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Our Vision

We aim to create a future where every young person in Malawi has access to quality education and the necessary support systems to excel academically, professionally, and personally. We envision a society where youth are empowered, confident, and equipped with the skills and knowledge to become leaders and change agents.

This vision is accomplished by raising awareness, empowerment, skills development, supporting students, peer education, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and mentorship initiatives.

In the face of adversity, Lyna Rajab, a resilient 17-year-old, emerged as a beacon of hope. Orphaned at the tender age of 9 and shouldering the responsibility of her five younger siblings, Lyna faced financial hurdles on her educational journey. Living with her ailing grandmother, she embarked on her Form One studies at Msalura Community Day Secondary School, where her granny’s sacrifice, selling a goat for the first term’s tuition, symbolized their determined pursuit of education.

Hope flickered as Lyna’s selection to Salima Secondary School brought an opportunity for a brighter future. However, financial constraints loomed large, threatening her dream. With the clock ticking and the Malawi National Examinations Board announcing her selection, the YES Initiative recognized Lyna’s potential. The Secondary School Tuition Support Program was born to ensure Lyna’s educational continuity, transforming her struggles into a narrative of resilience. The YES Initiative aims to empower Lyna and others like her, providing not just financial aid but a lifeline to education, envisioning a future where Lyna’s brilliance becomes a guiding light for her siblings and community.

About YES Initiative

Founded in 2017, YESI empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Malawi’s Salima district through education. Through generous donations from supporters like you, YESI has, for the past six years, secured funds for over 200 students, enabling them to continue their education and assisting over 40 in gaining admission to public and private universities across the country. Additionally, YESI’s mentorship program, initiated in 2019, mobilizes over 70 college student mentors to inspire students in secondary schools. This program has reached out to over 10,000 students in 15 secondary schools, offering career guidance and personal mentorship. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, YESI introduced the Online Mentors Engage WhatsApp forum. This platform provides a space where young professionals can engage with industry leaders on topics such as career development, entrepreneurship, health, and other contemporary issues. To date, the online platform has reached over 40,000 young individuals globally. YESI continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth, bridging gaps and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

Mission

Our mission is to empower underprivileged youth in Malawi through education, mentorship, scholarship, and skills programs. We strive to create equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background, and enable them to fulfill their potential and contribute to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.