Martha Ipasi is a 16-year-old girl from Mwentende Village in Traditional Authority Kilupula, Karonga District, whose life story reflects the impact of family-based care and well-planned reintegration. After losing both her biological parents as an infant, Martha was left without a caregiver and faced an uncertain future.
In 2011, while still only a few months old, she was admitted to Lusubilo Community Care, where she received full-time care, protection, and support until her successful reintegration into family care in September 2025.
In line with Lusubilo’s commitment to family-based care, continuous family tracing and assessments were conducted, leading to the identification of her uncle, Mr. Thomson Mwakabana, as a suitable caregiver. After thorough preparation and counseling for both Martha and her guardian, successful reintegration was carried out in September 2025 under the Reintegration Project, supported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
To strengthen household stability, Lusubilo supported the family with economic strengthening assistance. Mr. Mwakabana received MK 280,000 as business start-up capital, which he invested in fishing nets and livestock to improve household income and food security.
Mr. Mwakabana expressed deep gratitude to Lusubilo Community Care for the care and support provided to Martha over the years and during the reintegration process.
“I am very thankful to Lusubilo for taking care of Martha since she was a baby. They raised her with love, protected her, and prepared her well before bringing her back to us. I could not have managed this journey alone,” he said.
He further appreciated the material and economic support given to his household, saying it has helped him provide for all his children.
“The support we received has strengthened our family. It has helped me improve our livelihood and ensure that all my children have food, education, and a better future,” Mr. Mwakabana added.
Apart from Martha, Mr. Mwakabana is also taking care of his two biological children. He emphasized that he treats all the children equally and does not sideline Martha in any way.
“Martha is my child just like the others. I do not separate them or treat her differently because she grew up at Lusubilo. In this house, they are all my children, and I care for them in the same way,” he said.
Four months after reintegration, follow-up visits show that Martha has adjusted well to family life. She reports feeling happy and secure and is enrolled in Standard 7 at a nearby primary school, where she is performing well academically. At home, she actively participates in household chores and has adapted well to village life.
The household continues to meet Martha’s basic needs through farming and income-generating activities, including the cultivation of rice, maize, and cassava. Although the fishing business faced temporary challenges, plans are in place to restart it after the harvest season.
Martha’s story reflects the positive impact of family-based care supported by careful preparation, economic empowerment, and consistent follow-up, demonstrating how reintegration, when done well, can restore dignity, belonging, and hope for a brighter future.