Nothing for the youth, without the youth.
We don't wait
for the future.
We build it.
Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development (YESD) is a youth-led, non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization empowering young Malawians socially, economically, and psychologically through capacity building, mentorship, advocacy, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Youth in vocational training
Community outreach session
Youth leaders in a forum
60%+
Of Malawi's population is under 39
10–35
Age range of youth we serve
7
Strategic objectives guiding our work
11
Active program areas
Why we exist
Malawi has one of the youngest populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. We exist so that fact becomes an opportunity, not a crisis.
High youth unemployment, adolescent pregnancy, climate vulnerability, limited access to skills training, and mental health challenges all weigh heavily on young people's outcomes — and rural-urban disparities make it worse.
YESD equips young people with capacity building, mentorship, advocacy, and sustainable livelihood opportunities — including digital platforms and skills — so they become active drivers of sustainable development rather than passive recipients of it.
Read our full profile →Our strategic pillars
Three pillars that hold every
program we run.
Pillar 01
Economic Empowerment, Agribusiness & the Green Economy
Turning young people from job seekers into job creators through incubation hubs, climate-smart agribusiness, and green enterprise skills.
Pillar 02
Holistic Health & Well-being
Sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and psychosocial support delivered through safe spaces, peer educators, and trained counselors.
Pillar 03
Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship
Youth-led restoration, plastic-free community campaigns, and advocacy that puts young people in environmental governance rooms.
Our methodology
The YESD Way: four stages from vulnerability to integration.
01
Inspiration
Community outreach and school workshops that spark motivation and identify young people ready to grow.
02
Incubation
Mentorship and mindset work that builds confidence, resilience, and leadership before technical training begins.
03
Skill Development
Hands-on training in vocational trades, digital literacy, financial literacy, and professionalism.
04
Integration
Job placement, seed capital, and links into governance so training turns into livelihoods and voice.
Young people at work in the field
“Nothing for the youth, without the youth.”
That founding principle shapes every program YESD runs: young people aren't just beneficiaries, they design, implement, and lead.
Your part in this is one click away.
Fund a training place, volunteer your skills, or bring your organization in as a partner.