Tag: Education

Donations, Education, Malawi

Donation of Early Reader Books to the Library

Phunzira

We’re thrilled to announce the donation of over 30 early-reader books to the Nyumba ya Masambiro library, thanks to the efforts of our current volunteers Jeremy and Norma!

From very first A,B,C and early word books to more complex books for children in the first years of primary school, these books will help to spark curiosity, support foundational English and literacy skills, and help young children fall in love with reading from the very beginning.

Early reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give a child. It’s about more than just learning to read—it’s about growing confidence, expanding vocabulary, supporting cognitive development, and laying the groundwork for success in school and beyond. Children who have access to engaging, age-appropriate books are far more likely to thrive both academically and socially. Children from the community frequently ask to come and read with volunteers in order to improve their understanding and English language skills. It is wonderful to have a new supply of books, which children can read both independently and with any volunteers at NYM. 

The books donated by Jeremy and Norma will make a big difference for the young learners who visit the library each day. A huge thank you to them for taking the time and energy to collect all these incredible books and for bringing them out to Malawi, and to everyone who continues to support this journey. Together, we are creating a space where reading is celebrated and learning never stops.

Community, Donations, Education, Healthcare, Malawi

Menstrual Health and Hygiene Program

Phunzira

Phunzira is excited to announce a new collaboration with Supreme Sanitary Pads, a social enterprise based in Nkhata Bay that produces reusable menstrual pads locally. Through this partnership, we have provided a menstrual health and hygiene education program as well as the distribution of reusable sanitary pad packs to schoolchildren within the Nyumba Ya Masambiro catchment area. 

Of the 10 Primary schools within NYM’s catchment area, 6 have been selected to run the first education and distribution program. Two trainers from Supreme Sanitary Pads have come to Ruarwe to run the menstrual health and hygiene education program at the 6 selected schools, as well as training local ambassadors, who can continue to provide the education in the future. The program is taught to both boys and girls, with some sessions separate and some together as is appropriate and considerate of social customs, whilst also working to break down stigmas. Each attendee then received a pack which includes: 1 lined tote bag, which can be used as a school bag, 5 reusable sanitary pads, 2 pens, 2 pencils and 1 exercise book, 1 eraser and 1 pencil sharpener. The boys included in the program can pass on the sanitary pads to sisters/mothers or friends who can use them. On this occasion the funding allows the program to reach 600 students within the area. 

Each pack includes enough pads to manage a monthly period and the pads last up to two years and come with educational guidance on menstrual hygiene and safe usage. These pads not only ensure dignity and comfort but also significantly reduce the risk of school absenteeism during menstruation. And because they are washable and long-lasting, they’re a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution compared to disposable alternatives or chitenge rags commonly used in these rural areas, which are very prone to leaks. 

Supreme operates as a true social enterprise—every purchase supports local employment and reinvests profits back into the business and educational outreach efforts.  We’re proud to work alongside them to address menstrual health challenges, break stigma, and help girls stay in school.

This launch marks a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to make education more inclusive. We look forward to raising further funds in the future to allow us to expand the program to the remaining primary and two secondary schools in the area.

Community, Education, Malawi

Social Media Update: Building Skills to Share Our Story

Phunzira

Staff at Nyumba ya Masambiro recently took part in a focused social media training aimed at strengthening their ability to document and share updates from daily life at the centre. First introducing the concept of social media, and then focusing on photography and documenting the activities of NYM. 

The training, led by Phunzira together with our current volunteer, is designed to equip NYM staff with practical tools to highlight the ongoing work happening across education, youth programs, and community initiatives. By improving how we share stories and photos online, we hope to give supporters a closer look at the impact of their contributions—right from the people on the ground.

This is part of our broader effort to increase transparency, communication, and connection with the wider community. We look forward to bringing you more regular updates from NYM in the months ahead.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates coming from the staff at NYM, and please be patient as they find their feet with this new skill!

Donations, Education, Fundraising, Malawi, Nursery

New Nursery Uniforms for NYM’s Youngest Learners!

Phunzira

Following ongoing requests from the Nursery School parents, Nyumba ya Masambiro has successfully purchased brand new school uniforms for all of the Nursery School children. Uniforms play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, equality and school identity, helping to build a positive and focused learning environment. 

The nursery school at NYM provides foundational education for dozens of children in the local community, setting them on a strong path for future academic success. With early childhood education being a critical component of lifelong learning, initiatives like these make a lasting impact. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible. While this first round of uniforms was purchased by NYM, going forward they will be purchased by the Nursery School student’s parents, though no child will ever be turned away from NYM’s nursery for not having a uniform.

Community, Donations, Education, Malawi

Uniform Donation Supports Students in NYM Catchment Area

Phunzira

Two teachers from a school in Inverkeithing, Scotland, who visited Ruarwe in 2023, organised a generous donation to Nyumba ya Masambiro through the sale of Chitenge items made by their High School Craft Club. As agreed, NYM has put the money towards a range of new school uniforms, which have been provided to a number of vulnerable and low-income students in the region.

For many families, the cost of uniforms can be a barrier to consistent school attendance, because while education itself is free at primary level, parents are expected to pay for uniforms, exercise books, pens and pencils etc. This donation helps ease that burden, ensuring that more learners feel equipped and confident as they take part in their education.

The uniforms were made by a local tailor here within the community, meaning that this donation not only allows some students to attend school, who would otherwise have been excluded, but also contributes to the local economy. We’re incredibly grateful for this thoughtful contribution, which supports our wider efforts to make education more accessible to all children in the communities we serve.

Community, Donations, Education, Fundraising, Malawi, UK Schools

Donation from High School in Scotland Towards Education Projects in Ruarwe Area

Phunzira

Phunzira has been extremely lucky to receive a donation of just over £350 raised by students at Inverkeithing High School in Scotland. Ruarwe Village was fortunate to have a visit in October 2024 from two school teachers, Madeline and Pilar, from Inverkeithing High School who forged a link between their school and Ruarwe Primary School, as well as getting involved with projects at Nyumba ya Masambiro such as dance sessions, time in the library with students and more. During their time in Malawi, Madeline and Pilar purchased a range of bright and colourful local ‘chitenge’ materials. They took these back to Scotland where the students in the Craft Club at school used the materials to make a range of items for sale. These included covered notebooks, picture frames, keyrings and more. Once created, these items were sold and the money raised donated towards education projects in Ruarwe.

In collaboration between NYM staff and Madeline and Pilar on behalf of Inverkeithing High School it was decided that the funding should go towards school student sponsorship by way of provision of School Uniforms to community students unable to afford these. While primary education is free, students’ families must provide both uniforms and school supplies such as exercise books and pens etc for the student to be allowed to attend. This provision of school uniforms to families identified as severely in need allows their children to attend school and gain their primary education.

A huge Yewo! (thank you) to Madeline, Pilar and the students at Inverkeithing High School for this generous donation, which allows for 50 students to receive a sponsored uniform.

Community, Education, Malawi

Purchase of School Curriculum Books and Newspapers for the NYM Library

Phunzira

With funding from Phunzira, Nyumba Ya Masambiro has been able to make a purchase of 24 Malawian Curriculum Text books. These have been requested by both school teachers and students to ensure access to the most up to date curriculum texts. These texts cover Biology, Chemistry, mathematics, Chichewa, Agriculture and Human and Economic Geography. We are delighted to have been able to supply these texts and both students and teachers are constantly borrowing these books for both studying and lesson planning alike.

NYM has also made a purchase of newspapers, so that community members are able to keep up to date with both national and international news and events. These too have proven very popular and wherever possible new editions will be purchased to keep the community up to date on current affairs.

Community, Malawi

Welcome Ziwa Gondwe NYM’s new watchman

Phunzira

We are very pleased to welcome the newest member of staff at Nyumba Ya Masambiro. Ziwa Gondwe joins the staff team as Nightwatchman. He will share the duties with Tharzan Msuku, one of our longest serving members of staff who will guide Ziwa and show him the ropes.

Ziwa, we are very pleased you have joined the team and we look forward to volunteers, visitors and community members making your acquaintance. Welcome!

Community, Education, Healthcare, Malawi, Youth

E.A.R.T.H Workshops take place at NYM

Phunzira

Nyumba Ya Masambiro was delighted to host The E.A.R.T.H Workshops team from Butterfly Space in Nkhata Bay who came to share their knowledge and expertise on all things environmental. Standing for Environment, Agriculture, Reforestation, Topsoil and Health, the workshops provide a bottom-up approach to empower communities to be resilient, independent and find solutions to protect our soil, improve farming methods, reduce damaging activities, as well as improving nutrition through better, more environmentally friendly cooking methods.

The workshops were attended by a variety of community members from Ruarwe, and surrounding villages as far away as Kwenthu Village as well as staff from Nyumba Ya Masambiro and the clinic. On one day a primary school class was invited to join the session to start to inspire positive environmental thoughts and practices in the younger generations. This has been continued by one particularly proactive primary teacher, who has continued to bring his class to NYM to have lessons under the guava tree and discuss and analyse the positive impacts of the E.A.R.T.H workshop principles as put into practice at NYM.

A huge thank you to the team from Nkhata Bay for sharing your knowledge with the community in Ruarwe and your ongoing support as farmers, community members and NYM and clinic staff put the principles of your program into practice.

Community, Malawi

Two new Trustees selected for Nyumba Ya Masambiro

Phunzira

Following the resignation of one of NYM’s Trustees we had a gap to fill on the NYM Board of Trustees. The staff called a meeting of the community Chief, Village Headmen, and representatives of the Village Committees to select two new Trustees to bring the board to its maximum of four members. The meeting was held on Friday 25th October at NYM’s Library. The selected Committee members presented candidates from the community who share the values of NYM and would be good fits for the roles. After presentation, a discussion was held to allow all present to ask questions and share their views on the candidates. A vote was then held and the two new trustees were selected from those candidates. The selected trustees are Rhoda Mhone from Ruarwe Village and Consuet Msowoya from Kwenthu village. These selections retain a 50:50 male:female split on the board, keeping representation fair and equal.

Both new trustees have paid multiple visits to Nyumba ya Masambiro in the days and weeks following their selection as they find their feet in their new roles. We are delighted with the selection and very much look forward to how NYM continues to go from strength to strength with these new trustees on board.