Youth Development Unit – August 2026 Highlights
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August 2026 was a month of milestones, reflection, and renewed commitment for the Ungweru Organisation Youth Development Unit (YDU). Across Mzuzu and the Northern Region, young people and volunteers came together to explore leadership, strengthen their understanding of service, and take the next step in their journey with the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Programme.
From a lively leadership workshop involving more than 100 young people to the commissioning of 17 volunteers after three years of learning and growth, August reminded us of the power of investing in people. More importantly, it showed how learning can grow into leadership, mentorship, and service within communities.
SELL Leadership Unit Workshop in Chibavi
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On 8 August 2026, the Youth Development Unit conducted a Leadership Unit step-down workshop at St. Bernardette in Chibavi, bringing together 107 young people from Karonga and Mzuzu, aged between 14 and 25. The group included 58 males and 49 females.

Facilitated by Jean Mkandawire and Samuel Mphande, with support from Madalitso Jere, Paul Chunda, and Clement Munthali, and mentorship from Dominic K. Phiri, the workshop created a space where young people could reflect on what leadership means in their own lives, communities, and society.

The workshop explored all five sessions of the SELL Leadership Unit through discussions, practical exercises, reflection, presentations, and the sharing of personal experiences.
Participants explored the importance of effective communication and attentive listening, reflecting on how these qualities shape responsible leadership. They also looked at their own experiences of authority, leadership, and power and considered how those experiences influence the way they interact with others.
Another engaging part of the day focused on different leadership styles, encouraging participants to think about their own strengths and areas for growth. The sessions reinforced the idea that good leadership requires self-awareness, flexibility, responsibility, and respect for others.

The workshop also broadened the meaning of leadership by connecting it with Care for the Earth. Young people reflected on their responsibility to protect the environment and the natural resources on which communities depend. The final session explored the role of young leaders in sexuality and sexual health education, emphasizing the importance of supporting peers with appropriate information and encouraging responsible decisions.

The energy throughout the workshop was remarkable. Participants engaged openly, shared ideas, and reflected on their own leadership abilities. Many recognized that they are already leaders within their families, churches, schools, peer groups, and communities—even when they do not hold formal leadership positions.
An especially encouraging response came from participants from Karonga, many of whom expressed interest in seeing the SELL Programme extended to their communities so that more young people can benefit from the learning and personal development opportunities it provides.

Three Years of Learning, Now a New Responsibility

17 SELL Volunteers Commissioned in Mzuzu
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August also marked one of the most important milestones of the year for the SELL Programme. From 20–23 August 2026, Ungweru Organisation worked with the Anglican Northern Region Diocese to conduct a pre-commissioning training and commissioning process for 17 volunteer facilitators. The volunteers were officially commissioned on 23 August at St. Andrew’s Church in Mzuzu City.

For these volunteers, the moment represented much more than the completion of training. They had journeyed with SELL for three years, engaging with the programme's learning, reflection, and personal development process. The pre-commissioning training gave them an opportunity to revisit the lessons they had learned, share their experiences, and reflect on how the programme had influenced their lives and communities.
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The gathering also created space to reflect on Care for the Earth, stewardship, and caring for others, reminding volunteers that their responsibility extends beyond delivering programme sessions. They were encouraged to see themselves as mentors, role models, and people who can walk alongside young people as they learn, make decisions, and grow.

The commissioning ceremony at St. Andrew’s Church, presided over by Father Anthony Chimphanda, formally recognised the volunteers and marked their transition into a greater level of responsibility. Their commitment is now to carry the knowledge, values, and skills they have gained into their communities and share them with others.

The commissioning was also an important reflection of the growing partnership between Ungweru Organisation and the Anglican Northern Region Diocese in promoting youth development and community transformation.

For Ungweru, this moment represents the heart of the SELL multiplier approach. When volunteers are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, they can share those gains with others and help the impact of the programme reach far beyond the original training room.The 17 newly commissioned volunteers now step forward as facilitators, mentors, and role models, ready to support young people and encourage positive change within their communities.

From Learners to Leaders

The two major August activities shared a powerful message.

The leadership workshop in Chibavi reminded young people that leadership is not simply about holding a position it is about how we listen, how we treat others, how we use our influence, and how we serve our communities.

The commissioning of the 17 volunteers demonstrated what that journey can eventually become. After years of learning and reflection, participants moved into a new role where they can accompany and inspire others. Together, these activities reflect the vision at the heart of the SELL Programme: to create spaces where people learn, reflect, grow, and eventually help others do the same.

Looking Ahead

As the Youth Development Unit moves forward, August provides plenty of encouragement. The growing demand for SELL from communities such as Karonga, together with the expanding network of trained and commissioned volunteers, points to exciting possibilities for the programme's continued growth.
The focus now is on strengthening mentorship, supporting volunteers as they begin or continue community facilitation, and creating more opportunities for young people from different communities to learn from one another.
August was therefore not simply a month of activities. It was a month of transition from learning to leadership, from participation to responsibility, and from personal growth to service.
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💚 The journey continues: learning becomes leadership, leadership becomes service, and service creates change.

​In our efforts to build a more inclusive society, SELL conducted a stakeholder’s engagement aimed at strengthening the wellbeing of persons with disabilities through collaboration, dialogue and practical action.

The engagement which took place at the SELL office brought together representatives from government agencies, Organizations of people with disability, legal practitioners, and healthcare professionals to discuss the challenges affecting the wellbeing of people with disabilities and identify sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the event, the programme manager Mr. Beji Jibe described the engagement as an important step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only included in conversations that affects their lives but are also empowered to shape the policies and programmes designed for them.
Also, Mrs. Jamila L. Suleiman who also gave a keynote speech state that wellbeing goes beyond access to healthcare. It includes dignity, equal opportunities, social inclusion, mental health, economic empowerment and the ability to live a fulfilled life. She added that the goal of the event is to create partnerships that translate ideas into meaningful action.

During the discussions, participants also had opportunity to share their personal experiences, insights and recommendations on improving health care, education, employment opportunities among others.
The event reaffirmed the collective responsibility of Government, private sector organizations and communities to work together in creating environments where every person, regardless of ability can thrive.
At the end of the event, stakeholders made commitment to strengthening collaboration, promoting inclusive policies and ensuring the voices of the people with disabilities remain central to future development and initiatives.

July 2026 was a month of learning, leadership, community engagement, and growing visibility for the Youth Development Unit (YDU) of Ungweru Organisation.
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Across Mzuzu and Dowa, young people, community members, volunteers, and partner organisations came together around a shared vision of empowering young people with the knowledge, confidence, and values they need to make positive choices and contribute to their communities.
From leadership and justice training to community outreach and public engagement, July demonstrated the growing reach of the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Programme) and the important role of partnerships in creating opportunities for young people.
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SELL Leadership Unit Workshop in Mzuzu

On 11 July 2026, the Youth Development Unit conducted a Leadership Unit step-down workshop at Ungweru Organisation Hall in Mzuzu, bringing together young people from St. Thomas Community, United Nations Volunteers, and Mzuni Hope Initiative.

A total of 57 participants took part in the workshop, which provided a space for young people to explore leadership from personal, community, and societal perspectives. Facilitated by Isaac Thindwa and Patricia Nyirenda, the workshop challenged participants to look beyond leadership as simply holding a position of authority. Instead, they explored leadership as a responsibility grounded in service, integrity, humility, accountability, and respect for others.
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One of the memorable activities was “Pass the Message,” which demonstrated the importance of attentive listening and effective communication. The exercise generated lively discussions about how misunderstandings can arise when people fail to listen carefully or communicate clearly.

Participants also reflected on their own experiences of authority through the “Memories” session. By examining experiences with parents, teachers, religious leaders, and other authority figures, they were encouraged to think about how these experiences influence the kind of leaders they want to become.
The workshop also connected leadership with Care for the Earth, reminding participants that responsible leadership extends to protecting the environment and the wellbeing of all forms of life. The final session explored the role of leaders in sexuality education, encouraging young people to think about how they can support informed and responsible decisions among their peers.

The strong participation throughout the day demonstrated the relevance of the programme to university students. Participants shared thoughtful reflections and expressed that the workshop challenged them to become more intentional about serving others in their universities, churches, and communities.

Justice Unit Workshop at Mhuju Community

From 18–19 July 2026, the SELL Programme conducted a Justice Unit step-down workshop with the Anglican community at Mhuju, bringing together 26 participants.

Facilitated by Morton, Bridget, Raymond, Chancy, Josephine, and McJones, the workshop encouraged participants to reflect on justice, fairness, equality, human dignity, and community responsibility. Rather than viewing justice only as a legal or institutional issue, participants explored how ordinary people can promote fairness and care within their own communities.

The most powerful part of the weekend was the opportunity to put learning into practice. On 19 July, participants took part in a “Reach Out and Touch” community activity, visiting and supporting people identified as needing assistance within the Mhuju community.

The experience gave participants an opportunity to move from discussion to action by showing compassion, solidarity, and concern for others. The outreach was followed by a sporting activity, which provided a relaxed space for participants to strengthen teamwork, cooperation, friendship, and community spirit.

The combination of learning, service, and recreation made the weekend particularly meaningful and reinforced the message that justice can begin with simple acts of care within our own communities.

Taking SELL to New Communities

Programme Overview at Mvera CCAP

July also saw the SELL Programme continue to expand its presence in Dowa through a programme overview and community engagement session at Mvera CCAP on 25 July 2026.
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Two committed SELL volunteers, Lusungu Mwale and Debbora Kaluma, introduced the programme to 23 community members, explaining its purpose and the opportunities it creates for young people and communities to develop practical life skills, strengthen relationships, and contribute positively to their communities.

The session was designed as an open conversation rather than simply a presentation. Community members were encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and share their views about the programme. Their positive response showed a strong interest in the opportunities offered through SELL.

A particularly encouraging milestone came when the Mvera CCAP community gave the volunteers approval to continue implementing the programme in their community. This creates a foundation for future learning sessions and step-down workshops. The initiative shown by Lusungu and Debbora also reflects the growing spirit of volunteerism and local ownership within the SELL Programme.

Connecting With the Wider Youth Movement

Mzuzu City Youth Open Day

The Youth Development Unit also took part in the Mzuzu City Youth Open Day, organised by the Mzuzu City Youth Network. The event brought together youth-led organisations, government departments, development partners, and community members to showcase initiatives supporting youth development and create opportunities for networking. The event was graced by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council of Malawi, Madam Rhoda Gadama Misomali.
Ungweru used the opportunity to showcase its youth programmes and projects through an exhibition stand. Team members interacted with visitors and shared information about the SELL Programme, Skills Acquisition Unit, ICT and Textile and Fashion Design, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Relationships, Care for the Earth, and Life Choice.

The exhibition provided an opportunity to explain Ungweru's wider work in youth empowerment, life skills education, Sexual and Reproductive Health, education support, and community development. Young people, youth groups, and stakeholders visited the stand, expressed interest in the organisation's work, and explored possibilities for future collaboration.

Beyond promoting Ungweru's programmes, the event created valuable connections with other youth organisations, government representatives, and development partners. It was an important opportunity to raise the visibility of the Youth Development Unit and build relationships that can contribute to stronger youth initiatives in the future.

A Growing Network of Young Change makers

Looking back at July, what stands out is the growing diversity of spaces in which young people are learning and taking action.
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In Mzuzu, university students explored ethical leadership. In Mhuju, community members transformed conversations about justice into practical acts of service. In Mvera CCAP, volunteers opened the door for a new community to join the SELL journey. At the Mzuzu City Youth Open Day, Ungweru connected with a wider network of organisations and stakeholders working to create better opportunities for young people.
Together, these activities demonstrate that youth development happens in many spaces—community halls, churches, universities, sports fields, and public forums. What matters is creating opportunities for young people to learn, connect, reflect, and act.

Looking Ahead
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As the Youth Development Unit moves into the coming months, the July experience provides strong encouragement. The enthusiasm of participants, the commitment of volunteers, and the growing interest from communities all point to a programme that is steadily becoming more community-owned.
The journey ahead will continue to focus on strengthening volunteer leadership, expanding community engagement, building partnerships, and creating practical opportunities for young people to apply what they learn.

Together, we are growing a generation that learns with purpose, leads with integrity, and turns knowledge into action.

The SELL Facilitators/volunteers continue to make significant impact across the SELL communities through workshops, trainings and sensitization.
Recently, the SELL communities have conducted several workshops in their respective communities which cover areas like Self awareness, child safeguarding, entrepreneurship, menstrual hygiene among others.

Damaturu SELL Team: The SELL team in Damaturu, Yobe State recently conducted a workshop for staff and students of St Mary’s Catholic Church Damaturu. The workshop aim at equipping and empowering the staff and students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to protect children and promote their wellbeing and to also understand their strength, weaknesses, interest and values.

• The workshop has the following objectives:
• Increase awareness of child safeguarding principles.
• Promote strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for children.
• Educate participants on recognizing signs of child abuse.
• Knowing one self
• Understanding strength and weaknesses

The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of their role in protecting children and reinforced the importance of creating safe learning environments. The session ended with a commitment from attendees to uphold safeguarding standards and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children under their care.


JALINGO SELL TEAM PROMOTING HEALTH CARE THROUGH SENSITIZATION: The Jalingo SELL team in collaboration with other stakeholders in the State continues to promote and sensitize the public on health related issues

The team collaborated with other critical stakeholders to commemorate the World Tuberculosis with the theme: A rallying cry for us all: YES! WE CAN END TB through a walk outreach and sensitization.

The team also conducted a training sensitization on Drug use, abuse and addiction to the Youths of St Gabriel's Catholic Church Sunkani, Ardo Kola, Jalingo during their youth week.

Similarly, the team conducted sensitization on reproductive health literacy, menstrual hygiene and effects of teenage pregnancy to the youths at St Gabriel's Sunkani.

TAFAWA BALEWA SELL TEAM: Tafawa Balewa Community conducted a step-down training on Smart Agriculture and Briquette production (Charcoal Making) at Kurum Sarauta, Bogoro Local Government Area.
The training was designed to build the capacity of community members in the production of eco-friendly briquettes using agricultural residues. Participants were introduced to sustainable techniques aimed at reducing environmental degradation while providing alternative livelihood opportunities.
The session featured both theoretical and practical components, enabling participants to acquire hands-on experience in briquette production.

YOLA SELL TEAM TRAINED WOMEN ON HANDS ON SKILLS: The SELL team in Yola community conducted training for women on hands on skills. The training took place during the two days workshop for widows’ empowerment organized by LCCN Yola Diocese.

The workshop which held at the LCCN Diocesan secretariat aimed at empowering widows to become self-reliant and economically independent.

The initiative brought together widows from across the Diocese, with each District represented by two participants.

The workshop ended on a note of gratitude, with participants expressing appreciation to the LCCN Yola Diocese and SELL Foundation for the impactful initiative and pledging to apply what they have learned in their daily lives.

This effort reflects the Church’s ongoing mission to uplift the vulnerable and promote sustainable living among widows within the Diocese.
BAUCHI SELL TEAM CONDUCTED SENSITISATION WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS: The Bauchi SELL Facilitators in collaboration with SHE MATTERS Organisation, held a sensitisation workshop at Government Girls College (GGC) Nabordo.
The workshop which centered on Menstrual Health and Personal Hygiene for Adolescent Girls
Educated the adolescent girls about menstruation, promoting proper hygiene practices, demonstrating the correct use and disposal of sanitary pads, and addressing myths and stigma.
The facilitators also distributed sanitary pads to the students to support the girls in managing their menstrual health with dignity.
BILLIRI SELL TEAM CONDUCTED WORKSHOP ON LEADERSHIP: The SELL team in Billiri, Gombe State also conducted leadership workshop for the deanery executives, Billiri Deanery.
The workshop aimed to empower them with the necessary skills on leadership as they take up the new mantle of leadership.

June 2026 was a month of continued growth, community engagement, and personal development for young people participating in the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Programme.
Across the Dowa Deanery, Mzuzu Diocese, and surrounding communities, trained volunteers continued taking the Self-Awareness Unit directly to young people, creating spaces where participants could reflect on their identities, understand their emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop the cosnfidence to make positive and responsible choices. From large community gatherings in Nanthomba to smaller but equally meaningful sessions in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Lusangazi, and Mzimba Boma, June demonstrated the growing reach of the SELL Programme and the commitment of volunteers and communities to youth development.
Self-Awareness Workshops Across Dowa Deanery
On 6 June 2026, the SELL Programme conducted four concurrent Self-Awareness Unit workshops in Nanthomba, Chezi, Mponela, and Dzaleka Refugee Camp, reaching a total of 213 participants.
Nanthomba recorded the largest gathering, with 124 participants, followed by Chezi with 38, Mponela with 37, and Dzaleka Refugee Camp with 16 participants. The diversity of locations and participants demonstrated the programme’s commitment to making life skills education accessible to young people in different communities and circumstances.

The sessions provided safe and supportive spaces for participants to explore their identity, values, emotions, personal experiences, relationships, and aspirations. Through mind maps, storytelling, group discussions, role plays, and guided reflection, participants were encouraged to deepen their understanding of themselves and others.
The Johari’s Window exercise helped participants reflect on openness, feedback, trust, and personal growth, while the River of Life activity encouraged them to think about the experiences that have shaped who they are today. Participants also explored communication and behaviour through Transactional Analysis, while discussions around sexuality and relationships provided space for young people to reflect on responsible and informed decision-making.

The positive response from participants was especially encouraging in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, where 16 young people took part in the programme. Despite logistical and language challenges, participants demonstrated openness and enthusiasm throughout the session, highlighting the relevance of the SELL Programme in creating inclusive learning opportunities.

The large turnout at Nanthomba also demonstrated the growing demand for the programme, while reminding the team of the importance of adequate facilitation support when working with larger groups.

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Learning

One of the most meaningful aspects of the June workshops was the programme’s ability to bring together young people from different backgrounds and create opportunities for them to learn from one another.
Participants across the four locations demonstrated openness, active participation, and a willingness to share their experiences. Many appreciated having a safe environment where they could talk about personal growth, communication, relationships, and the challenges they face in everyday life.

At Dzaleka, the experience also reinforced the importance of adapting programme delivery to local realities. Limited time, language differences, and logistical arrangements affected the session, but participants remained engaged and receptive to the learning process.

The experience strengthened the team’s understanding that effective youth development requires both strong facilitation and careful attention to the specific needs of each community.

Lusangazi and Mzimba Boma Step-Down Workshops

The journey continued on 27 June 2026, when two additional Self-Awareness Unit step-down workshops were conducted at Lusangazi and Mzimba Boma (Utatu-Utuwa). Together, the two workshops reached 34 young people, with 24 participants at Lusangazi and 10 at Mzimba Boma.
At Lusangazi, the workshop was facilitated by Thom and Jonathan, dedicated volunteers from the local community, with additional support from Grace, Monalisa, and Paul, who travelled from neighbouring communities to strengthen the facilitation team.
Their collaboration reflected the growing spirit of volunteerism within the SELL Programme. It also demonstrated how facilitators from different communities can support one another and share experience as they expand the programme.
At Mzimba Boma, the workshop was facilitated by Isaac Maseko and Yolanda Lukhere, who guided participants through the Self-Awareness Unit using participatory methods that encouraged reflection, discussion, and peer learning.
Although the group was smaller, participants were highly engaged and contributed openly throughout the sessions.

Exploring Personal Journeys

Across both Lusangazi and Mzimba Boma, participants explored themes of identity, emotional awareness, communication, personal history, sexuality, and responsible decision-making.
Through group work, storytelling, role plays, and reflection exercises, young people were encouraged to understand their strengths and values while considering how their past experiences influence their present behaviour and future aspirations.
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The Johari’s Window sessions encouraged participants to appreciate the importance of trust, constructive feedback, and healthy self-disclosure. Reflections on personal history helped participants recognize the experiences that have shaped them, while discussions around relationships and communication strengthened their understanding of how to interact positively with others.
These sessions created moments of openness and connection, allowing participants to learn not only from facilitators but also from one another.

​Strengthening Local Ownership
A major highlight of June was the growing sense of community ownership around the SELL Programme. The workshops were not simply activities delivered to communities; they were increasingly being led and supported by volunteers who understand the needs of their own communities. The involvement of local facilitators such as Thom and Jonathan in Lusangazi, alongside volunteers travelling from neighbouring communities to provide support, demonstrated the growing network of young people committed to sustaining the programme.

The experience also reinforced the value of mentorship, cross-community collaboration, and continued investment in volunteer capacity.

Learning from the Field
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While the June activities were successfully implemented, they also highlighted some practical challenges. Transport and meal arrangements remained important considerations, particularly for volunteers travelling long distances to support community activities.
At Dzaleka Refugee Camp, language barriers and limited time affected the delivery of some planned content. The experience emphasized the importance of appropriate logistical preparation, adequate resources, language-sensitive facilitation, and follow-up sessions where necessary.These lessons will help strengthen future implementation and ensure that participants and volunteers have the support they need to make the most of the SELL learning experience.

Looking Ahead

June showed that the SELL Programme continues to grow not only in numbers, but also in ownership, confidence, and community participation. From the 213 participants reached across four communities on 6 June to the intimate learning spaces created in Lusangazi and Mzimba Boma later in the month, every session contributed to a wider journey of helping young people understand themselves and their place in their communities.

The Youth Development Unit remains committed to strengthening volunteer mentorship, supporting follow-up activities, improving logistical planning, and expanding opportunities for young people to access meaningful life skills education.

As the programme moves forward, the hope is that the lessons gained through the Self-Awareness Unit will continue beyond the workshop spaces into families, schools, churches, friendships, and communities.
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💚 When young people understand themselves, they are better prepared to understand others, make responsible choices, and contribute positively to the world around them.