In a bid to foster a culture of justice and accountability, the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Programme, one of the key initiatives under Ungweru Organisation, concluded a two-day training session for youth volunteers at the Pastoral Centre in Nkhata-Bay, from Thursday, January 23 to Sartuday, January 24, 2026.

The first day of the training focused on key sessions, including Teams and Relationships, Counselling Inputs, Orange Code, and Newspaper Review. The participants engaged in a lively collaborative discussions actively contributing thoughtful ideas and asking constructive questions. These sessions equipped volunteers with essential skills to support others, recognise biases, and promote fairness and empathy in vulnerable situations.

In the final day, the training also covered sessions including Image of My Country, Climate Change, and Human Rights in relation to Sexuality. Volunteers visualised Malawi’s challenges, highlighting injustice, corruption, and environmental degradation. Through these sessions, participants reflected on how individual actions can contribute to a more just society. They participated in role-plays, dramas, and discussions, showcasing scenarios like a friend losing a loved one or a neighbour facing eviction.

One of the facilitators, Taonga J. Gondwe, who is also a Safeguarding Officer at Ungweru Organisation under Youth and Development Unit ignited a sense of responsibility among volunteers.

” The power to create a change lies within us, and its time we take responsibility to build a just and equitable Malawi,” Said Taonga, inspiring volunteers to take action.

Taonga J. Gondwe inspiring volunteers through facilitation

The enthusiasm to challenge existing systems was echoed by Lilian, a volunteer who expressed the urgency of demanding justice; ” It is time to challenge the status quo and demand justice,” said Lilian echoing sentiments of many.

Lilian (SELL Program Volunteer) echoing sentiments of many as volunteers echoes to demand justice

Fr. Martin McGowan, accompanied by Fr. Leo Traynor, visited the Pastoral Centre in Nkhata-Bay to witness firsthand the projects being implemented under the SELL programme. As a Regional Leader of the St Patrick’s Missionary Society (SPMS), Fr. Martin’s presence was a significant boost to the volunteers, who were inspired by his words of encouragement and spiritual guidance. The visit underscored the programme’s commitment to empowering young people to drive positive change in their communities.

Fr. Leo Traynor (L), Fr. Martin McGowan (centre), and colleague (R)

The training emphasised on environmental stewardship and strategies for mitigation. Volunteers learned about the impact of exports and imports on the environment and explored ways to address these concerns. As the training concluded, volunteers pledged to demand justice, care for the environment, and challenge unfair systems. The Ungweru Organisation’s Youth and Development Unit is poised to create a just and equitable Malawi, one community at a time.