about us and our work

U·la·lo

/Oo-lah-loh /

noun

1. Chichewa word for Bridge.

Founded in 2012, as Centre for Youth and Development, rebranded to Ulalo at the height of its tenth anniversary in 2022.

Ulalo tackles the challenge of children and youth failing to reach their educational potential. We do this by partnering with children and youth, their schools, communities and governments to design and deliver solutions that equip them with skills to attain further education, overcome gender inequities, start businesses, get jobs, and drive development in their communities.

Our vision

A society where children and young people, living in their full potential, are socially responsible and productive members of society.


Our Mission

Empowering children and young people to thrive, reach their full learning potential and positively contribute to society.

Our Values

  • Inclusive: Valuing diversity and ensuring that no one is left behind in decision making and targeting.

  • Innovative: Creative organization, continually learning and impacting through new ideas.

  • Partnership: Thriving together.

  • Sustainability: Working in ways that benefits the present and future generations. 

  • Integrity: Transparency and accountability are the bedrock of trust and the pillars of positive long-term relationships.  

  • Influencing and inspiring change: Influencing at a local and national level, to change policy, legislation and services that transform the lives of many more than we can reach directly.

What we do

We believe in the transformative power of education and empowerment. Our theory of change posits that by empowering children and young people as active agents of change and leveraging their collective influence to transform the education system and societal understanding, we can break the cycle of educational underachievement and poverty in Malawi.

Our multifaceted approach includes:

  • improving education infrastructure,

  • enhancing teacher capacity,

  • promoting early childhood education,

  • providing healthcare and nutrition support,

  • engaging families in children’s education, and

  • bridging the digital divide,

To ensure that all children and young people in Malawi have access to safe, quality education and are equipped with the skills and support they need to reach their full potential.

Our 2030 Goal: Improve the lives of 400,000+ children and young people.

  • 400,000 children

    Safe and Quality Learning:

    Create a supporting environment for safe and quality learning for 400,000 children and young people.

  • 20,000 young people

    Skills for Now and for the Future:

    Build life, leadership, and productive skills for 20,000 children and young people.

  • 80,000 households

    Sustained Health and Livelihoods:

    Working with 80,000 households to break the cycle of poverty and create conducive environment for children and young people.

  • 40% of communities

    ICT for Development:

    Leverage ICTs to promote sustainable social and economic development for at least 40% of target communities.

Meet the Team

  • James Gondwe

    Founder and Executive Director

  • Chifundo Chidumu

    Resources Manager

  • Yewo Msiska

    Programs Lead

  • Doreen Luhanga

    Technical Lead

  • Future Chigulu

    Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

  • MOSES MKANDAWIRE

    Project Manager

  • Aaron Manda

    District Project Supervisor

  • Noel Mtingwi

    District Project Supervisor

  • Mphatso Morris

    Finance and Administration Officer

  • Chifundo Zingude

    Communications and Media Engagement Officer

  • WILSON KITHA

    Assistant Finance and Administration Officer

  • Ellen Muva

    Accounts Liaison

  • Hippo Honde

    Project Officer

  • RUTH MHONE

    Project Officer

  • Nicholas Luhanga

    Project Officer

  • Chindikani Sibande

    Programs Support Assistant

  • Overtoun Mazunda

    School Performance Officer

  • Benjamin Banda

    School Performance Officer

  • Given Manda

    School Performance Officer

  • Mphatso Kalambo

    School Performance Officer

  • Heatherwick Manda

    School Performance Officer

  • Pauline Mphande

    School Performance Officer

  • Grivin Mpoha

    School Performance Officer

  • Blessings Kapunda

    School Performance Officer

  • Waliko Gondwe

    School Performance Officer

  • Ezinala Banda

    School Performance Officer

  • Timothy Chima

    School Performance Officer

  • Parkson Msukwa

    School Performance Officer

  • Bertha NZIMA

    Facilities Officer

Our partners