New Beginnings, Lasting Change
 
 

The Childhoods & Livelihoods Program

We partner with families to move from extreme poverty to stable, income-generating livelihoods, so they can improve children’s nutrition, health, and early childhood education while simultaneously strengthening long-term community resilience.

A Multifaceted Approach

We improve outcomes for Malawi’s most vulnerable children by strengthening the households they depend on. Through livelihood support for caregivers and partnerships with Community-Based Organizations, we build economic stability and community-driven safety nets that prevent poverty from passing to the next generation.

Three Areas of Focus

 
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childhood wellbeing

Creating supportive environments
for children to learn and grow

 

what we do

We work directly with families, especially mothers and caregivers, providing individualized coaching and practical support that improves children’s access to nutritious food, quality education, early childhood development, essential healthcare, protection services, and a safer, more resilient home environment. We collaborate with community leaders and local organizations to strengthen the safety nets families rely on.

how it works

We partner with community leaders and trusted Community Based Organizations to understand local challenges and identify the most vulnerable households. We then enroll eligible families into our Childhoods & Livelihoods Program.

Our team works one-on-one with caregivers to develop action plans, build peer support, and connect families to services for food security, health, education, protection, and household resilience.

Children receive stronger care at home and benefit from community safety nets, helping them grow into healthy, thriving adults.

 
 
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Sustainable Business

Helping families move from extreme poverty to stable, income-generating businesses

 

WHAT WE DO

We support mothers and caregivers with the capital and training they need to build reliable sources of income. Families receive six months of direct cash transfers to stabilize their households, followed by a business start-up grant, mobile phones for mobile banking and payments, and hands-on support to launch and grow small enterprises.

 

How it works

Our team works with each household to identify viable business opportunities based on local markets and family capacity.

Caregivers receive practical business training and a start-up grant to launch income-generating activities such as poultry, crop production, or small trade.

Families participate in regular group sessions where field staff provide ongoing guidance, problem-solving, and peer learning.

All households join Village Savings and Loan groups (VSLs), creating a financial safety net as income begins to grow.

With stable livelihoods, families are able to consistently meet their children’s basic needs.

 
 
 
 
 
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Financial Management

Helping families turn income into stability and long-term security

 

what we do

We equip caregivers with simple, practical financial tools designed for low literacy levels so they can manage income, build savings, and plan for their children’s future.

 

How it works

Caregivers develop basic household budgets and savings plans aligned with their goals.

Through Village Savings and Loan groups, families build savings, access small loans, and strengthen financial discipline.

Program teams reinforce good financial practices over time, helping families manage shocks, reduce debt, and make informed decisions.

As savings grow, families are better able to invest in their children’s health, education, and nutrition.

 
 
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