Tag: meeting

Community, Malawi

The retirement of Dada Jolote 

Phunzira

It is with enormous gratitude that we have said farewell to the Chair Trustee of Nyumba ya Masambiro. John Chizalero Msuku, known to friends, family and community members as Dada Jolote, tendered his resignation from the Board of Trustees at Nyumba ya Masambiro after almost 10 years of service to enter his well-deserved retirement. 

Dada Jolote has guided the board as Chair Trustee with a steady hand and strong heart. We are so grateful to him for his calm demeanour and strong voice. Protecting NYM and leading it with the benefit of the whole community at the forefront of all his decisions. 

He has supported and championed the work of Nyumba ya Masambiro through the lean times and the successful ones. We are so grateful for his sound council and his patience, and under his guidance NYM has progressed from strength to strength. 

For those who did not meet Dada Jolote, know that his first question when we discussed his retirement meeting and farewell was: “Will there be music? I want to dance!” And so there was! We wish him a peaceful and restful, well-deserved retirement with his family, and all the music he wishes for so that he can dance whenever he fancies!

Dada Jolote, tawonga chomene for all your years of service!! Yewo yewo!!

Community, Education, Malawi, Youth

Youth Hall at NYM used by community members

Phunzira

The Youth Hall at Nyumba ya Masambiro continues to be an open space for the wider community to hold meetings. In the last few months, it has been used by the chiefs’ council, youth leaders within the community and Temwa for example.
Temwa, the NGO based in Usisya, 20km south of Ruarwe, has similar objectives to Nyumba ya Masambiro. Working within the realms of health, education, agriculture and the environment, Ruarwe is within the catchment area for Temwa. Once or twice a month, Temwa comes to host a friendly football match tied in with education within the Ruarwe area. On these visits, they make use of the Nyumba ya Masambiro Youth Hall for their preparatory meetings and discussions.
We are grateful that Nyumba ya Masambiro remains a safe and open space and the preferred meeting space for community members far and wide!

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!

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.