Alfonso inspires Camp Glow girls

Fashion designer Lilly Alfonso on Wednesday inspired 66 girls who are this year’s Camp Glow students currently in camp in Lilongwe.

Alfonso has since partnered with the organisers of the camp, which brings together girl students from across Malawi to help train some girls who are interested in a fashion designing career.

“All of us cannot get employed. We therefore need to do some individual assessment and see the talents that God bestowed on us and capitalise on that.

“Stick to what you think you can do to the optimum best, no matter how hard it may be, even if you fall along the way, stick to it because everyone of us has the potential to make it big in life,” Alfonso advised the girls.

She said hardworking, determination, perseverance and God fearing are the traits that have uplifted her to where she is.

“My story is modest, I call it ‘From grass to grace’ but these four cornerstones have pushed me to where I am today. I know it is the same with many successful people. You too can do it. It might not be fashion designing but music, dancing among the many talents. So stick to them and keep pushing.

“For this reason, I will partner with the organisers so that I can help some girls who have interest in fashion designing so as to have their feet,” explained Alfonso who could not hide her tears.

One of the girls Khumbo Munthali was very excited with Alfonso’s visit said: “Throughout the week we have learnt a lot of things. Women models have opened our minds as to what we can do in life. It’s not all about employment but there is more to life than going to work every day. I was particularly touched with Lilly’s story that she has made a big name through clothes, it was so inspiring.”

Sarah Weber, programme coordinator at the US Peace Corps who run Camp Glow meetings, said the initiative has and continues to bear fruits over the 10 years it has been in Malawi.

“The idea is build girls who will be the light in their villages when they go back. We want strong girls that can initiate ideas that benefit the communities. As such we discuss a lot with them ranging from career, health, social issues among others,” explained Weber.