In the heart of Malawi’s Northern Region, Abwenzi Children and Youth Wellness Centre is making significant strides in transforming the lives of vulnerable children and youth.
Co-founded by Thandie Devlin Chirwa and Ulunjie Geophry Mchelenje, the centre addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by young individuals in the community.
Chirwa, a 26-year-old psychosocial counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a University Diploma in Psychosocial Counseling, was inspired to establish the centre after witnessing the profound impact of trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges on children in Embangweni.
“The lack of psychosocial counseling services for vulnerable children and youth in my community was a defining moment that led me to establish Abwenzi Children and growing up in Embangweni, Mzimba District.
She said: “I was deeply moved by the resilience of children and youth facing immense challenges of poverty, abuse, early marriages and limited access to education. Witnessing these hardships firsthand ignited a passion within me to make a difference.”
The centre’s mission is to provide holistic support to disadvantaged children and youth, addressing their physical, emotional and educational needs.
“Our key programmes include education support, feeding programs, vocational skills training, psychosocial counseling services, and cooperative farming,” she said.
One notable success story involves a young individual who, after being a victim of child labour and dropping out of school, received support from the centre to return to school.
“Witnessing their progress and renewed enthusiasm for learning has been truly rewarding,” said Chirwa.
Despite facing challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and societal stigma surrounding mental health, the Centre emphasises community engagement, partnerships and adaptability.
“We have strengthened our approach by building strong relationships with local stakeholders and prioritising the needs of our beneficiaries,” Chirwa noted.
The centre mainly serves vulnerable children and youth in Embangweni, Mzimba, including victims of sexual abuse, early marriages, orphans, those with communicable and non-communicable diseases, victims of child labour and school dropouts.
As the Centre continues its vital work, it calls upon like-minded organisations, donors, and volunteers to collaborate in supporting disadvantaged children and youth.
“Together, we can create a brighter future for them and empower them to reach their full potential,” Chirwa emphasised.
