Overview

KEYS Organization undertakes various initiatives, programs, and projects. The information below outlines the specific areas or causes which we focus on, such as cultural heritage, community development, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship creation, advocacy for local needs, and knowledge systems relating to economic sustainability, agriculture, climate change, and health.

Notable Achievements

KEYS Organization, or Community-Based Organization, has achieved several projects that have positively impacted its members and the community. Through these projects, KEYS Organization has demonstrated its commitment to community development, capacity building, sustainable agriculture, and empowering its members.

Let’s break down each of these projects:

Registering of KEYS Organization

One of the foundational achievements of KEYS Organization was the successful registration of the organization. Registering as a community-based organization offers several advantages, including legal recognition, increased credibility, and eligibility for various government programs and funding opportunities. By completing the registration process, KEYS Organization positioned itself as an official and legitimate entity, ensuring its sustainability and ability to operate effectively.

Fight against child marriage

Since 2019, KEYS Organization has been fighting child marriage and identified one of the team members as Child Protection Worker to support this effort. Since then, KEYS has foiled or ended more than 20 (potential) child marriages and conducted numerous advocacy and awareness meetings with leaders and community members, reaching almost 2000 persons. In addition, it supports community members caring for children by providing psychosocial counseling and essential items for everyday needs. Moreover, it selected and oriented 14 pre-school teachers and financed a three-day training workshop on this topic together with the Social Welfare Services.

Recently. the Firelight Foundation joined KEYS in their fight against child marriage by providing financial support and capacity building through the “ending child marriage initiative (ECM)”. Learn more about their engagement on our dedicated page.

Growing of Legumes (Soya and Peanuts)

KEYS Organization successfully implemented a project focused on the cultivation of legumes as part of focusing on its pillars, entrepreneurship creation. Legumes are an important crop due to their high protein content and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting both farmers and the environment. This project aimed to promote sustainable agriculture practices and improve food and income security within the community. Through training and support, KEYS Organization helped its members to learn effective legume farming techniques, enabling them to increase their crop yields and enhance their livelihoods.

Members of the KEYS Organization preparation a field for growing legumes.

Sowing of legumes by members of the KEYS Organization.

Soy field that financed the establishment of the KEYS Organzation.

Variety of corn with increased pest resistance.

Assortment of corncobs from varieties with increased drought- and pest resistance.

Establishing Members Investment Fund called ‘Ndatukuka’

Another significant milestone of KEYS Organization was the establishment of the Ndatukuka Investment Fund. This initiative aimed to empower members of the organization by providing them with access to financial resources and investment opportunities. The fund could be utilized for various purposes, such as starting or expanding businesses, investing in income-generating activities, or supporting community development projects. By facilitating access to capital and financial literacy, KEYS Organization helped its members unlock economic opportunities and improve their financial well-being.

Fundraising and financing capacity building of KEYS Organization by the Malawi government

KEYS Organization prioritized the development and capacity building of its members. The organization successfully fundraised to support various capacity-building initiatives as one of its pillars. These programs included training workshops, skill development sessions, mentorship programs, or access to resources and tools that enhance the knowledge and capabilities of members. By investing in the capacity building of its members, KEYS Organization aimed to empower individuals and strengthen the overall capacity of the organization.

Frank Puluputu Mwale, the Executive Director of the KEYS Organization, walking home from the meeting venue after a fundraising event for the KEYS Organization.

Presenting a research paper at the 16^th PANAF Congress in Zanzibar (Tanzania)

KEYS Organization showcased its work and achievements by co-presenting a research paper at the 16^th PANAF Congress in Zanzibar (Tanzania). This opportunity allowed the organization to share its experiences, best practices, and lessons learned with a wider audience. By presenting at a conference, KEYS Organization not only contributed to the body of knowledge in its field but also gained recognition and exposure, potentially opening doors for collaborations, partnerships, and future opportunities.

The Executive Director of the KEYS Organization, Frank Puluputu Mwale, at the 16^th PANAF Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The KEYS Organization gratefully acknowledges the Pan African Archaeological Congress for supporting Puluputu Mwale’s registration for his participation in the session “Imagining Futures: Beyond Archives and Archiving” at the 16^th Pan-African Archaeological Congress, “Learning from the African Pasts to Manage Local and Global Disasters.”