From Kerry to Malawi: How One Couple Is Helping Change Lives Through Practical Skills

At The Chifundo Foundation, our heart has always been about empowering the next generation of Malawian youth, giving them the tools, education, and practical skills they need to reach their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.

This month, we are thrilled to welcome back two wonderful friends of the charity and dedicated volunteers from County Kerry, Ireland: Ann Foley and Seán Stack.

A Continuing Journey of Impact

Our mission, started right here in Dublin by Elaine and John Cogavin, has been to walk alongside children in Malawi from primary school all the way through higher education or vocational trades.

Ann, a senior lecturer at ATU Connemara in Letterfrack, first volunteered with us last year. During her time on the ground, she saw firsthand what long-term support looks like in action. As she so warmly shared:

"The charity has made a massive impact seeing kids through the education system... one young woman who went through the programme who we met last year is now qualified as a medical doctor. It’s a small charity, but the impact is quite big."

This July, Ann returns to our education centre in Zomba, bringing along two student teachers from ATU Connemara. Joining her for his very first volunteering trip in Malawi is her husband, Seán!

Hands-On Training for Real Livelihoods

Our month-long summer school in Zomba brings together almost 100 children for a mix of academic classes, English language practice, daily meals, and sports. But just as crucially, it offers hands-on vocational training for students preparing to build their own futures outside of the university path.

This year’s summer workshops focus on practical trade skills like woodwork, tailoring, carpentry, signwriting, and painting:

• Ann and her team of student teachers will lead practical sessions utilizing her background in woodwork, technical graphics, and health and safety.

• Seán, a professional painter and decorator by trade, will run workshops in signwriting and painting to pass his trade along to local youth.

With these practical skills, our students gain not just technical know-how, but the capability to build a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families.

A History of Generosity

Seán and Ann’s support didn't start with this trip. Last year, Seán organized a massive jersey donation drive across local Irish sports clubs, bringing over 250 sports jerseys (from GAA to basketball) that brought endless smiles to the children in Zomba.

Ahead of this year's trip, Seán launched an online fundraiser to help us purchase the essential tools, paint, and materials required to run these vocational workshops on-site.

How You Can Help Us Grow

It takes a community to keep these pathways open for our children. Whether through volunteering your expertise, sharing our story, or contributing to material funds, every bit of support makes a direct, lasting difference.

• Support the Vocational Workshop Fundraiser: You can search "Supporting Vocational Skills in Malawi" on GoFundMe or donate directly via https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-vocational-skills-in-malawi

• Get Involved: Explore our website at chifundo.org to learn more about our ongoing programmes and how you can support our work in Zomba.

We want to send a huge, heartfelt thank you to Ann, Seán, and everyone back in Lisselton and beyond who continues to support our mission!