Meet Onesta Chidyela, a single mother of two and a trailblazer in her community. Despite living with a physical disability, Onesta has defied all odds and limitations as a woman with her unwavering determination and passion for making a difference in her community.
She sustains her family by training young people and women in the art of making energy-efficient cookstoves. Through her work, she provides for her children’s essential needs, including food, clothes, and paying school fees.
Onesta’s journey is closely linked to Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, implemented in the Traditional Authority (T/A) Masambankhunda, Lilongwe. The project promotes eco-friendly, sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change, and Onesta plays a key role in these efforts. Hired as a trainer, she works with local women and youth, equipping them with the skills to make energy-efficient cookstoves that benefit both their households and the environment.
Her story is a testament to resilience, resolve, and the power of giving back to the community despite facing challenges. Onesta began learning to make energy-efficient cookstoves in 2012, and since then, she has trained thousands of people in her community and beyond. On August 23, 2024, she joined Habitat for Humanity Malawi as a trainer for the WASH project, where she has already made a remarkable impact, successfully training over 200 youth and 200 women.
Through her workshops, Onesta not only imparts practical skills but also empowers others to create sustainable solutions for their communities. Her personal journey of survival, strength, and perseverance inspires those she mentors, and her compassion and innovation have transformed the lives of many—one stove at a time.
Onesta’s story is a reminder that true strength lies not in the absence of challenges but in the courage to face them head-on and emerge stronger.
Habitat for Humanity Malawi, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Deutschland and funded by The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is promoting the use of eco-friendly and sustainable energy in T/A Masambankhunda. By implementing the WASH project, the organization seeks to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable rural communities through improved water management and sustainable energy practices.
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Onesta Chidyela: A Trailblazer for Social Change in the Community
February 13, 2025
Stories and News
Meet Onesta Chidyela, a single mother of two and a trailblazer in her community. Despite living with a physical disability, Onesta has defied all odds and limitations as a woman with her unwavering…
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The U.S. Embassy Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Voluntary Community Service
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As Americans around the world commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the U.S. Embassy in Malawi partnered with Habitat for Humanity Malawi and dedicated a day of voluntary…
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HFH Malawi hosts Foundation of German Lions delegates
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Over the past few days, Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted delegates from Germany, including Johanna Kunz, Project Manager from the Foundation of German Lions, to review the progress of the WASH…
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Habitat for Humanity Malawi Advocates for Housing as a Climate Resilience Priority at COP29
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Join the Global Village Volunteers Program: Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Malawi and Help Build a World Where Everyone Has a Decent Home
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We are excited to announce that Habitat for Humanity Malawi is now accepting bookings for Global Village volunteers from October 2024 through December 2025! Join a global community of change-makers…
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HFH Malawi hosts Ministry of lands delegates to appreciate innovative housing solutions
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Stories and News
On August 21 and 22, 2024, Habitat for Humanity Malawi hosted a two-day field visit to the Director of Housing and officials from the Ministry of Lands to its projects implementing areas in Blantyre…
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HFH Malawi partners with DREAAM team to paint a house
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Stories and News
On August 2 of this year, Habitat for Humanity Malawi had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from Driven to Reach Excellence and Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM), a non-profit organization…
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Building the Future: Insights and Innovations from the National Housing Symposium
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Stories and News
The inaugural National Housing Symposium, which took place from 29th to 30th July 2024 at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, a collaborative effort by Habitat for Humanity Malawi and…
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