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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.

When Lyna Rajab was just 9 years old, she lost both of her parents. Left in the care of her elderly grandmother, she took on the responsibility of looking after her five younger siblings. Life became a daily struggle, but Lyna never let go of her dream to stay in school.

At 17, she started Form One at Msalura Community Day Secondary School. Her grandmother, determined to give her a chance, sold the family’s only goat to cover Lyna’s first term fees. That act of love spoke volumes; this family believed in education, even when they had next to nothing.

In a twist to her fate, during the second term of her school, the government’s second selection was selection was released, and she was selected to attend Salima Secondary School, one of the top schools in the district. But with no money for tuition or supplies, that opportunity was slipping through her fingers. That’s when the YES Initiative stepped in.

We saw Lyna’s drive and potential and knew we couldn’t let finances cut her journey short. Our Secondary School Tuition Support Program was launched, and she was the first student we supported. Through this support, Lyna was able to take her place at Salima Secondary, giving her the chance to chase the future she deserves.

Lyna’s story isn’t just about hardship; it’s about grit, sacrifice, and the power of giving someone a chance. At YESI, we’re committed to walking alongside students like Lyna, not just with financial help, but with encouragement, mentorship, and belief in their dreams.

About YES Initiative

Who We Are

The YES Initiative (YESI) is a youth-led organisation based in Salima, Malawi. Since 2017, we’ve helped over 200 students from low-income families stay in school, supported more than 40 into university, and reached over 40,000 young people through mentorship and career guidance.

What We Do

We raise funds to help students at risk of dropping out of school due to financial challenges.
We work with university students and graduates to mentor learners in secondary schools offering support, direction, and a glimpse into life beyond the classroom.
Our WhatsApp-based platform, Mentors Engage, connects youth with professionals to discuss careers, health, and life skills.

What Propels Our Mission?

Malawi is full of promise, but according to the International Monetary Fund and UNICEF, it ranks among the world’s ten poorest countries. Poverty, low educational attainment, and limited opportunities for girls paint a stark reality

• 40% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition.

• 40% of girls are married by the age of 18.

• Only 4% of students graduate from high school.

• Diseases like HIV (with a prevalence of 7.7%, according to UNAIDS ), malaria, and tuberculosis remain rampant.

• Over 80% of Malawians live in rural areas, relying on subsistence farming. Climate change worsens this struggle, as unpredictable weather leads to droughts and crop failures.

We see potential in the students behind these numbers. That’s why we mentor, support, and invest in young people , so their future isn’t defined by circumstance, but by opportunity.