Impact Series

Sometimes, the most impactful community initiatives begin with a simple question. For Emerging Public Leaders Malawi’s Public Service Fellowship Programme, that question came from Cohort 2 Fellow, Malumbo Mkinga, who had secured 60 tree seedlings and was determined to ensure they made a meaningful impact in her community in Mzuzu. What followed was a powerful story of initiative, collaboration, and youth-led public service in action. A Simple Idea Takes Root Malumbo reached out with a request, could the seedlings she had sourced be planted in Mzuzu as part of a community engagement effort? The idea immediately resonated. Emerging Public Leaders Malawi had previously supported a similar activity at Kabuthu Primary School in Lilongwe, where Fellows planted trees to promote environmental stewardship among young learners. Unfortunately, Malumbo had missed that event due to work commitments when her supervisor travelled and left her with urgent assignments. This time, she was determined not only to participate but to lead the effort in her own community. During internal discussions, the programmes team recognized an opportunity. Two PSFP Cohort 1 alumni, Wisdom Moyo and Oscar Kameta, were based in Mzuzu. Bringing them together with Malumbo could transform a small activity into a larger collaborative initiative. The decision was made; the Fellows would work together to make the idea a reality.   Building Momentum Through Collaboration From that moment, coordination began in earnest. Malumbo remained relentless in pushing the idea forward, constantly checking in for feedback and progress updates. “Where are we in terms of my plan?” she would ask regularly, ensuring the initiative stayed on track. Within days, Malumbo came with exciting news:   Finally, I have talked to SOS Primary School on the idea of planting trees and they have welcomed it wholeheartedly. We have settled for 6th March.   The school’s enthusiastic reception was a major milestone. Although the chosen date fell on a school day, discussions with the school administration revealed that weekend participation from learners would be difficult. Holding the event during school hours would ensure maximum participation from students, allowing them to learn firsthand about environmental stewardship. With the date confirmed, the Fellows moved quickly. Mobilizing Partners and the Community In just two weeks, Malumbo, Wisdom, and Oscar coordinated partners, secured additional seedlings, and organized logistics. Organizations that joined the initiative include: Apause Youth Organisation Plan International – Youth Advisory Panel Forest and Climate Change Department Citizen Impact Organisation Pace for Change To streamline coordination, a WhatsApp group titled “Tree Planting with Malumbo” was created where updates, guidance, and planning discussions took place. By 5 March, everything was ready. What started as a modest plan to plant 60 seedlings had grown into a fully coordinated community event.   A Day of Learning, Action, and Inspiration On 6 March, the initiative came to life at SOS Primary School in Mzuzu. The event opened with poems and songs performed by learners, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. Oscar Kameta provided a background on Emerging Public Leaders Malawi and the Public Service Fellowship Programme, highlighting how the fellowship equips young professionals with leadership skills to drive change in the public sector.   Representatives from Apause Youth Organisation and the Forest and Climate Change Department also engaged learners in discussions about: Climate change and its effects The importance of environmental conservation Practical actions communities can take to protect the environment Then came the highlight of the day: planting the trees. Learners eagerly participated alongside Fellows and partners, gaining hands-on experience in environmental conservation. By the end of the exercise, 230 tree seedlings had been planted, significantly improving the school’s green cover and contributing to a healthier learning environment.     Reflecting on the moment, Mr. Kelvin Chisaka from the Forest and Climate Change Department shared a powerful message: “When we plant trees with children, it’s like we plant a dream in them, and the future grows in their own hands.”   Beyond Trees: Planting Leadership and Partnerships The activity demonstrated the true spirit of the Public Service Fellowship Programme. It showcased how Fellows: Identify community needs Mobilize partnerships Turn ideas into tangible impact The event also strengthened collaboration between Emerging Public Leaders Malawi and participating organizations, opening doors for future joint initiatives in environmental conservation and youth engagement. For the learners of SOS Primary School, the experience went beyond planting trees,it sparked awareness, responsibility, and hope for the future. Leadership in Action What began as one Fellow’s determination to plant 60 seedlings evolved into a powerful demonstration of youth leadership, collaboration, and climate action. Through teamwork, persistence, and shared purpose, PSFP Fellows transformed a simple idea into a meaningful environmental initiative that touched an entire school community.     For Malumbo Mkinga, Wisdom Moyo, and Oscar Kameta, the trees planted that day represent more than environmental conservation. They represent the growing impact of public service leadership in Malawi. And for the learners who helped plant them, those trees will stand as a reminder that they too have the power to shape the future.

On 7 February, Emerging Public Leaders Malawi conducted a tree planting and Learning Excursion at Nsalu in Lilongwe, blending environmental action with experiential learning. The initiative was implemented in partnership with Timveni Child and Youth Media Orgainization, the National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC), and Miss Malawi, who is also a Public Service Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 Fellow. The excursion reflected Emerging Public Leaders Malawi’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and values-driven public leadership. Tree Planting at Kabuthu Primary School ​ The day began at Kabuthu Primary School under favourable planting conditions, with moist soil and calm weather setting the stage for a productive activity. Public Service Fellows were warmly welcomed by learners through songs, games, and performances, creating an energetic and inclusive atmosphere. The programme officially opened with educational songs, poems, drama, and motivational messages from learners, school staff, and Fellows. These presentations reinforced key themes of environmental stewardship, leadership, and shared responsibility for protecting natural resources .A total of 140 trees were planted within the school grounds, comprising: 20 Mango trees, 20 Pawpaw trees, 20 Avocado trees, 10 Guava trees, 30 Masuku trees, 20 Soldier trees and 20 Umbrella trees.  Most of the trees planted were fruit-bearing, intentionally selected to ensure that learners can benefit nutritionally in the future while contributing to long-term environmental conservation and food security. The activity brought together the School Head Teacher and staff, the EPL Malawi Country Director and team, Miss Malawi 2025/26 Thandie Chisi, Public Service Fellows, learners, and members of the surrounding community. Such engagements are critical for Fellows, as they provide direct interaction with communities at the grassroots level. This exposure strengthens Fellows’ understanding of local realities and equips them to contribute more practical, people-centred solutions within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Learning Visit to Small Farm Cities In the afternoon, Fellows proceeded to Small Farm Cities for a learning excursion focused on sustainable agriculture and community resilience. The visit also served as a show of support for Fellow Sarah Msambira, who is placed at Small Farm Cities to advance sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems. Fellows gained practical insights into eco-friendly farming practices, observing the production of tomatoes, chilli, bamboo, and fish.  Discussions highlighted climate-smart agriculture, resilient food systems, and emerging opportunities in agribusiness. Fellows were also encouraged through offers of mentorship and support should they wish to explore agriculture-based entrepreneurship. Understanding models of self-reliant, environmentally sustainable communities is essential for public servants. Experiences such as this strengthen Fellows’ ability to contribute informed perspectives to policy development and implementation aimed at improving community wellbeing. Fellow-Led Impact in Action Both the tree planting exercise and the learning visit were conceptualised and delivered through the Impact Series, a Fellow-led platform that promotes candid conversations, community engagement, and practical action. Through initiatives like these, EPL Malawi continues to nurture a new generation of public servants who are grounded in community realities, committed to sustainability, and equipped to lead with purpose and integrity.

EPL – Malawi Impact Series is an innovative fellow-led initiative that empowers Public Service Fellows and youth to lead meaningful discussions on critical national issues. Through candid conversations and community service, the series fosters ethical leadership, cultivates informed citizen engagement and drives positive change within communities. Impact Series is dedicated to transforming communities through citizen engagement. One key approach involves empowering Public Service Fellows by creating opportunities for fellows to lead conversations, showcase their expertise and amplify the importance of the public service program.  The initiative also fostering citizen engagement through dynamic discussions where citizens can discuss national issues, share perspectives and contribute to shaping solutions. Building on these conversations, Impact Series also focuses on developing actionable interventions by leveraging insights from discussions to develop strategies that address challenges in governance and socioeconomic development. The initiative provides a structured and inclusive space for emerging leaders to refine their skills, challenge ideas and co-create solutions that drive national development.