Students with Dreams inspires college students to develop creative and innovative projects that address pressing social issues through supporting them with training, mentorship and seed funding. Since 2011, more than 130 students from 3 colleges have created more than 50 projects in southern Malawi, which have impacted thousands of people.
In Malawi, 70% of the population is under 30 and more than 70% of Malawians aged 15-29 work in the informal sector (subsistence farming, street vending, etc). In an education system that emphasizes memorization and competition, young people have few opportunities to pursue their passion, lead their own projects, and mobilise other youth.
Students with Dreams inspires college students to develop creative and innovative projects that address pressing social issues. We support them with training, mentorship, and seed funding. SWD alumni serve as mentors, sharing their experience with the next generation of Dreamers. When SWD started in 2011, it was the first youth leadership program of its kind in Malawi and has since supported more than 150 students from 3 colleges in realizing more than 50 projects in southern Malawi.
Students with Dreams creates a pro-active, outward-thinking culture among students that encourages innovation and collaboration. Dreamers' projects, addressing issues such as gender inequality, human rights, HIV/AIDS, and access to the arts, actively engage dozens of additional college students and benefit hundreds of school children, rural community members, and residents of Zomba. The programme empowers young dreamers to initiate and lead the movement for social change in Malawi.
