EAST AFRICA MEETS SOUTH: ULALO AND ELIMU FANAKA IN CROSS-BORDER LEARNING EXCHANGE

Ulalo and Elimu Fanaka staff members pose for a picture after a productive meeting

In a gesture of cross-border collaboration, Elimu Fanaka, a Kenyan-based organization, visited Ulalo’s head office in Mzuzu, Malawi, for a knowledge exchange that spotlighted innovation, grassroots leadership, and shared learning. 

The visit was made possible through a mutual partnership with the Segal Family Foundation (SFF). Both Ulalo and Elimu Fanaka are SFF partners, part of a vibrant network of visionary, locally led organizations across Africa committed to collaboration and shared learning. 

Eveline Mghendi and Beryl Onyangu of Elimu Fanaka were welcomed by Ulalo’s Executive Director and founder, James Gondwe, alongside department leads from Communications, Finance, and Operations. 

Commenting on the visit Eveline Mghendi Chief Operations Officer at Elimu Fanaka expressed excitement on the productivity of the exchange visit. 

“I have loved the visit, hearing directly from the Ulalo team about how they support the communities they serve and manage their operations. It's something I will take home,” said Eveline Mghundi, reflecting on her experience. 

Ulalo’s Executive Director, James Gondwe, described the exchange as a powerful moment of mutual learning. 

“When we open our doors, we open our minds. This visit reaffirms our belief that progress in education is not isolated, it thrives through collective learning and shared experiences,” he said. 

The visit highlighted the shared values between Ulalo and Elimu Fanaka. 

This marks the second time this year that Ulalo has welcomed a visiting organization, following an earlier visit by Youth Impact another Segal Family Foundation partner. Last year, Ulalo also hosted Tanzania based Tanza Ventures.  

These exchanges reflect Ulalo’s unwavering commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration. In a time when development work often requires more listening than talking, Ulalo continues to model what meaningful partnerships can look like.