Stories and News

Zelina Binisoni, a 62-year-old widow and grandmother of four from Magombo village in Area 27 sector 3 in Lilongwe , defies all odds as she embarks on a transformative journey through Habitat for Humanity Malawi’s Home Equals project, where she received training in the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA). This training aimed to empower families to save for home improvements, raise awareness of risks within the built environment, and promote safe shelter practices. Motivated by the knowledge she gained, Zelina joined a Housing Savings Group, taking a significant step towards her dream of a safer and more secure home. “Through the training that Habitat Malawi organised on the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) in our area, which lasted seven days, I was challenged to make housing improvements to my house. As such, I decided to use funds that I raised through my small-scale businesses and saved through the Village Savings Group I joined in 2023 to begin procuring construction materials for my home,” Zelina explained. Through her dedication and hard work, Zelina purchased 31 bags of cement, which she used for rehabilitation work on her house, such as plastering and flooring. She also used some of her savings to pay for labour on maintenance work, which cost K240,000. In addition to her personal projects, she supports her family by selling fish and tomatoes, as well as taking on casual work. Looking to the future, Zelina aspires to connect electricity to her home and build a Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine. She appeals for assistance from partners like Habitat for Humanity Malawi to help her realise her vision for a better and more resilient home. Zelina strongly believes that having a safe, secure, and comfortable home is a fundamental human right for everyone. Implemented in collaboration with the Lilongwe City Council and with financial support from Habitat for Humanity International, the Home Equals Project aims to improve living conditions by breaking down barriers to equitable housing access.

Port Louis, Mauritius – Habitat for Humanity Malawi is proud to participate in the Regional African Network on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) meeting, held at United Docks Business Park in Port Louis, Mauritius. Represented by its Advocacy Coordinator, Chrispin Chavula, the organization is highlighting its advocacy efforts on NDCs, emphasizing the critical role of civil society in advancing sustainable development and climate action. Habitat for Humanity has conducted a comprehensive study on NDCs, revealing significant gaps in the inclusion of housing and informal settlements within these climate commitments. The report’s findings have been instrumental in advocating for the integration of these key sectors into NDCs, ensuring a more holistic approach to climate action and sustainable development.   “Civil society plays a vital role in advocating for shaping, and implementing sustainable building practices within NDCs,” said Chrispin Chavula. “By raising awareness, pushing for policy reforms, providing technical expertise, mobilizing community engagement, and monitoring progress, we can drive meaningful change in the building sector.” The organization also underscores the synergy between its work and the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) NDC Scorecard and “Building the Transition” campaign. Through collaboration, Habitat for Humanity Malawi and WorldGBC can combine their strengths, expertise, and networks to amplify their impact and accelerate sustainable development. “We share a common goal with WorldGBC—to promote sustainable building practices and reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment,” said Chavula. “The NDC Scorecard and ‘Building the Transition’ campaign offer valuable tools and insights that bolster our advocacy efforts and help pinpoint areas where we can achieve the greatest impact.” As Habitat for Humanity Malawi continues to champion sustainable development and climate action, the organization remains committed to collaborating with regional stakeholders, governments, and civil society to drive transformative change in the building sector. “We look forward to advancing our advocacy efforts and working together to build a more sustainable future for all,” he said.

Habitat Malawi continues to make significant strides in enhancing housing and community development for vulnerable populations. Through its Home Equals Project in Lilongwe’s Area 27, Sector 3, the organization has brought transformative change, offering new hope and security to residents of this informal settlement. Habitat Malawi facilitated the formalization and regularization of the area, working with the Lilongwe City Council to issue land certificates to 402 residents, officially recognizing them as lawful occupants of the city.  Now, with these land certificates in hand, the residents of Area 27, Sector 3, can celebrate a major milestone—the removal of one of their greatest challenges: the lack of secure land tenure, which had left them in constant fear of eviction.  Beyond securing land rights, the Home Equals Project enables residents to access essential services such as electricity, water, and financial institutions. The land certificates serve as undeniable proof of legal ownership, providing security, peace of mind, and the foundation for improved infrastructure and services.  The project’s impact extends beyond individual households, creating a ripple effect that fosters community-wide development and growth.  Implemented in collaboration with the Lilongwe City Council and with financial support from Habitat for Humanity International, the Home Equals Project aims to improve living conditions by breaking down barriers to equitable housing access. 

  In the wake of Cyclone Freddy, many community members in the Mulanje district were left in ruins, but amidst the devastation, stories of resilience emerged. With various stakeholders, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is helping survivors rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Meet Marita Chikafa, 49, a grandmother who is caring for three grandchildren who lost their parents. She is one of the partner families that HFH Malawi, together with its partners, is supporting in constructing homes using eco-friendly and disaster-resilient materials such as stones. Before Cyclone Freddy, she lived comfortably in a well-built home, sharing a compound with two of her daughters along the riverbank in Mujiwa village. “I cannot tell you the exact date, only that it was a day full of sorrow and sadness,” Marita recalls, reflecting on the night Cyclone Freddy hit the district. Another partner family HFH Malawi is working with at the Nanchidwa camp is Hilda Madonna, 80, grandmother. Before the cyclone, she had built her own home, which now lies beneath a vast sandbank. In a twist of bittersweet fortune, Hilda was not living in that house at the time of the cyclone, but the disaster claimed four of her grandchildren and swept away all her belongings, leaving only rubble in its wake. Today, both of their lives look different. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, both Marita and Hilda now have homes—strong, safe, and secure. The trauma they once carried has begun to lift. They can once again engage with their community without the constant weight of anxiety. Sitting in the shade of their new homes, which have risen from the rubble, they both feel hopeful. Approaching the camp, visitors travel along rough, washed-out roads. To one side stands the majestic Mulanje Mountain; to the other, a wide sandbank strewn with boulders, remnants of the disaster that ravaged the village. Before March 2023, this land was home to families who farmed and lived here, their lives upended by Cyclone Freddy. Many lost loved ones, homes, and farmland and still reside in the camp, struggling to rebuild. Yet, amid the devastation, there is hope. HFH Malawi saw an opportunity to not only clear the rubble but to use it to build something new. For the first time, HFH Malawi is piloting the construction of five homes using the very stones and rocks that tumbled down from the mountain. These homes stand as symbols of strength, stability, and resilience in the face of disaster. As the Bible says in Matthew 7:25, “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been found on the rock.” This initiative marks a shift towards sustainable, locally sourced construction, demonstrating the power of turning devastation into opportunity. By utilizing the natural resources left behind by the cyclone, Habitat is building homes that are not just shelters but monuments to resilience and recovery. In Nanchidwa camp, hope rises from the rubble, and HFH Malawi aims to ensure that this spirit of rebuilding continues, helping families not just survive but thrive.  

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. Section Title Section Title 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… Read More The U.S. Embassy Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Voluntary Community Service January 21, 2025 Stories and News 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… Read More HFH Malawi hosts Foundation of German Lions delegates December 11, 2024 Stories and News 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… Read More Habitat for Humanity Malawi Joins the ODF Celebration in Honor of World Toilet Day November 20, 2024 Stories and News In a powerful demonstration of global commitment to sanitation and dignity for all, Habitat for Humanity Malawi, along with its partners including Self Help Africa (SHA) and Thyolo District Council… Read More Habitat for Humanity Malawi Advocates for Housing as a Climate Resilience Priority at COP29 November 19, 2024 Stories and News Habitat for Humanity Malawi has joined Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to emphasize the critical connection between housing, loss and damage, and climate… Read More Join the Global Village Volunteers Program: Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Malawi and Help Build a World Where Everyone Has a Decent Home  September 27, 2024 Stories and News 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… Read More HFH Malawi hosts Ministry of lands delegates to appreciate innovative housing solutions August 29, 2024 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… Read More HFH Malawi partners with DREAAM team to paint a house August 27, 2024 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… Read More Building the Future: Insights and Innovations from the National Housing Symposium August 13, 2024 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… Read More

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 community service by painting a house for a partner family. In honour of Dr. King’s selfless dedication to promoting equality, justice, and compassion, U.S. Embassy staff, family members, and friends joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Malawi to support vulnerable communities in Lilongwe. In honour of Dr. King’s selfless dedication to promoting equality, justice, and compassion, U.S. Embassy staff, family members, and friends joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Malawi to support vulnerable communities in Lilongwe. Together, the volunteers worked in supporting the construction of affordable housing units for low-income families, promoting safe and secure shelter as a fundamental human right. “Today, we remember Dr. King’s powerful message of love, forgiveness, and service to others.  Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Malawi, we aim to support Malawians and promote the values of compassion, empathy, and kindness that Dr. King embodied,” said Jeanmary Maldonado, Community Liaison Officer at the U.S. Embassy. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a national initiative in the United States, encouraging Americans to volunteer their time to help others in their communities.  The U.S. Embassy in Malawi is proud to continue this tradition, fostering a spirit of volunteerism and community engagement in Malawi. “Habitat for Humanity Malawi is grateful for the partnership with the U.S. Embassy and we are looking for more such engagements with U.S. citizens,” said Chifundo Zulu, HFH Malawi Resource Development and Partnership Coordinator. Zulu added:  “This is a good demonstration that together, we can create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  We are open to all individuals and organizations to come and partner with us in voluntary services in support for improved access to decent housing”.

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 project in T/A Ngolongoliwa, Thyolo District. The project, funded by the Foundation, aims to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. During the visit, the delegates engaged with community structures such as Water Point Committees (WPCs) and observed how the project is enhancing daily life. Key interventions include providing potable water through boreholes, training artisans in safe latrine construction, equipping Area Mechanics for borehole maintenance, and promoting hand hygiene and total sanitation. Highlights of the project include the construction of 180 user-friendly latrines (170 corbelled and 10 Fossa Alterna), training of 10 local artisans and 7 Area Mechanics, installation of 10 disaster-resilient boreholes, rehabilitation of 20 boreholes, and implementing the Community-Led Total Sanitation approach in 46 communities. These efforts led to the certification of T/A Ngolongoliwa as an Open Defecation Free (ODF) area by the National Sanitation and Hygiene Task Force.  

In a powerful demonstration of global commitment to sanitation and dignity for all, Habitat for Humanity Malawi, along with its partners including Self Help Africa (SHA) and Thyolo District Council, yesterday commemorated World Toilet Day, celebrated under the theme “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” by declaring five Traditional Authorities as Open Defecation Free (ODF) in the district. This year’s theme emphasises the interconnectedness of sanitation, health, and climate resilience. Habitat Malawi, with its long-standing commitment to building homes and communities, recognises that safe sanitation is a cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities. In 2023, Habitat Malawi, in collaboration with Self Help Africa, initiated the ODF triggering initiatives in five areas: Kapichi, Khwethemule, Ngolongoliwa, Nanseta, and Changata. This marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to improve public health, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development. With funding from the Foundation of the German Lions, Habitat Malawi has been implementing a WASH project, which aims at Improving Livelihoods Through the Introduction of Sustainable WASH Practices in Rural Communities of the district and has currently constructed 180 improved latrines.

Habitat for Humanity Malawi has joined Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to emphasize the critical connection between housing, loss and damage, and climate resilience. At the global conference, HFHI is advocating for housing to be recognized as a frontline defense against climate change. As climate change intensifies, its impacts—ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—pose significant challenges to housing accessibility and affordability. These effects are particularly devastating for low-income families in Malawi, especially in informal settlements, who contribute the least to carbon emissions yet bear the brunt of climate risks. To address these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is partnering with local governments, communities, and civil society to implement sustainable housing solutions tailored to the unique climate risks facing vulnerable Malawians. At a COP29 side event co-hosted by Habitat for Humanity, UN-Habitat, and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Habitat Malawi’s Advocacy Coordinator, Chrispin Chavula, highlighted the need for stronger global advocacy on loss and damage. He emphasized the importance of empowering local and regional governments to develop effective, context-specific responses. Through its Home Equals advocacy campaign, Habitat Malawi is driving equitable access to adequate housing in informal settlements, framing housing as a cornerstone of climate resilience, social equity, and economic well-being. Chavula also urged the Malawi government to prioritize housing in its climate policies, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline the country’s strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. This call aligns with findings in a recent Habitat for Humanity report, which revealed that housing is often overlooked in climate strategies, despite its pivotal role in building resilience. For more details, refer to the NDCs report by Habitat for Humanity.