Staff Profile: Lilian Khofi Uses Her Talents to Help Children in Malawi
POSTED ON May 09, 2011
Lilian Khofi’s passion for children drives her in her ministry with COTN–Malawi.
Lilian Khofi has a passion for serving children. It was that passion that brought Lilian to Children of the Nations (COTN) three and a half years ago, and it’s that passion that continues to drive her in her work as Director of Finance and Administration and interim Country Director for COTN–Malawi. “The children remind me of my childhood and I always encourage them that they can make it in life and be responsible citizens,” Lilian says.
When asked to name a few of the children she has seen grow up and find success as a result of COTN’s ministry in Malawi, Lilian begins to rattle off the names of several children and their accomplishments. “Happy Katchere is now working temporarily as an electrician, Innocent Nkungula is about to graduate [from medical school], Alice Williams [from Chitipi] inspires me; she [is] very hardworking, smart, and well mannered,” Lilian says.
Those children, and so many others who Lilian encounters every day, make her ministry worthwhile. She is glad to see them grow and increase their potential to transform Malawi. “I am happy when I see them making progress in all aspects of their lives,” she says.
Lilian, who was born and raised in Malawi, has used her talents as an accountant and a leader to help African children throughout her career. Her resume includes positions with the United Nations World Food Programme and other development organizations. As a fellow of the international Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Lilian was well-qualified for the position of Director of Finance and Administration and has served exceptionally in that job. When COTN–Malawi’s previous Country Director left to pursue a new career last year, Lilian stepped into the leadership role. It’s a heavy load, and COTN hopes to lighten it by hiring a new Country Director soon. In the meantime, Lilian’s help is invaluable. “Lilian works extremely hard and is very diligent,” says COTN–International Malawi Liaison Peter Drennan. “She has a great heart for our kids and cares deeply for them.”
Lilian sees her work as a calling she answers to impact the lives of children in need. She has seen the positive effects COTN’s ministry has had in Malawi, and encourages others to get involved in similar ways to help needy children. “COTN has impacted many lives in Malawi,” Lilian says. “But there are more out there who need help due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is of importance for the nationals to also contribute in a way in this huge cause.”
Join Lilian and others in making a difference in the lives of orphaned and destitute children. Sponsor a child today!