Malaicha

Profile: Malaicha

Malaicha is 15 years old, in Form 5 (Sophomore). She is a new student at St. Joseph's, and right off the bat, she made herself known to me. Quickly, we grew close. Malaicha has had some problems fitting in at her new school; she admits that she's quick to judge and she that she enjoys feeling superior to other students. She is struggling to be more open and friendly with her peers.

I've found that girls at St. Joseph's with noticeable behavioral problems generally have traumatic pasts, and Malaicha is no exception. She hardly knew her late father; she knows he has children all over the country and that he never lived at home. Her mother has 5 children of her own, and to earn a living, she owns a restaurant and a liquor store. When Malaicha is on holiday, she has to help out at these two businesses. The whole family begins cooking at 3 a.m., and after a busy day of work, they return home at 11 p.m. Malaicha's mother is also very ill. She has diabetes and a heart condition that land her in the hospital frequently. Naturally, Malaicha is constantly worried about her mother's health. All of this stress wears heavily on Malaicha's heart. Her appetite is often suppressed. She has shared her suicidal tendencies with myself and Sr. Theodosia.

At age 13, a vulnerable Malaicha was introduced to cultism. In Cameroon, there are many cults which prey on disadvantaged teenagers by promising them success, intelligence, beauty, wealth, social riches- basically anything they want to hear. Children who get involved in cults then become disturbed by the rituals and beliefs of the organization. They believe in out of body experiences and are in a constant state of fear. Some claim to eat flesh and drink blood, have orgies, and to steal others' talents through chants and spells. The brainwashing can also make it difficult for these children to release these unfounded beliefs. Malaicha has expressed her disturbed mental condition to me; additionally, she shares her beliefs with other students, terrifying them. When other students tell their parents about Malaicha, the parents are also afraid, as cultism is commonly practiced and believed. Thus, parents express their dissatisfaction with the school for allowing these "bad" kids to mingle with their "good" ones.

Despite the way the world is working against her, Malaicha continues to study hard, socialize with many of the other girls, and share her humorous side with myself. In the beginning of June, she will write her ordinary level G.C.E. examination to pass into High School; there is no doubt in my mind that she has the intelligence and drive to pass. Hopefully, her troubles won't get in the way.