The Joyce Banda Foundation International
Formed in 2010, The Market Women Activities Initiative (MWAI) was established to promote community transformation in Malawi.
The initiative championed economic empowerment by supporting Women’s village banks through the provision of small loans of $200, for the provision of microloans within the banks at small interest rates.
The initiative further supports women and youth in Malawi with social infrastructure and services, training, and linkages to markets, as well as the provision of seeds for farming, goats, and poultry for food consumption and selling.
The initiative’s acronym “MWAI” translates to “Luck” in Chichewa, Malawi’s national language, speaking the sentiments shared by the beneficiaries of the foundation’s work through the years as being lucky to have received support from the foundation, and the founder, Her Excellence, Dr. Joyce Banda.
MWAI was developed and designed as a key program for the economic empowerment of women, through capacity and skill-building and strengthening in entrepreneurship and leadership, and the provision of a social support network for women entrepreneurs.
The MWAI Programme has supported women farmers and entrepreneurs build their businesses by facilitating the identification of market opportunities for poor women doing local businesses, and the provision of support through anti-poverty grants.
The MWAI Programme’s approach is focused on fulfilling the core objectives of introducing digital business and communication platforms to all its members that include ICT and communication gadgets;
Since its launch, the MWAI Programme has so far empowered and supported over 5000 women in Chilli farming’ over 10,000 women and youth have been introduced and oriented to use the TNM Mudzi Wathu Digital Platform to easily access mobile telephones, access e-banking, and digital financing through a close partnership with TNM; establishment of First Lending Club, a microfinance lending institution, and empowering women and youth groups to use digital platforms to make financial decisions.
The programme has a membership of 400,000 women and youth countrywide and is implemented in 8 districts across the country.
Youth Movement in Development (YOMODE)
YOMODE aims to empower young people to actively participate in developmental activities across the country, through skill-building in the construction of shelters for the elderly, carpentry, and participating in community activities Participating youth help out in developmental activities such as building shelters for the elderly and helping out during funerals by providing coffins and any other kind of support that may be required.
The program also aims to empower and support youth interested in Agricultural production, through capacity building and strengthening in agriculture and entrepreneurship, provision of subsidized fertilizer and seeds to assist in their ventures in farming, and poultry farming. The program encourages youth participation in productive recreational activities, specifically sports as a healthy activity that encourages social interaction and exercise.
Orphan Care and Education Programme
The orphan care and education program are dedicated to ensuring the education and nutrition of over 1,500 children through the establishment of 35 care centers as shelters for orphans. The care centers are located across different districts in Malawi and care for orphans between the ages of 3-6 years.
The centers also provide nutritious food daily, education, and education programs. The education program provides support and free secondary education for orphans in Zomba, as well as providing sponsorship for over 2,500 students in various secondary schools and universities in the country.
Joyce Banda Foundation International Schools
Joyce Banda Foundation Schools is an educational Institution in Malawi founded by former President of Malawi Her Excellency Joyce Banda in 1997, to offer excellent education in both the English curriculum and the local MSCE syllabus. JBF schools strive at improving the skills and experience of students.
JBF Schools provide quality education to prepare girls and boys for the future role as virtuous, reliable, responsible, and development conscious citizens. The school enrolls students across Malawi, and international students as well including Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, and other countries.