Tag: news

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!

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, Fundraising, Malawi

Repairs to buildings in the aftermath of tropical cyclone

Phunzira


On the night of 10th to 11th January a tropical cyclone ripped through Ruarwe Village and its surroundings. Whilst many buildings in the village received mild damage, they were largely protected by the valley they sit in. Sadly extensive damage occurred at the Nyumba Ya Masambiro and clinic sites as they sit up the hill from the main village. The roof was ripped off the Life-skills Room at NYM, half the roof was ripped off the new Midwifes house and the whole roof ripped off the Medical Assistants House. We are hugely grateful to our donors who reached out to assist with the repairs needed to the properties as well as the replacement of items damaged and destroyed by the water ingress as a result of the missing roofs. Repairs at the two clinic residences were a matter of replacing the damaged roofing beams and roofing iron sheets. At NYM these steps were needed as well as some repairs to the damaged walls and re-limewashing of all the Life-skills room walls. We were delighted to see how quickly the community members and contractors and carpenters came together to make the repairs as soon as the supplies had been purchased in Nkhata Bay. A true demonstration of community spirit, and once again a huge Yewo! (thank you!) to our donors who made this rapid response to crisis possible.

Community, Donations, Healthcare, Malawi

Malaria medications donation to Ruarwe and Khondowe Health Centres

Phunzira

This malaria season has seen a very sharp rise in malaria cases as a result of various factors including the change in climate. This is a nationwide crisis, which has unfortunately coincided with a Forex and a fuel shortage, hampering the purchase and distribution of the malaria treatment Lumefantrine and Arthemeter (LA). Phunzira has been able to make a donation of LA to both Ruarwe and Khondowe clinics, to hopefully see out the rest of the malaria season.

This donation of medications coincides with a nationwide government initiative to distribute mosquito nets to all households, which started in the Ruarwe area at the beginning of November. Alongside the education provided by the clinic staff at the start of every clinic day we hope to see a drop in malaria rates and no fatalities. We are grateful to be able to help the wider community at a time of need such as this, and will continue to focus on education for the whole community about the importance of using mosquito nets correctly and prevention methods community members can take to reduce their risk of infection.

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.