Ulalo
Ulalo partners with schools, communities & Malawi’s government to help youth reach potential through success pathway programs.
Ulalo (Oo-lah-loh) — “Bridge” in Chichewa
At Ulalo, we are building bridges to opportunity for Malawi’s youth.
For over a decade, we’ve partnered with schools, communities, and government institutions to create lasting, scalable solutions in education, health, community development, and economic empowerment. We believe that empowered youth are the key to Malawi’s transformation, and we work every day to equip them with the tools to thrive.
Our work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but our vision is local, people-centered, and rooted in community.
Our Vision
To empower youth so they have the means to achieve greatness.
Our Mission
Empowering children and young people to thrive, reach their full learning potential, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our Core Values
- Inclusivity: No one is left behind.
- Innovation: We embrace creativity and learning to solve real problems.
- Partnership: Collaboration creates lasting impact.
- Sustainability: We plan for the future, not just today.
- Influence & Inspiration: We shape policy and inspire communities.
- Integrity: We lead with transparency, trust, and accountability.
Our Approach: What We Do
📚 Improving Education Outcomes
Malawi faces a learning crisis—87% of 10-year-olds cannot read, and only 13% of youth aged 7–14 have basic math skills. Ulalo addresses these challenges through:
- BEFIT: A nationwide EdTech initiative using tablets and apps to boost foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades.
- Connected Education / ICT4D: Establishes computer labs and digital access points in secondary schools and rural centers.
- Ulalo Exam Prep, Bursaries, and Life Skills: Supporting academic success and leadership growth.
- Teacher Development: Training volunteer teachers to become certified and deployed in underserved schools.
🩺 Building a Stronger Health Ecosystem
Good health fuels learning and livelihood. We improve access and awareness through:
- SHE & MARI: Health education and delivery of refurbished medical equipment.
- Peza Thandizo: An online platform for youth-friendly SRHR and GBV reporting.
- Menstrual Health, Nutrition, WASH: Keeping girls in school and students healthy.
🏘 Creating Thriving Communities
Empowered youth need empowered communities. Ulalo supports:
- Community Activation: Working with over 80,000 households to tackle poverty’s root causes.
- Infrastructure & Advocacy: Improving access and amplifying youth and community voices.
💼 Fostering Financial Freedom & Entrepreneurship
We equip youth with pathways to economic resilience through:
- Vocational & Business Skills Training
- Youth-led Agribusiness
- Sustainable Farming & Environmental Stewardship
Our Goal by 2030
To positively impact over 500,000 youth across Malawi through our integrated programs.
What’s Next
We’re expanding our reach and deepening our impact by:
- Scaling up EdTech and digital inclusion programs.
- Launching a Youth Innovation & Employment Hub.
- Building rural Community Development Centres (CDCs).
- Integrating green, digital, and data-driven solutions into all programs.
Ulalo is more than a nonprofit. We are a movement bridging hope and opportunity for a generation of young Malawians.
Fundraisers
Official fundraiser
Give the Gift of Mobility: Bikes for Education in Malawi
In rural Malawi, distance is one of the biggest barriers to education . Many students walk up to 10 kilometers each way to get to school. By the time they arrive, they’re tired, late, or sometimes don’t make it at all, especially girls who face added safety risks along the journey. Ulalo’s Bike Project provides durable, high-quality bicycles to students who need them most. A bicycle isn't just a vehicle, it's a pathway to consistent school attendance, better performance, and a safer, faster journey to learning. 🚲 One bike can cut travel time by more than half.
🎓 Attendance increases by up to 30% for students who receive bikes.
💪🏾 Girls are more likely to stay in school and avoid early marriage. In 2024, we delivered over 100 bicycles and saw immediate impact. This year, we aim to provide at least 200 more . Your donation helps us provide: A Buffalo Bicycle (rugged and built for rural terrain) Basic safety gear and repair kit Orientation and ownership agreements with schools and students It costs just $250 to put one student on the road to a better future. Let’s bridge the distance between hope and opportunity.
Donate today and ride along in changing lives. Why Give Now? Thanks to a generous partner, for every bike you fund, we get one more, absolutely free. That means: Your $250 provides two bicycles, not one. Our goal to reach 100 students will actually support 200 learners . Your donation will have double the impact. Together, We Can: Improve school access Reduce dropout rates Empower girls Keep students safe Break the cycle of poverty $250 = 2 students empowered
$500 = 4 students riding to school
$2500 = 10 lives changed
- Raised
- $1,000
- Next milestone
- $1,500
Donors
Sarah Gioe I was inspired reading about your Bike Initiative in the latest newsletter. And thank you for hosting another Segal partner learning visit! Keep up the good work.