The Northern Zone Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Commissioned Volunteers Meeting was successfully held from 21 to 22 February 2026 in Rumphi, bringing together commissioned volunteers from Euthini, Hewe, and Bwengu for a two-day gathering focused on unity, mentorship preparation, and strategic planning.
Facilitated by representatives from Ungweru Organisation under the Youth Development Unit, the meeting aimed to renew volunteers’ commitment to the SELL mission and develop a clear roadmap for expanding activities at the deanery level through reflection, interactive learning, and practical action planning.
The meeting, facilitated by Isaac Thindwa, Team Leader of the Youth Development Unit, and Taonga J. Gondwe, Assistant Team Leader of the Youth Development Unit, who is also the Safeguarding Officer of Ungweru Organisation, created a space for spiritual renewal, teamwork, and practical skill-building as SELL activities continue to expand across parishes, schools, and youth structures. The meeting followed a well-structured process that balanced spiritual reflection, unity building and practical planning.
Strengthening Spiritual Foundation
The gathering opened with a reflective “Silent Multiplier” prayer experience. In this session, participants quietly reflected on their responsibility as commissioned volunteers and carriers of the SELL mission. The spiritual moment set the tone for the rest of the meeting, helping participants reconnect with their deeper calling to serve young people and promote justice, leadership, and community service.
A gathering of participants on a “Silent Multiplier” prayer
Building Unity Through Mentorship
To strengthen collaboration, facilitators led a creative “Mentorship Web” activity using yarn to demonstrate interconnectedness among volunteers visually. The exercise illustrated that SELL’s success depends not on individual effort but on collective responsibility and support. Participants also engaged in role-play exercises designed to prepare them for their new role as mentors. As SELL trainings are now being extended to the deanery level, commissioned volunteers are expected to guide and support new trainees. The role-plays focused on active listening, encouragement, patience, and confidence-building skills.
From Theory to Action
A key highlight of the meeting was the “Theory to Action” session, where volunteers explored innovative ways of sharing SELL values beyond formal workshops. Suggestions included storytelling, sports activities, youth rallies, school club sessions such as Young Christian Society (YCS), and community-based initiatives like environmental clean-up drives. The discussions culminated in the development of a practical Zonal Action Plan for 2026, outlining clear activities, responsibilities, and timelines. Planned activities include sensitising church leaders on SELL initiatives, facilitating youth rally sessions, conducting outreach in schools, and organising community campaigns. Volunteers identified common resources needed for implementation, such as transport support, facilitation kits, gloves, and materials for community activities.
Taonga J. Gondwe highlighted the importance of unity and local ownership in driving impact.
“What we are building here is more than a programme. We are strengthening a network of committed young leaders who understand their mission. When volunteers work together, engage church leadership, and plan strategically, SELL becomes a living movement within the community.”
Participants in a discussion (Theory to Action session)
Addressing Challenges Together
Volunteers openly discussed challenges affecting implementation, including limited facilitation kits, communication gaps, schedule changes by local leaders, and high transportation costs. Many volunteers currently rely on personal resources to travel to outreach sites, which limits the reach and frequency of activities. Proposed solutions included strengthening engagement with Parish Priests and Youth Chaplains, improving communication among volunteers, preparing materials in advance, and enhancing coordination with church leadership for logistical support.
The meeting concluded on Sunday, 22nd February 2026, with a closing Holy Mass at St. Denis Parish in Rumphi. Volunteers actively participated and introduced themselves to parish leadership, reinforcing partnerships that will support future activities. Overall, the Northern Zone SELL Commissioned Volunteers Meeting marked a significant step toward stronger coordination, mentorship readiness, and strategic implementation. Participants left motivated, united, and equipped with a clear action plan to guide SELL activities throughout 2026.
Participants, together with facilitators, pose for a photo after the service