Dear Just Imagine Friends,

It’s easy to talk about impact in numbers. At COTN Malawi, those numbers are significant—over 1,500 children receiving holistic care, and more than 900 being supported every day through our Village Partnership Programme. Behind those figures are families navigating one of the most severe economic crises the country has faced since independence.

With inflation hovering around 30 percent, the cost of food, transport, and basic services continues to rise. Many organisations have been forced to scale back or leave altogether. What’s humbling is that our partners in Malawi have chosen to stay—facing these challenges in faith, and working tirelessly to ensure children continue to receive care, protection, and opportunity.

But the true impact of this work is best understood one life at a time.

Kelvin grew up in a household marked by hardship. He and his siblings depended entirely on their mother, a woman with no formal education and no steady income. To survive, she brewed beer outside their home. People would gather to drink, and with that came noise, fighting, and instability.

There were many days when food was uncertain and basic needs felt far away. Kelvin remembers watching his mother carry the weight of responsibility silently and courageously. Even as a child, the pressure of poverty felt overwhelming.

Everything began to change when Kelvin joined COTN.

For the first time, he says, his family felt seen and supported. With that foundation, Kelvin completed his primary education, and later was given the opportunity to attend COTN’s International Christian Academy. He studied with determination, aware that many children with similar dreams never get that chance.

Kelvin went on to study Tourism at Mzuzu University. He recently graduated—and in January, began employment at a travel centre.

Reflecting on his journey, Kelvin says, “Each step forward reminded me of how far I had come and how many hands had lifted me along the way. I stand today with gratitude, hope, and a commitment to rise and help others do the same.”

Stories like Kelvin’s remind us that transformation is rarely quick or simple. It grows through long-term commitment, steady presence, and people who refuse to give up when circumstances are hard.

At COTN, our vision is to see children raised who go on to transform their communities and nations. Kelvin’s story is one glimpse of what that can look like.

It’s a privilege to share stories like this with you. We don’t take lightly the trust you place in this work.