Written by Malonje Phiri – Programme Officer
From 26th to 28th August, Save the Children hosted a governance and leadership training at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, bringing together its funding partners for intensive capacity-building sessions. The workshop aimed at strengthening governance, leadership, and accountability systems to enhance effective service delivery across partner organisations.
The Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD) was represented by Vice Chairperson Charles Mtambo and Programmes Officer Malonje Phiri. Other organisations present included the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), National Youth Organisation for Development (NAYODE), Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), Future for All, and St. John of God. For MANAD, the diverse composition of participants proved particularly valuable, offering an opportunity to learn from the experiences and approaches of fellow organisations.
Save the Children continues to uphold its mission of ensuring that children survive, learn, and are protected, while also investing in the capacity of its partners to safeguard children’s rights and deliver sustainable programmes. MAGGA empowers girls and young women through education, leadership training, and advocacy. NAYODE champions youth empowerment and civic engagement, while MEJN leads policy advocacy on economic governance and budget transparency. Future for All promotes youth and women’s empowerment, and St. John of God delivers vital mental health services, disability support, and inclusive health and rehabilitation programmes.
Over the three days, the training covered a broad range of governance and leadership areas. Key sessions focused on financial oversight, fundraising and resource development, financial management, donor engagement, communication and advocacy, and cultivating a positive board culture. Participants also explored board structures, strategic planning, leadership and team building, nonprofit governance frameworks, ethical practices, and effective board meetings. Each session underscored the importance of strong governance foundations to ensure accountability and long-term organisational sustainability.
The training adopted a highly participatory approach, blending icebreakers, interactive presentations, case studies, group work, and plenary discussions. This dynamic style created a vibrant learning environment, enabling participants to actively engage and apply lessons directly to their organisational contexts.
By the close of the workshop, participants emphasised the need to continue strengthening board capacity through regular training, diversifying resource mobilisation strategies, promoting inclusive governance, and embedding safeguarding and compliance policies in day-to-day practice. Maintaining donor trust through transparency, accountability, and consistent communication was also identified as a top priority.
Overall, the workshop was timely and impactful. It equipped partner organisations with practical skills to improve governance, strengthen financial accountability, and enhance leadership effectiveness. Through initiatives like this, Save the Children and its partners are building resilient institutions, better prepared to serve communities and contribute to a stronger civil society in Malawi
