Malawi: At first glance, Malawi's Home of Hope is a rag-tag collection of ramshackle, dilapidated buildings in a hot, dusty field that would most likely give rise to despair. To the keener eye, however, the orphanage from which Madonna adopted 13-month-old David Banda is a lively hive of purposeful activity.

Students and teachers discuss lessons as they walk in the campus at Mchinji, in the foothills of the green mountains that separate Malawi from Zambia.

A dozen youngsters are at work in a mill, grinding maize grown in nearby fields. Others carry freshly harvested tomatoes, onions and peanuts. Teenagers blow off steam after exams by playing spirited games of football and basketball in their bare feet and with makeshift balls.

A dozen girls, in clothes frayed but clean, sit chatting on a log in the shade.

Outwardly shabby, perhaps, but clearly a place rich with inspiration, Home of Hope appears to be living up to its name as a haven for several hundred of Malawi's one million children orphaned by AIDS or malaria.

The orphanage is the work of 77-year-old Presbyterian minister Thomson Chipeta. In 1998 Mr. Chipeta started the facility because he had taken in so many children who had lost their parents. The orphan centre has grown in response to Malawi's increasing need and also as a result of Mr. Chipeta's vision and success in raising funds from Europe, Canada, South Africa and Malawi.

Mr. Chipeta is like the school he created, rough-hewn and impressive. His handshake is firm, his gaze is clear. "We have 500 young people here, ranging in age from one to 18. We have a primary school and a full secondary school. Some of our graduates go on to technical training colleges. Education is the way these youngsters can make something of their lives."

But his face clouds over at the mention of Madonna's recent visit.

"The complaints, the court case, the trouble, the press," says Mr. Chipeta, furrows of worry suddenly creasing his brow.

"It has tainted everything. We have worked to do everything properly, but we cannot accept visitors freely now.."

Clearly the controversy has been an ordeal for Mr. Chipeta. Despite the impending court battle, most Malawians say they are pleased by Madonna's adoption and by the interest generated in helping the country deal with its burden of vulnerable children.

"Home of Hope is a wonderful school, a very good place," said Sapensia Banda a teacher at the school. "But the baby who was adopted, will have even better opportunities. Let's hope he will come back and help us all."—

© Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

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