Ufulu Programme: Making a difference beyond the classroom
Over the past year, the Ufulu Programme has continued to give young people a safe space to talk about some of the challenges they face as they grow up. Ufulu, meaning “freedom”, helps children understand topics such as emotions, gender, violence, relationships, puberty and adolescent pregnancy, equipping them to make healthy and positive choices.
During the 2025–2026 school year, Ufulu was delivered in our four partner primary schools, as well as at Hope Secondary School with Form 1 and Form 3.
One of the most encouraging parts of the programme has been hearing directly from parents about the changes they have noticed in their children.
At Tapani Primary School, Moses Justine’s mother shared how much his behaviour had changed. Previously, she had found his behaviour very difficult and was even reluctant to attend school meetings when invited.
However, during the Ufulu programme, she noticed Moses beginning to help with household chores, build a kitchen for her, get home on time and speak to her more respectfully. Seeing this change encouraged his mother, and she is now more willing to engage with the school and attend meetings.
Another parent, Time Nelson’s father, also noticed positive changes in his son. Time had begun helping more around the house and taking responsibility for things such as washing his clothes and bathing himself — things his parents had tried to teach him before without success. Although there are still areas where Time needs support, his father was encouraged to see these positive changes.
Helping children to navigate the challenges of growing up
These stories remind us that the impact of Ufulu can reach far beyond the classroom. The programme does not make every challenge disappear, but it gives young people the opportunity to learn, ask questions and think differently about the choices they make.
At Hope Secondary School, the students have also been engaging with some important and sometimes difficult topics. During the sessions on violence, a number of students felt able to speak about experiences of violence at home and at school, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces where young people know they can speak up and seek help.
We were particularly encouraged when some Form 3 girls who had missed the final session on adolescent pregnancy asked whether the session could be repeated so that they could understand the topic properly. Their desire to learn more showed just how valuable these conversations can be.
For the final session, a team from Trinity School in the UK also joined the Form 3 girls. They talked openly about periods, menstrual hygiene and caring for themselves, and the students really enjoyed the opportunity to hear real stories and experiences.
Parents have generally welcomed Ufulu and appreciated their children being given the opportunity to learn about subjects which can sometimes be difficult to discuss at home. They have also encouraged us to continue communicating clearly with parents about what is being taught.
There have, of course, been challenges along the way, including attendance, transport and teacher participation. One thing we have particularly seen this year is the difference that teachers can make when they join the sessions and encourage their students to participate. This is something we hope to strengthen as the programme continues.
We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside these young people as they navigate some of the challenges of growing up. Ufulu is about giving them knowledge, confidence and freedom to make healthy choices — and we are encouraged to see the difference this is beginning to make, both in school and at home.
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Thanks to the support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's Youth Development programmes, building projects, resourcing initiatives, and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children in rural Blantyre.
Contact us for further information on how to get involved.
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