Sport improving life outcomes for Malawian youth

Young people trained as sports leaders through Youth Sport Trust International’s BILD programme are putting their new knowledge and skills into action by developing life-changing business opportunities.

One such Youth Sports Leader (YSL) is Gift Tsegula, a 22-year-old mother of one from Mtandire, Lilongwe, whose story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of opportunity.

Growing up in Kasungu District, Gift faced considerable hardships, including hunger and the struggle to afford school fees. Despite these obstacles, her determination never wavered. She persevered and completed her secondary education at Chankhanga CDSS, earning her Malawi School Certificate of Education in 2021.

A pivotal moment arrived in 2024 when Gift was trained as a YSL through the BILD project. The leadership and entrepreneurship training she received became the catalyst for change. Empowered with new knowledge and skills, she began diligently saving her transport allowance to seed a small business. In May 2025, she launched a venture selling sausages.

Today, Gift's business is thriving, generating a consistent income of at least K50,000 (£21!) per week. This financial success has enabled her to not only support her own child but also to care for her younger siblings, breaking the cycle of hardship she knew in her own youth. With her eyes on the future, Gift is already planning her next move: opening a restaurant. She has begun purchasing materials, turning her ambitious dream into a tangible goal.

Gift's journey from struggle to success underscores the profound impact of belief and investment in human potential. Her story is a clear example of how the entrepreneurship training provided by BILD can drive positive change and create lasting improvements in lives and communities.

“Recognising your potential and believing in yourself can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth.” says Gift Tsegula

Impact of BILD Malawi

• 80 YSLs have now been trained
• 80% of YSLs say that they have gained a lot of knowledge from the training
• 8,122 children have taken parti in festivals of activity delivered by YSLs.

Malawi is the fourth poorest and one of the world's least developed countries facing many social, economic and health challenges.  66.4% of the population are aged 0-24 years. Please help Youth Sport Trust International to continue to improve the life chances of young people in Malawi.

THANK YOU