On 13 January 2025, SAPOF took a crucial step towards making Ana Tisewere  project being sponsored by SONNE International a reality. At Mpapa Primary School in Soche Blantyre, community leaders and school administrators gathered for a pivotal meeting. The agenda was discussing the project’s implementation and its far-reaching benefits for the community.

As the meeting progressed, the room buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Community leaders and school administrators shared their insights, asked questions, and offered valuable feedback. The consensus was clear: Ana Tisewere is a project whose time has come.

Through the power of sports, Ana Tisewere will teach school-going girls invaluable self-defense skills and life lessons. As they gather on the soccer field or volleyball court, these young athletes will not only hone their physical prowess but also gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of community.

The Ana Tisewere goes beyond sports, as it is also dedicated to promoting Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) among children. By providing a safe and supportive environment, the project’s trained facilitators will help young participants develop essential coping mechanisms and stress-management techniques.

For the community, Ana Tisewere represents a beacon of hope. By empowering young girls and promoting their well-being, the project will have a ripple effect, contributing to a healthier, more equitable society.

As the meeting drew to a close, the atmosphere was electric. Community leaders and school administrators left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to support SAPOF in bringing Ana Tisewere to life.

SAPOF has long been dedicated to reaching out to needy kids in their homes, providing support and care to those who need it most. However, one heart-wrenching story stood out, touching the hearts of the SAPOF team and inspiring the launch of the Safe Home project.

It was during one of SAPOF’s outreach visits to Mpapa Primary School that the team met a young boy dressed in ragged clothes. The Head Teacher of the local school shared the boy’s story, revealing that he was part of a child-headed family, led by his 13-year-old brother, who shouldered the responsibility of caring for their four siblings.

This emotional story struck a chord with the SAPOF team, particularly Alice Chiwaya (SAPOF Executive Director) and  Magda (International Volunteer), who led the volunteer team. Moved by the boys’ plight, Magda organized a fundraising campaign to provide a better life for the children. However, this was just the beginning.

The story of the four brothers exposed the dire need for a safe and nurturing environment where vulnerable children could thrive. This realization inspired SAPOF to launch the Safe Home project, a sanctuary designed to provide comprehensive care and support to children like the four brothers.

The Safe Home project offers a secure and loving environment where children can grow and flourish. SAPOF provides a full package of care, ensuring that each child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs are met. From nutritious meals and comfortable shelter to education, healthcare, and emotional support, the Safe Home is a beacon of hope for those who need it most.

The four brothers who inspired the Safe Home project have already begun their new life. They have moved into a more conducive home, where a hired nanny provides care and cooks nutritious meals for them. The three older brothers are attending classes without interferences, while the youngest is awaiting enrollment in nursery school.

SAPOF believes that the Safe Home project will have a far-reaching impact, extending beyond these four children to reach many more vulnerable kids across Malawi. To sustain and expand this initiative, the organization relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers.

International volunteers, such as Nina from the Netherlands, are already contributing to the project’s success by mobilizing resources and supporting fundraising efforts. While SAPOF tries to finds sustainable sources of money to maintain the lifeline of the project, it looks forward to welcoming more donors and volunteers to join forces in providing a safe and nurturing environment for deserving children. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, providing them with the care, support, and opportunities they deserve to thrive.

In the heart of Kampazaza, GV Chikhasu, T/A Tsikulamowa, a young single mother, Patuma Yusufu, was struggling to make ends meet. Living with her parents and caring for her one child, Patuma’s future seemed uncertain. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was enrolled in a tailoring school under the Economic Youth Empowerment project, funded by Natalya’s Fund and implemented by SAPOF.

This innovative project not only equips young people with vocational skills and entrepreneurship training but also aims to divert them from environmentally hazardous activities like charcoal burning. By providing alternative livelihoods, the project promotes sustainable development and environmental conservation.

For Patuma, the tailoring training has been a game-changer. “I used to rely on charcoal burning to make ends meet, but it was harming the environment and my health,” she said. “Now, am looking forward to have a steady income straight after the training, and I will be proud to be contributing to my community’s sustainable development.”

The Economic Youth Empowerment project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative thinking. By addressing the root causes of poverty and environmental degradation, SAPOF and Natalya’s Fund are creating a brighter, more sustainable future for young people like Patuma.

SAPOF is committed to supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, and Patuma’s story is a shining example of the impact of our partnership with Natalya’s Fund.

Patuma’s journey is a beacon of hope for a brighter, more sustainable future, where young people can thrive without harming the environment.

In a heartwarming display of kindness and compassion, SAPOF, in collaboration with international volunteers, has transformed the lives of four young children who had lost their parents two years ago.

The child-headed family had been living in dire conditions, struggling to access basic necessities like food and shelter. However, thanks to the generosity of international philanthropists, the children’s lives have taken a dramatic turn for the better.

With the mobilized funds, the children have been relocated to a safer and more comfortable home. A nanny has been hired to provide them with the care and support they so desperately needed. The children now have access to regular meals, and their basic needs are being met.

The impact of this intervention has been profound. Village Headman Mleso was overwhelmed with gratitude, struggling to find words to express his appreciation for the kindness shown to the children.

Annie Hara, the Head Teacher of Mpapa Primary School, witnessed firsthand the challenges the children faced. She described their previous state as “bad for academic acceleration,” noting that they often had to miss classes to do piecework just to find food.

However, with their basic needs now met, Annie is optimistic that the children will thrive academically. “They will no longer have to miss classes to find food,” she said. “I am confident that they will do better in their studies.”

SAPOF has officially launched the Ana Tisewere Project in Ntcheu District today, December 10, 2024. This exciting initiative is funded by SONNE International and aims to reach two districts: Ntcheu and Blantyre.

The Ana Tisewere Project is specifically designed to benefit children, including those with physical and mental disabilities, through sports and self-defense activities. By promoting inclusivity and empowerment, this project has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of its young beneficiaries.

The Ntcheu District Chief Education Officer applauded SONNE International and SAPOF for their collaborative efforts, praising the project’s potential to drive positive change in the community. The Officer also promised that the government would ensure the project achieves its intended purposes, demonstrating a strong commitment to the initiative’s success.

As the sun kisses the dusty village of Chitale, casting a warm glow over the thatched roofs and bustling streets, a quiet revolution is unfolding. In a region where charcoal burning has ravaged the landscape, leaving behind a trail of deforestation and poverty, a group of young women are stitching together a brighter future. According to recent statistics, charcoal burning is responsible for the Malawi’s deforestation, but in Chitale, a pioneering project is empowering women to break free from this destructive cycle and forge a new path.

The Economic Youth Empowerment project, initiated by Save the Poor Foundation (SAPOF), aims to equip young women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tailoring industry. This project has been made possible thanks to the generosity of Natalya’s Fund, whose support has enabled the project to provide training, equipment, and mentorship to these young women.

For 22-year-old Unice Pakulamtanda, a single mother who once relied on charcoal burning to make ends meet, the project has been a game-changer.

“I was desperate, and charcoal burning was the only option,” Unice recalls. “But now, I have a skill that will help me provide for my family.”

Prisca Sambaniso, an 18-year-old mother of two, shares a similar story. “I was worried about how I would take care of my children,” she says. “But now, I’m learning to make clothes, and I’m excited to start selling them.”

Patience Chidzumeni, a former charcoal burner, has also found a new sense of purpose. “I used to spend long hours in the bush, burning charcoal,” she says. “But now, I’m a full-time tailor, and I couldn’t be happier.”

These young women are just a few examples of the project’s success. With the support of [Your Organisation’s Name] and the generosity of Natalya’s Fund, they’re gaining the skills and confidence they need to take control of their lives.

As the project continues to grow, it’s clear that the impact will be felt far beyond the village of Chitale. By empowering young women and providing them with alternative livelihoods, the project is helping to break the cycle of poverty and create a more sustainable future.

In the heart of Ntcheu, a revolutionary project is underway, transforming the lives of young people and fostering a sustainable future. Economic Youth Empowerment, an initiative by Save the Poor Foundation ( SAPOF) with financial supported by Natalya’s Fund, is equipping youth with the skills and confidence to venture into entrepreneurship, by enrolling them into tailoring school and by such, breaking free from ecocide.

At the forefront of this movement are two dedicated teachers, Maureen Goffati Beer and Linda Chabwera.

Maureen and Linda, seasoned instructors with a passion for empowerment, helm the six-month tailoring program. Their expertise and mentorship have already impacted countless lives.

“There has been a gap in the community where young people lacked skills and opportunities, hence SAPOF’s is timely and we applaud Natalya’s Fund for supporting the initiative,” Maureen narrated, adding that the program provides a platform for Youth to acquire practical skills, start their own businesses, and create a sustainable livelihoods.”

Linda adds, “We focus on holistic development, nurturing creativity, and building self-esteem. Our students learn to design, create, and market their products, becoming entrepreneurs in the truest sense.”

99 percent of students are able to do anything professional tailor can be tasked while 95 percent demonstrate improved self-confidence and decision-making skills.

Natalya’s Fund’s financial support has been instrumental in the project’s success. “Their investment in our youth has sparked a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs,” Maureen acknowledges.

As the Project continues to flourish, Maureen and Linda’s dedication leaves an indelible mark on Ntcheu’s youth. Their story serves as a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and community-driven initiatives.

“Empowering young people is key to breaking the cycle of ecocide,” Linda emphasizes. “We’re proud to be part of this movement, watching our students grow into leaders and change-makers.”

Our Programme’s Manager, Thembisile Mvula attended a District-Level Youth Dialogue Cafés for Election Engagement organised by Youth and Society (YAS) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre on 19 September.

The purpose of the Youth Dialogue Café for election engagement is to provide a platform for young people and various stakeholders to engage in discussions about electoral processes and pertinent law reforms.

Mvula describe the meeting as an eye opener on youth participation in up coming elections and also electoral reforms in regard to 2025 election.

“I have been motivated to participate in the next year’s elections, while on other hand encouraging my peers to play a role in the elections and also inform them about the law reforms on electoral rules,” Mvula narrated.