The initiative was organised to give back to the community by supporting children through meaningful interaction, mentorship, and the donation of assorted essential items. Representatives from the also joined Unicaf University staff during the visit.

As part of the programme, attendees were given a guided tour of the Kusewera Community Centre to gain a deeper understanding of the organisation’s work, which is centred around its three key pillars: education, health, and play. The centre relies heavily on support from partners in the USA, as well as fundraising initiatives, to sustain its programmes and continue serving children and the surrounding community.

A key highlight of the event was a mentorship session led by Unicaf University Chief Operating Officer, Madam Chrissie Kafoteka, with members of the Girl Power female club. During the session, Madam Kafoteka encouraged the girls to remain committed to their education, stay focused on their goals, and believe in their ability to succeed.

The day also featured interactive games, creative play activities, and engagement sessions between staff, students, and children, creating a joyful and enriching atmosphere for everyone involved. The activities promoted compassion, teamwork, and social responsibility among the volunteers while offering the children an enjoyable and memorable experience.

As part of the initiative, Unicaf University donated assorted stationery items, menstrual pads, and a haircut machine to the centre. The haircut machine will support the organisation’s free haircut days for children, helping to promote hygiene and well-being within the community.

The initiative reflects Unicaf University’s ongoing dedication to supporting communities and empowering young people through education, mentorship, and meaningful social engagement.

The delegation, comprising faculty and students from a range of disciplines and academic programmes, was provided with a deeper understanding of, and operational exposure to, the ways in which drone technology can have a transformative impact on real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare logistics and transportation.

The group was warmly welcomed by Jedsy team members who provided an overview of the company’s operations and its role in drone-based logistics and medical supply distribution. Students were further introduced to how drones are reshaping transportation systems by delivering much-needed medical supplies to remote and/or underserved health facilities at speeds previously thought impossible. The group also received a comprehensive overview of the drone development lifecycle, from raw materials through to final testing.

Students were given a detailed outline of the initial stage of the drone manufacturing process, which involves constructing the drones’ structural foundation. This stage encompasses the use of 3D printing technology to produce drone parts, as well as the use of carbon fiber for the drones’ physical shell.

The process of electronics and power integration was also illustrated, including the soldering and wiring involved in connecting the ‘nervous system’ of the drones, as well as the installation of essential components ahead of the final assembly stages.

Attention then turned to the drones’ electronics assembly and flight control systems, comprising the installation of flight controllers, specialised computing and imaging systems, the integration of flight management software and the implementation of hybrid flight modes to enhance drone manoeuvrability and versatility.

At the pilot station, students were provided with an overview of the drones’ control and operational systems, including simulation software, aerodynamic principles and manual override protocols. This was followed by a live demonstration showcasing the drone’s flight capabilities and take-off and landing procedures.

The visit concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which students were able to enquire about drone development and functionality in addition to logistical challenges and solutions as well as potential internship opportunities.

Observing first-hand the drone manufacturing lifecycle, from raw materials to final testing, alongside the integration of digital aviation technologies and logistics operations, proved insightful and highly informative for both students and faculty.

Unicaf looks forward to future collaboration with industry experts and organisations such as Jedsy, providing students with practical expertise in developing innovative, impact-driven solutions that benefit communities worldwide across diverse contexts.

The agreement was formalised in Lilongwe by Unicaf University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Robert Ridley, and MISALICO General Secretary, Reverend Frank Harawa.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Ridley emphasised the importance of equipping investors with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.

“As an institution of higher learning, we have partnered with them so that their members can enrol at a discount,” he said, adding that the initiative will help MISALICO members better understand investment, stock market participation, and broader financial management.

Under the agreement, MISALICO members will benefit from generous plus an additional 10% discount on final tuition fees for Unicaf University at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels.

Rev. Frank Harawa welcomed the collaboration, noting that financial discipline and literacy are key drivers of economic empowerment and national development.

“This agreement will benefit young investors and the country at large,” he said.

About MISALICO

MISALICO Malawi is a registered association representing minority shareholders in companies listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE). The organisation promotes financial literacy, encourages share ownership among Malawians, and advocates for stronger corporate governance, transparency, and increased local participation in listed companies.

It also conducts nationwide investment awareness campaigns, shareholder education programmes, and stakeholder engagement initiatives aimed at deepening public participation in Malawi’s capital markets.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Unicaf University and MISALICO to expand access to higher education while strengthening financial literacy and investment capacity across Malawi.

At the summit, Unicaf Kenya’s Country Manager, Ms Winnie Rachael, was honoured with an award recognising her as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women, acknowledging her outstanding contribution to education, leadership development and women’s empowerment across Africa.

During a panel discussion, Ms Rachael was able to share valuable insights on the importance of education, supportive learning environments and professional development. She also emphasised the need for different organisations and institutions to expand access to opportunities that empower women through flexible learning, mentorship and scholarship opportunities supporting personal growth and a strong work-life balance.

Following the panel discussion, Unicaf conducted a master class session, facilitated by Ms Rachael, on leadership and professional development, focused on practical leadership skills, personal growth strategies and the importance of continuous learning in today’s dynamic professional environment.

Unicaf’s participation in this summit reinforces its commitment to supporting education, leadership development and capacity building for female professionals and organizations across the continent, through Unicaf’s affordable and flexible academic programmes where students earn internationally recognised degrees in collaboration with our esteemed partner universities in the UK and Africa.

We look forward to participating in similar events in the future, strengthening partnerships and promoting continuous learning.

Through this collaboration, eligible Nigerian students will benefit from generous scholarship support when pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees online with Unicaf’s network of  reputable partner universities in the UK and Africa. The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers to higher education and create structured, accessible pathways to internationally recognised qualifications.

This partnership reflects Unicaf’s ongoing commitment to widening participation in higher education and aligns with global and national development priorities, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on human capital development.

Dr Nicos Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Unicaf, commented:
“Education remains one of the most powerful drivers of social and economic progress. Through our partnership with UNESCO REF, we are strengthening our mission to make internationally recognised higher education accessible to students who may otherwise face financial constraints. By offering substantial scholarship support through the EFFS, we are enabling more Nigerian students to pursue their academic ambitions and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the wider economy.”

The Educational Financial Facility Scheme combines scholarship opportunities with structured financial support, ensuring that students who meet the eligibility criteria can access quality higher education in a flexible and affordable manner. Successful applicants will pay only a small portion of their tuition fees, with the majority covered through the scheme.

The partnership is also expected to contribute to broader socio-economic outcomes by enhancing employability, supporting upskilling, and equipping graduates with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in a competitive, globalised workforce. By investing in education, the initiative supports long-term capacity building and inclusive growth.

UNESCO REF selected Unicaf as a strategic partner based on its established global network, robust scholarship model, and commitment to maintaining high academic standards through accredited partner institutions. Unicaf’s extensive experience in delivering flexible, online education ensures that students can balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.

Prospective students in Nigeria are encouraged to explore the opportunities available through this partnership and take the next step towards achieving their educational and career goals.

A community based organisation, ADDIZ is dedicated to supporting over 26,000 people currently living with dementia in Zambia. This meeting formed part of the Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society (LEADS) initiative funded by the European Union and locally supported by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). It brought together key figures from academia, healthcare, civil society and policy-making institutions to strengthen dementia care systems through greater collaboration between stakeholders, improved coordination amongst civil society organisations (CSOs) and the promotion of collective action in addressing dementia related challenges.

Many vital aspects regarding dementia care were discussed at the meeting. Focal points included overall challenges in dementia care, existing and potential future gaps in intervention, the importance of working with CSOs to deliver on programmes concerning health advocacy and community outreach, greater efficiency and efficacy in coordinating with project partners as well as collaboration with other relevant stakeholders in conducting research related to dementia care, mental health and ageing populations.

Higher education institutions like ours are uniquely positioned to help achieve these objectives. Collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs) on community outreach and capacity-building programmes represents a key area where Unicaf University can make significant contributions. For example, through generous scholarships, our students are enabled to pursue their academic ambitions and apply their skills and competencies effectively within their chosen fields by alleviating some of the strain typically associated with further education.

The training of healthcare workers and specialised caregivers represents another area in which higher education institutions such as Unicaf University can help meet current and future demand through its available academic programmes.

Academic institutions can also make a substantial impact through the conclusions reached from specific research projects. Research focused on analysing current healthcare systems and providing tangible solutions to existing challenges can inform policy and intervention strategies implemented by the appropriate entities.

Unicaf University remains committed to identifying new research areas, introducing greater collaborative efforts with new and existing partners and contributing targeted research findings to ongoing or emerging initiatives aimed at improving healthcare systems and overall community health.

A key highlight from the conference included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Unicaf and the KPA. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration in professional training and provide greater access to higher education opportunities for current and future KPA members.

Unicaf Kenya’s Country Manager, Ms Winnie Rachael, also had the opportunity to speak during the conference, where she shared key information regarding Unicaf’s programmes, particularly those in healthcare, and our commitment to supporting healthcare professionals through accessible and flexible education.

Unicaf is well equipped to deliver on these pledges through its available academic programmes and generous scholarships, enabling our students to further their studies while receiving as much support as possible.

Students will have the ability to obtain an internationally recognised degree through our esteemed partner universities in the UK and Africa, facilitated by Unicaf’s state-of-the-art digital learning platform, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere.

Through our participation in this conference and the signing of an MoU with the KPA, Unicaf’s commitment to expanding access to accessible and flexible higher education for healthcare professionals remains clear. We look forward to welcoming those seeking to make the most of this opportunity.

Attendees at the event included the former Minister of Education, Professor Nkandu Luo, also the Guest of Honour, alongside other prominent guests, including the Chairperson of the Graduate Women Association, current directors from the Ministry of Education, NGO leaders, former female ambassadors, broadcasters, headteachers, and female students from various universities. Additionally, a Unicaf University graduate spoke at the event in her capacity as the head of an NGO. Together, they shared valuable insights into how women can shape their educational pathways to achieve their career ambitions.

The diverse set of guest backgrounds and positions illustrate the variety of interests that women have in a multitude of fields. At Unicaf University, we provide a wide range of for students to choose from and as a result, students can pursue a degree in a subject area or specialisation that is most suited to both their interests and strengths.

Dr Christine Mushibwe was invited to share her own experience of balancing professional responsibilities with family life, offering valuable perspectives on maintaining both successfully.

For prospective students aiming to maintain stability in their personal and professional lives without placing additional strain on themselves or their families, scholarships can help alleviate some uncertainties associated with pursuing further education at this stage of their lives.

We look forward to working with the U.S. Embassy in Zambia again in the future to deliver impactful and informative events that promote and celebrate women’s excellence in higher education.

Unicaf University continues to support women in higher education with the goal of helping them reach their full potential and achieve their professional ambitions, while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

The agreement marks a significant step towards expanding access to quality higher education and professional development opportunities for young people across Kenya. Through this collaboration, YIDP members will benefit from generous Unicaf Scholarships, enabling them to pursue internationally recognised Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programmes online.

The MoU was signed by Collince Alan Dundo, Founder & CEO of YIDP, Teresa Muliro, Project Manager at YIDP, and Ms Winnie Rachael, Country Manager at Unicaf Kenya, in the presence of representatives from both organisations.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, both parties emphasised the importance of education in driving youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Through its scholarship platform, Unicaf continues to support individuals and organisations by providing flexible, affordable, and internationally recognised higher education opportunities.