March 2026 was a month of intentional growth and grassroots expansion for the Ungweru Organisation Youth Development Unit (YDU). Building on the strong foundation laid in previous months, our work focused on deepening community-led facilitation, strengthening regional networks, and creating spaces for reflection on justice, identity, and equality.
Across different activities, one message stood out clearly when young people are empowered with knowledge, values, and responsibility, they become powerful agents of change in their communities.
International Women’s Day Commemoration
On 8th March 2026, Ungweru Organisation joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The event brought together the Executive Director, staff, and students in a meaningful moment of reflection and celebration.
Guided by the campaign message “Give to Gain,” the commemoration emphasized that investing in women’s rights, dignity, and opportunities benefits not only individuals, but entire communities.
The gathering created space for participants to reflect on the role of women in shaping families, communities, and society at large. A symbolic “Giving Tree” activity allowed participants to recognize and appreciate the many ways women contribute to nurturing and sustaining life. This was complemented by a guided reflection where individuals shared stories of women who have positively influenced their lives.
As the session progressed, participants made personal commitments to support and uplift women and girls in their daily lives. The commemoration concluded with a peace prayer and messages of unity, reaffirming Ungweru’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and empowerment through its programmes.
The event was not only a celebration but also a call to action, encouraging everyone present to play a role in advancing dignity, justice, and opportunity for all women and girls.
Figure 1 Four Students & madam Nessie posing while carrying photos of some notable women
SELL Training for Central Zone Communities
From 5th to 8th March 2026, Ungweru hosted a foundational training for 12 aspiring facilitators from new communities in the Central Zone. The training focused on the Self-Awareness Unit, a key pillar of the SELL methodology.
Facilitated by Isaac Thindwa, Patricia Nyirenda, and Taonga J. Gondwe, the sessions provided a reflective and engaging space where participants explored their personal values, life experiences, and identity. Through the “SELL spiral” approach, participants began to better understand themselves and recognize their own strengths and leadership potential.
As the training unfolded, there was a noticeable shift in confidence. Participants embraced their role as “multipliers,” individuals capable of sharing knowledge and inspiring others in their communities. By the end of the training, each participant had developed a clear action plan and received facilitation materials to begin leading their own sessions.
From 5th to 8th March 2026, Ungweru hosted a foundational training for 12 aspiring facilitators from new communities in the Central Zone. The training focused on the Self-Awareness Unit, a key pillar of the SELL methodology.
Facilitated by Isaac Thindwa, Patricia Nyirenda, and Taonga J. Gondwe, the sessions provided a reflective and engaging space where participants explored their personal values, life experiences, and identity. Through the “SELL spiral” approach, participants began to better understand themselves and recognize their own strengths and leadership potential.
As the training unfolded, there was a noticeable shift in confidence. Participants embraced their role as “multipliers,” individuals capable of sharing knowledge and inspiring others in their communities. By the end of the training, each participant had developed a clear action plan and received facilitation materials to begin leading their own sessions.
Figure 2 Volunteers during a session
Commissioned Volunteers Meeting
On 7th March 2026, while the facilitator training was ongoing, the Youth Development Unit also convened a strategic meeting for commissioned volunteers in the Central Zone.
This gathering focused on strengthening unity, reinforcing mentorship roles, and building a shared direction for the year ahead. Experienced volunteers reflected on their responsibility to guide and support new facilitators, ensuring continuity and growth within the programme.
The group collaboratively developed a localized action plan for 2026, with a strong emphasis on expanding outreach through school clubs and parish youth groups. The meeting also created space to openly discuss practical challenges, including transportation and resource coordination, helping to identify solutions that will sustain the work in the long term.
Step-Down Workshops
On 14th March 2026, the programme moved deeper into the communities through Justice Unit Step-Down Workshops conducted in Mwaya and Malaza.
These sessions reflected the heart of the SELL approach, where young people take ownership of learning and lead conversations within their own communities. Participants explored how issues of justice appear in their daily lives, from social inequalities to environmental challenges.
Through dialogue and reflection, young people were encouraged to think critically about their role in promoting fairness and accountability. Conversations emphasized active citizenship, helping participants understand that they have both the responsibility and the ability to contribute to positive change.
The workshops also introduced practical approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding, equipping participants with tools to address challenges constructively and promote unity within their communities.
Dowa Deanery Training
From 17th to 21st March 2026, the facilitation team, including Isaac Thindwa, Taonga Gondwe, Fr. Leo Traynor and Patricia Nyirenda, conducted an intensive Self-Awareness Unit training in Dowa Deanery.
This training brought together catechists and youth volunteers, creating a collaborative space where faith leadership and youth development could grow together. Participants traveled from various communities, including Mpherere, Mponela, Mtengowanthenga, Nambuma, Chezi, and Nanthomba, reflecting the expanding reach of the programme.
The sessions encouraged deep personal reflection while also preparing participants to take the knowledge back to their communities. There is already strong momentum from this group, with plans underway to conduct step-down workshops in June and a Leadership Unit training scheduled for September 2026.
On 7th March 2026, while the facilitator training was ongoing, the Youth Development Unit also convened a strategic meeting for commissioned volunteers in the Central Zone.
This gathering focused on strengthening unity, reinforcing mentorship roles, and building a shared direction for the year ahead. Experienced volunteers reflected on their responsibility to guide and support new facilitators, ensuring continuity and growth within the programme.
The group collaboratively developed a localized action plan for 2026, with a strong emphasis on expanding outreach through school clubs and parish youth groups. The meeting also created space to openly discuss practical challenges, including transportation and resource coordination, helping to identify solutions that will sustain the work in the long term.
Step-Down Workshops
On 14th March 2026, the programme moved deeper into the communities through Justice Unit Step-Down Workshops conducted in Mwaya and Malaza.
These sessions reflected the heart of the SELL approach, where young people take ownership of learning and lead conversations within their own communities. Participants explored how issues of justice appear in their daily lives, from social inequalities to environmental challenges.
Through dialogue and reflection, young people were encouraged to think critically about their role in promoting fairness and accountability. Conversations emphasized active citizenship, helping participants understand that they have both the responsibility and the ability to contribute to positive change.
The workshops also introduced practical approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding, equipping participants with tools to address challenges constructively and promote unity within their communities.
Dowa Deanery Training
From 17th to 21st March 2026, the facilitation team, including Isaac Thindwa, Taonga Gondwe, Fr. Leo Traynor and Patricia Nyirenda, conducted an intensive Self-Awareness Unit training in Dowa Deanery.
This training brought together catechists and youth volunteers, creating a collaborative space where faith leadership and youth development could grow together. Participants traveled from various communities, including Mpherere, Mponela, Mtengowanthenga, Nambuma, Chezi, and Nanthomba, reflecting the expanding reach of the programme.
The sessions encouraged deep personal reflection while also preparing participants to take the knowledge back to their communities. There is already strong momentum from this group, with plans underway to conduct step-down workshops in June and a Leadership Unit training scheduled for September 2026.
Figure 3 Fr. Leo facilitating a session during the training
INSPIRE Project Baseline in Nkhata-Bay
In parallel with SELL activities, the INSPIRE Project continued to make important progress in Nkhata-Bay. March marked the completion of a comprehensive baseline survey involving 185 young people aged 15 to 24.
The findings provided valuable insight into the realities young people face regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. While many participants demonstrated a basic level of awareness, the data highlighted ongoing challenges such as stigma and limited access to youth-friendly services.
These findings are now guiding the next phase of the project, with a focus on strengthening connections between communities and health services, while also creating safe spaces for open and honest dialogue.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on March, we are encouraged by the growing network of passionate young leaders across Malawi.
From promoting gender equality to strengthening self-awareness, advancing justice, and improving access to health information, each activity contributes to a larger vision of empowered communities. What stands out most is the transformation taking place young people are stepping forward with confidence, ready to lead and inspire change.
💚 Together, we continue to nurture leadership, promote justice, and build a more inclusive and hopeful future.
In parallel with SELL activities, the INSPIRE Project continued to make important progress in Nkhata-Bay. March marked the completion of a comprehensive baseline survey involving 185 young people aged 15 to 24.
The findings provided valuable insight into the realities young people face regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. While many participants demonstrated a basic level of awareness, the data highlighted ongoing challenges such as stigma and limited access to youth-friendly services.
These findings are now guiding the next phase of the project, with a focus on strengthening connections between communities and health services, while also creating safe spaces for open and honest dialogue.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on March, we are encouraged by the growing network of passionate young leaders across Malawi.
From promoting gender equality to strengthening self-awareness, advancing justice, and improving access to health information, each activity contributes to a larger vision of empowered communities. What stands out most is the transformation taking place young people are stepping forward with confidence, ready to lead and inspire change.
💚 Together, we continue to nurture leadership, promote justice, and build a more inclusive and hopeful future.
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