Foundation Hosts Annual Community Outreach Day in Mzuzu

The El Chay Foundation hosted its annual Community Outreach Day at the Mzuzu Civic Centre, drawing hundreds of residents for a day of free services, skills demonstrations, and community celebration.

The event featured free health screenings provided in partnership with a local health centre, demonstrations of tailoring and bicycle repair skills by program graduates, information stalls for all Foundation programs, and an open enrolment session for upcoming program cohorts.

More than 400 people attended throughout the day, with long queues forming at the health screening station and the tailoring demonstration attracting particular interest from young women.

"Events like this are how we stay connected to the communities we serve," said the Foundation's Community Outreach Officer. "It is a chance for people to see our work firsthand, ask questions, and decide if our programs are right for them."

Twelve new participants enrolled in the Vocational Tailoring & Sewing program on the day, and 28 farming families signed up for the Agriculture & Food Security program ahead of the next planting season.

The Foundation also used the event to launch a new community feedback initiative, distributing simple feedback cards that allow community members to share suggestions and concerns anonymously. Responses will be reviewed quarterly and used to improve program delivery.

The outreach day has become a highlight of the Foundation's calendar, and planning for the 2025 event is already underway. The Foundation welcomes volunteers and sponsors who would like to support future outreach activities.