First Harvest Empowers & Inspires Young Leaders
NGO First Harvest empowers youth to lead, writes Tionge Hara.
Thyolo, Malawi – First Harvest, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Thyolo district, is empowering and inspiring young people to create a new generation of leaders, writes Tionge Hara.
According to Webster Harrison Namazombe, the Executive Director of First Harvest, the organisation provides online training, mentorship, and focus group discussions to equip young people with the knowledge and ideas needed to create positive change in their communities.
“We make sure that young people have the knowledge and skills they need to take their work to the next level and make a sustainable impact in their communities,” Namazombe said.
First Harvest’s vision is to create a world where every child and young person can thrive and reach their full potential.
Namazombe said the organisation aims to connect young people with training, mentorship, and opportunities to help them organise their communities and solve challenges by 2030.
The impact of First Harvest’s work is evident in the stories of young people who have benefited from the organization’s programmes.
Bridget Temani, 19, said First Harvest has helped her realise her potential and develop skills to benefit other young people in her community.
“These skills will help us solve challenges that hinder us in our everyday activities and reach our full potential,” Temani said.
“I have improved greatly since I started working with First Harvest.”
Chipiliro Mkwapatira said that since joining First Harvest’s online leadership and mentorship programme in 2022, he has realised that he can help students in his community who are struggling academically.
He and his peers created the Good Spot project, which established reading centres and improved access to the library at Namphende Primary School.
“As a way of promoting a reading culture, we also provide remedial lessons to ensure that students are successful in school,” Mkwapatira said.
First Harvest was established in 2019 and is registered as a company limited by a guarantee of directors with the Register General.
A board of six directors governs the organisation.
With its unwavering commitment to empowering young leaders and fostering community-driven change, First Harvest is making a significant impact in Thyolo District.
Through its programmes, the organisation is equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to become catalysts for positive transformation in their communities.