It began with one man’s unwavering faith in the power of opportunity. In 2007, the late Reverend Father Joseph Ekari Makina, moved by the harsh grip of generational poverty in Malawi, planted a seed of hope. Using his own humble resources, he became a lifeline for bright-eyed students whose dreams were stifled by circumstance, covering school fees, providing essentials, and kindling the transformative power of education. When young learners had nowhere to turn, he opened his doors, weaving a safety net of kinship and care. This profound act of love was the foundation upon which Ekari was built.

Father Joseph’s vision soon echoed across oceans. During pastoral work abroad, he connected with compassionate supporters in the United States, individuals deeply moved by his mission. Together, they forged a bridge of solidarity, amplifying resources to nurture the growing work back home in Malawi. Though a devastating accident later silenced Father Joseph’s physical presence, his spirit endured. the foundation kept it’s promises ensuring the flame he lit would not be extinguished. A new generation of local leadership emerged within Malawi, passionately committed to carrying the torch forward.

Under this stewardship, Ekari blossomed. It became far more than scholarships. Dozens of students received the precious gift of education, their paths to futures once unimaginable now illuminated. Marginalized women, resilient farmers, and determined youth found not just support, but empowerment. Ekari nurtured skills, fostered sustainable agriculture to combat hunger, and instilled a powerful belief: communities hold the solutions to their own challenges. The foundation became a catalyst, sparking local leadership and self-reliance. It was not just giving aid; it was unlocking potential, turning beneficiaries into architects of their own prosperity.

After a period of reflection and renewal, in2024 Ekari returned to the soil it cherishes. Re-imagined for the modern era and guided by Malawian leadership, the foundation honors its roots while embracing the future. Our core mission is to empower through education and sustainable agriculture, burns brighter than ever. Now, we expand our embrace: championing climate-smart resilience to protect vulnerable lands, fostering financial literacy to build economic freedom, pioneering inclusive contract farming to connect communities to markets, and investing in community health as the bedrock of well being.

We are building upon a legacy of profound human impact, not just counting beneficiaries, but celebrating the leaders, farmers, scholars, and change makers who emerged. Our focus is unwavering: sustainable solutions, locally-led innovation, and the unshakeable belief that Malawian communities, when empowered, are unstoppable. Join us as we write the next chapter – a renaissance of hope, resilience, and shared triumph.

The seed was planted in love. The harvest is a future re-imagined.