Ms Shyreen Mvula

In 2013, Shyreen Mvula, a 19-year-old from Malawi, was invited to the World Council of Churches (WCC) assembly in Busan, South Korea. There, she shared her personal experiences within her Church and society. Born with AIDS, Shyreen had already overcome significant challenges, making her story even more inspiring. After giving her testimony, she approached the WCC’s HIV/AIDS program secretary with a bold request: “You invited me here, you got me involved in a movement, now you need to help me continue my studies.” As a Protestant, Shyreen was referred to FAP for support. She applied for and received a scholarship—the first time FAP funded non-theological studies. Shyreen chose to study agronomy, believing that empowering women and children affected by AIDS in Malawi required teaching them how to sustain themselves independently. Both her Church and FAP supported her decision. The scholarship became a source of strength during her struggles with illness, giving her the courage to persevere and fully embrace her academic journey. After earning her degree, Shyreen secured a position at ActionAid Malawi, where she works on a training and development program for small farms. The program aims to improve food security and build resilience to climate change. Looking ahead, Shyreen envisions using her professional experience to establish an integrated farm, where she plans to raise a variety of animals and reintroduce traditional crops that have been neglected or forgotten.

Location: Malawi
Year: 2014
Sector: Training and Education
Projet title: Agronomy in Support of People Affected by HIV/AIDS