Leadership Lessons from Mwazisi
True leadership is collaboration that creates lasting impact for children
At Mwazisi Primary School in Rumphi, a new story of leadership is being written. It is a story that proves for a child to truly thrive, it takes more than just a curriculum; it takes the collective effort of an entire community. This transformation is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: meaningful change begins at the individual level before it is ever seen in the collective.
This is brought to life by Overton Mazunda, our Field Officer who works in the trenches and operates hand-in-hand with the school and community groups, providing consistent coordination that turns a national vision into local ownership.
The BEFIT program delivers digital tools for foundational literacy and numeracy skills, but the Mwazisi community has provided the soul. Movfrom passive observation to radical action they recognized that the solar power systems and tablets are the keys to their children’s future. Parents and local leaders voluntarily took the extraordinary step of pooling their own financial resources to hire guards in order to strengthen security. In a landscape where resources are often thin, this commitment is a powerful testament to a community that has decided to lead from the front.
Digital lessons shaping every child’s future
Our Field Officer emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the long-term success of the BEFIT program, noting that sustainability can only be achieved through shared commitment and action.
“For the sustainability of the BEFIT program, we all need to be involved in our actions. For this to work, we must hold hands and take part together.” Commented Mazunda.
Guided by this belief, he actively encouraged stakeholders to take ownership of the process, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability that strengthens the program’s impact and continuity.
This spirit of protection is championed by the School Attendance Committee (SAC) which has moved beyond administration to become a vital part of the classroom. Newton Nyasulu, the Headteacher at Mwazisi, has seen this partnership fundamentally change the school’s dynamic. He notes that as the community assists with cleaning learning spaces and supporting teachers during digital sessions, the gap between home and school has vanished. When children see their own community invested in the room, the classroom becomes a place of pride, leading to a significant drop in absenteeism.
At Mwazisi, the BEFIT program is no longer just an intervention; it is a community legacy. It proves that when an organization leads with intention and works in the heart of the village, the people will rise to the challenge. By investing their time and energy, the people of Mwazisi are ensuring the digital age empowers their children.
At Ulalo, we remain committed to strengthening these leadership systems at every level, working together so that every child in Malawi gains the skills they need to succeed.