In Group Village Head (GVH) Kanjizinge, Nkhata Bay North, Patrick Mwenda, a 32-year-old father of two, is spearheading a transformative initiative to improve early childhood education in his community. As chair of the Suti Early Childhood Development (ECD) committee, Patrick has witnessed first-hand the power of collective action, and the critical role education plays in securing a brighter future for children.

For years, Patrick relied on fishing to provide for his family. However, like many others in his village, he faced increasing challenges due to fluctuating fish stocks, unpredictable weather, and dwindling income. Meanwhile, the lack of accessible education left many children walking long distances to attend school, leading to high dropout rates. Recognizing that a strong educational foundation is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, Patrick and his community turned to Temwa’s ECD program for support.
The climate crisis has compounded these challenges, with communities across Malawi facing longer droughts, flooding, and food insecurity. These impacts underscore the importance of community-led initiatives like Suti ECD Center, which builds resilience by equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge to adapt to an uncertain future.
With Temwa’s guidance, Patrick and the committee established Suti ECD Center in September 2024. This is the first time children under six in the village have had access to formal education. Starting with a temporary shade and locally sourced teaching materials, the ECD program has already enrolled 50 children, ensuring no child is left without support at home. Patrick proudly shares, “The children are showing remarkable progress in their behaviour, speech, and even articulating words in English.”
Community Ownership and Resilience
The success of Suti ECD Centre is a testament to the power of community-driven development. Parents have come together to contribute resources, such as maize, sugar, and monetary support, for a meal programme that ensures every child at the centre is well-nourished. Caregivers, some of whom volunteered without expecting payment, have undergone training facilitated by Temwa to meet national standards, enhancing the quality of education provided.

“Our hope for a better future lies in education,” Patrick explains. “Before Temwa’s involvement, we had never considered an ECD centre, but now the community is fully invested in this initiative.” The community has already secured land for the construction of a permanent ECD structure, laying the groundwork for future generations to benefit from early education.
ECD’s Role in Addressing Climate Change
Education plays a vital role in building resilience to climate change. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age, ECD programs like Suti empower children to adapt to and address environmental challenges. Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on community collaboration and resource mobilisation demonstrates how local action can drive sustainable development even in the face of adversity.
In Patrick’s words, “This is more than just a school—it is a foundation for the future of our children and our village.” With Temwa’s continued support, the community aims to establish a nearby primary school, reducing the distances children must travel and further preventing dropouts.
The Path Forward
As Malawi navigates the complex challenges of climate change, initiatives like Suti ECD Center highlight the importance of education in creating resilient communities. By investing in the youngest members of society and empowering parents and caregivers, Temwa’s ECD program is laying the groundwork for long-term social and environmental transformation.

For Patrick and the residents of GVH Kanjizinge, the journey has only just begun, but the impact is already clear. “We are committed to ensuring our children enjoy learning and are prepared for the future,” he says. “Through this program, we are building hope, one child at a time.”
Read more on our ECD project in our latest report here.