Q&A with Amina, the volunteer promoting youth opportunities in Malawi

Before joining VSO, I was simply a young person passionate about youth work but with limited capacity and knowledge about what volunteering or community development truly meant. I first learned about VSO in 2019, when I was 17 and volunteering at another youth-led organisation.

VSO wanted to train young people in Mangochi on social accountability, and I was privileged to be one of the few selected through the District Youth Office to participate in that training. That’s how I became a youth champion working with VSO, and after the trainings, I started facilitating in my district.  

Eventually, I was upgraded from a youth champion to a community volunteer, which aligns deeply with my long-held passion. 

You’ve had a journey with VSO since joining in 2019—over five years! What inspired you to choose this path?

The trust VSO placed in me to lead others drew me in. Learning about their commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment strongly resonated with my values and goals, which made me even more eager to join VSO. 

Could you describe the context of your role in the ACTIVE project and the goals you aimed to achieve? 

As a community volunteer, I support various project activities in my district, organise community meetings, and conduct trainings. My role primarily involves engaging communities and young people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Malawi Agenda 2063. I serve as a focal point, bridging the gap between the VSO offices and the community members and youth clubs I work with. 

What challenges have you encountered working in this role? 

It can be challenging to lead people who are older than me, even though they’re considered part of the youth group. I’ve had to overcome challenges like language barriers, but I’ve adapted, learning the importance of clear communication and flexibility. Personally, time management was an issue initially.

Balancing work with my studies and personal commitments required adjusting my schedule, but I learned how to do it effectively over time. 

Professionally, I had some skill gaps and needed additional training on handling project implementation on the ground. Thanks to the trainings provided during the induction, I’ve been able to cover some of these gaps, enhancing my effectiveness. 

What were the main areas the project aimed to address, and how you contribute to these goals? 

I work on the ACTIVE project under VSO, focusing on SDGs 1, 2, 13, and 16. I’m involved in climate action and poverty alleviation, and from my perspective, I’ve seen a tangible impact on the ground.  

Under climate action, for instance, we’ve tackled issues in agriculture and forestry, empowering young people to develop entrepreneurial skills. Since the project began, I’ve mentored 20 youth entrepreneurs, and about 70% of them are now financially self-reliant, having started their own businesses. 

Additionally, we’ve brought 28 young girls back to school who had previously dropped out for various reasons. We implemented re-admission policies and provided the girls with necessary materials, all initiatives developed by the youth clubs I work with. It’s inspiring to see these young people take the lead in creating change. 

What does a typical day looks like for you on this project? 

My day usually begins with preparing materials for training sessions or monitoring visits with youth clubs. Before a training, I hold a meeting with the youth club leaders to review objectives and engage the participants. We start with a pre-assessment to gauge knowledge and capacity, conduct a full-day session (usually seven to eight hours), and end with a post-assessment to measure progress. 

On monitoring days, I meet with youth clubs, discuss their challenges and achievements, and visit their projects—whether in irrigation farming, forestry, or other areas. I observe their progress firsthand, record data in Kobo collect, and set a date for the next visit. I also prepare a report, ensuring that all activities are well-documented. 

How was your experience working in blended teams with national volunteers? 

Working with national volunteers has been invaluable. They support most of my activities, helping with site visits, engaging with community members, and even assisting with concept notes. If I face knowledge gaps, I can rely on them for guidance. They’ve been essential in building the success of the project. 

Is there a specific success story that stands out to you—one that showcases the impact of your work? 

Yes, there’s a young woman named Margaret Adin, 23 years old, who started working with us two years ago. Through the irrigation farming initiatives, she started saving through the Village Savings Loan Association. Eventually, she opened her own grocery store and is now independent.

Recently, she shared that she’s planning to build a house and has already purchased 40 iron sheets. It’s a powerful example of impact—she started with almost nothing, and now she’s building a home for herself. 

How have these experiences changed you personally and professionally? 

This project has significantly contributed to my growth. I’ve learned about leadership, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. I now understand more about diverse cultures, and this has broadened my perspective.

I’ve also strengthened my advocacy skills and developed confidence as a leader, which was something I dreamed of doing. 

Volunteering is crucial because it directly addresses local needs, improving community well-being and services. It fosters civic engagement and makes us more aware of social issues, prompting us to find solutions. On a personal level, volunteering builds valuable experiences, enhancing skills, confidence, and personal development. 

For young people, developing skills through volunteering boosts their confidence and ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Youth involvement also encourages innovation, as we bring fresh ideas and solutions. Developing leadership in today’s youth builds community resilience and promotes sustainable development. 

What makes VSO different from other organisations, in your opinion?

VSO stands out because it emphasises sustainable development and long-term partnerships with local communities, ensuring culturally relevant and effective projects. Unlike some organisations that phase out projects and leave beneficiaries behind, VSO maintains ongoing involvement.

I started working with them in 2019, and they’ve reached out for various data collection, training, and development initiatives since then. This commitment shows their dedication to continuous youth empowerment. 

The ACTIVE programme

ACTIVE aims to reach 2.5 million people across 19 countries by mobilising marginalised groups, such as women, young people and those with disabilities, to act on the issues that are most important to them and their communities. 

This funding will help strengthen locally led organisations and create a culture of active citizenship – where marginalised people actively engage with their own development - whilst building the capacity of the UK’s partner countries to respond to the needs of their citizens across healthcare, education and livelihoods. 

Learn more