Youth Development Unit – May 2026 Highlights
May 2026 was a month marked by growing partnerships, expanding community outreach, and strengthening the foundations of youth leadership and personal development. Through the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Programme, young people, church leaders, and sports mentors came together to explore new ways of nurturing responsible leadership, social justice, and holistic human development.
Across communities and institutions, one message remained clear: transformation becomes possible when knowledge is shared, relationships are strengthened, and communities take ownership of learning.
Across communities and institutions, one message remained clear: transformation becomes possible when knowledge is shared, relationships are strengthened, and communities take ownership of learning.
Self-Awareness Reaching More Communities
Throughout May, volunteer facilitators continued extending the impact of the SELL Programme through step-down workshops conducted in communities across Malawi.
Between 8 and 16 May, self-awareness workshops were successfully held in Katoto Community in Mzuzu City, Ekwendeni, and Mtengowanthenga in Dowa District. Facilitated by trained volunteers with mentorship support from experienced facilitators, these sessions created spaces where participants could reflect on their personal identity, emotions, relationships, and life goals.
Between 8 and 16 May, self-awareness workshops were successfully held in Katoto Community in Mzuzu City, Ekwendeni, and Mtengowanthenga in Dowa District. Facilitated by trained volunteers with mentorship support from experienced facilitators, these sessions created spaces where participants could reflect on their personal identity, emotions, relationships, and life goals.
Using participatory discussions, role plays, and practical exercises, young people explored themes such as emotional intelligence, self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Participants actively shared experiences and appreciated the relevance of the topics to their daily lives.
These workshops also provided valuable opportunities for volunteer facilitators to strengthen their facilitation skills while expanding the reach of the programme at grassroots level. The growing interest and enthusiasm within communities continue to demonstrate the importance of self-awareness and psychosocial support in promoting personal growth and resilient communities.
These workshops also provided valuable opportunities for volunteer facilitators to strengthen their facilitation skills while expanding the reach of the programme at grassroots level. The growing interest and enthusiasm within communities continue to demonstrate the importance of self-awareness and psychosocial support in promoting personal growth and resilient communities.
Football as a Platform for Human Development
On 6 May 2026, the Youth Development Unit had the opportunity to introduce the SELL Programme to seven coaches under the Football is Life Programme during a meeting held at the Ecology Education Centre in Mzuzu.
Facilitated by Isaac Thindwa, the session explored how the principles of human development can be integrated into sports and mentorship. Coaches actively participated and reflected on how they could use the SELL approach to support and guide their players both on and off the field.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing excitement about introducing human development sessions to their teams. An encouraging milestone was the continued growth of women's football, with the establishment of a ladies' team under Soweto Flames.
Plans are already underway to begin training players through the Human Development Programme in June, marking an exciting new chapter in the partnership between sports and youth empowerment.
Facilitated by Isaac Thindwa, the session explored how the principles of human development can be integrated into sports and mentorship. Coaches actively participated and reflected on how they could use the SELL approach to support and guide their players both on and off the field.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing excitement about introducing human development sessions to their teams. An encouraging milestone was the continued growth of women's football, with the establishment of a ladies' team under Soweto Flames.
Plans are already underway to begin training players through the Human Development Programme in June, marking an exciting new chapter in the partnership between sports and youth empowerment.
Figure 1 The coaches pose for a picture
Strengthening Collaboration with Catechists
On 12 May 2026, Ungweru Organisation engaged catechists from across the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu during their ongoing formation programme held at the Mzuzu Diocese Pastoral Centre.
The interaction session provided an opportunity to introduce the SELL Programme and discuss how it supports young adults through leadership development, personal growth, and social transformation. Discussions focused on social justice and emphasized the role of women in promoting inclusive and peaceful communities.
The session also featured Integrated Ecology Education, inspired by Laudato Si', with support from Crief Daniel, Coordinator of the Diocese Ecology Centre. Participants reflected on environmental stewardship, responsible living, and the relationship between human wellbeing and care for creation.
The engagement was warmly received by the catechists, who expressed appreciation for the themes presented and pledged their support for young facilitators implementing the SELL Programme in their communities and parishes.
Special appreciation goes to Fr. Raymond Kondowe for creating this valuable opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. The interaction strengthened the partnership between Ungweru Organisation and the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu while laying the foundation for future joint initiatives.
The interaction session provided an opportunity to introduce the SELL Programme and discuss how it supports young adults through leadership development, personal growth, and social transformation. Discussions focused on social justice and emphasized the role of women in promoting inclusive and peaceful communities.
The session also featured Integrated Ecology Education, inspired by Laudato Si', with support from Crief Daniel, Coordinator of the Diocese Ecology Centre. Participants reflected on environmental stewardship, responsible living, and the relationship between human wellbeing and care for creation.
The engagement was warmly received by the catechists, who expressed appreciation for the themes presented and pledged their support for young facilitators implementing the SELL Programme in their communities and parishes.
Special appreciation goes to Fr. Raymond Kondowe for creating this valuable opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. The interaction strengthened the partnership between Ungweru Organisation and the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu while laying the foundation for future joint initiatives.
A Safe Space for Reflection and Dialogue: Chibavi Community Step-Down Workshop
The month concluded with another successful self-awareness step-down workshop held on 30 May 2026 in Chibavi Community, Mzuzu City.
Facilitated by SELL Programme volunteers Sam, Grace, and Paul, the workshop brought together 34 young people in an atmosphere characterized by openness, participation, and mutual respect.
Through interactive activities and discussions, participants reflected on their personal wellbeing, relationships, and decision-making. Particular attention was given to Sexual and Reproductive Health, a topic that generated lively conversations and considerable interest among participants.
Young people actively asked questions, shared experiences, and appreciated the opportunity to engage in a safe environment where they could openly discuss issues affecting their lives. Many participants expressed that the sessions had equipped them with valuable knowledge that would help them make responsible choices.
Perhaps the most encouraging outcome of the workshop was the participants' request for more sessions, particularly around Sexual and Reproductive Health and other life skills topics. Their enthusiasm highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can access accurate information, learn from one another, and grow in confidence.
Facilitated by SELL Programme volunteers Sam, Grace, and Paul, the workshop brought together 34 young people in an atmosphere characterized by openness, participation, and mutual respect.
Through interactive activities and discussions, participants reflected on their personal wellbeing, relationships, and decision-making. Particular attention was given to Sexual and Reproductive Health, a topic that generated lively conversations and considerable interest among participants.
Young people actively asked questions, shared experiences, and appreciated the opportunity to engage in a safe environment where they could openly discuss issues affecting their lives. Many participants expressed that the sessions had equipped them with valuable knowledge that would help them make responsible choices.
Perhaps the most encouraging outcome of the workshop was the participants' request for more sessions, particularly around Sexual and Reproductive Health and other life skills topics. Their enthusiasm highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can access accurate information, learn from one another, and grow in confidence.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on May, we are encouraged by the growing network of volunteers, community leaders, catechists, and mentors who continue to invest in the holistic development of young people.
From football fields to parish halls and community spaces, the message of the SELL Programme continues to spread through relationships and shared learning. The increasing demand for life skills education and psychosocial support reminds us that young people are eager for opportunities to learn, reflect, and contribute positively to their communities.
With continued collaboration and commitment, the Youth Development Unit remains dedicated to nurturing self-aware, compassionate, and responsible leaders who will shape a more just and hopeful future.
From football fields to parish halls and community spaces, the message of the SELL Programme continues to spread through relationships and shared learning. The increasing demand for life skills education and psychosocial support reminds us that young people are eager for opportunities to learn, reflect, and contribute positively to their communities.
With continued collaboration and commitment, the Youth Development Unit remains dedicated to nurturing self-aware, compassionate, and responsible leaders who will shape a more just and hopeful future.
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