trousers, tailored specifically for them to wear during “Night to Shine.” They also received a brand new pair of shoes to complement their new outfit. CURE Malawi staff began ironing dresses and putting makeup on our guests early in the morning, making sure they were all red carpet ready!

One guest, Tiwonga, shared a heart-warming story saying, “I just got the call yesterday from a staff member at the hospital that this was happening. I wasn’t supposed to be here, but when she asked, I just said yes!” She continued with a big smile, “For me, it was something I didn’t expect. When I was arriving and saw the poster at the gate, I was like ‘Wow!’ Then, I got registered and went to the place where we got dressed in the chitenge dresses they had made for us. They had to make mine last minute and insisted on altering it until it fit me perfectly. I felt so pampered and loved! It was a very good experience.”

Tiwonga loved how all the dresses were blue, matching the Night to Shine theme. “The red carpet was amazing because you are being cheered for and walking by name. It’s really personalized.” Tiwonga went on to explain what this day meant to her. “Sometimes you feel down about yourself when you have a disability, but this day just gave me a pick me up and I really enjoyed it. An event like this never happens, like never happens, especially in Malawi. It was amazing to have a day reminding us that we are cared for and that even though we are different, we are loved.”

The invitation was extended across the country to people with all types of disabilities. The evening included arriving in fancy cars, walking down the red carpet, being crowned kings and queens, and eating a delicious meal including dessert. Each guest was crowned king or queen of the prom with tiaras and tailored hats!

Malawi’s Minister of Health attended the event, taking a tour of the CURE Malawi hospital and recognizing those with disabilities in the country and throughout the CURE community. “Night to Shine” in Malawi was also broadcasted live on three different television networks throughout the country and days later, staff members’ extended family and chiefs from villages reached out to tell us, “I saw the hospital event on TV!”

Local organizations and businesses gave their time and talent to participate and make Malawi’s Night to Shine special for everyone. Many donated to the event, like Sieman Biomedical Solution, Pan African Network for people with Psychological disabilities, Old Mutual Malawi Ltd, Minet Insurance Brokers, Juviak Beauty Care, EGENCO, Sam’s furniture, Young Life Ministry, TM Ltd, Ayiya Fashions, AO Alliance, Zodiak Broadcasting, Smile Life Insurance, Road to Relief, Sundays Ball, Buffalo Guards Ltd, Hadassah’s Splendour, MakZ Insurance Brokers, House of Stitches and MATRAK Freight Services. Their generous donations allowed for a magical night.

In a country where disability is viewed as a type of curse resulting in making the person an outcast, the impact “Night to Shine” has made in Malawi has created a movement. A movement of change in the way the community sees disabilities and more importantly, the way people with disabilities view themselves. We hope that this event reminds people how much God loves them and how we share His love with others.

CURE Malawi thanks the Tim Tebow Foundation for sponsoring an event that will continue to change the way disabilities are perceived in Africa. We were honored to host such an event that greatly impacted the country and hopefully changes the stereotype plaguing those with disabilities.