People First Foundation Urges Malawian Youth to Embrace Local Solutions
Empowering Young Leaders Through Education and Civic Engagement
The newly registered nonprofit People First Foundation has issued a powerful challenge to young Malawians: shift mindsets and tackle local problems using homegrown solutions. During a volunteer welcome event on May 25, 2025, founder Lumbani Kaunda outlined the organization’s mission to empower youth and drive national progress.
A Call for Self-Reliance and Community Action
“Time is over for Malawians to sit back and wait for other nations to solve our problems when we have the capacity and solutions within our own communities,” Kaunda declared. The foundation focuses on developing leadership through:
- Interactive workshops and mentorship programs
- Critical thinking and decision-making training
- Collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives
Comprehensive Youth Development Programs
The foundation’s ambitious agenda includes:
Education Initiatives: Fundraising campaigns for underprivileged students and establishing Mzuzu’s first free nursery school to provide early childhood education to disadvantaged children.
Civic Engagement: Advocacy for youth rights and promotion of active participation in national decision-making processes.
Economic Empowerment: Programs fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Malawian youth.
Nonpartisan Approach to National Development
Kaunda emphasized the foundation’s independence, stating: “People First Foundation operates without political funding or influence, uniting volunteers from all backgrounds behind our vision for positive change.”
The organization represents a growing movement of Malawian youth taking ownership of their nation’s future through education, leadership development, and community-based problem solving.