Chikondi Kulemeka’s Presentation at The Voice of Africa’s Diaspora Connect Room

At The Voice of Africa’s Diaspora Connect Room, Chikondi Kulemeka, founder of The Desk Project, shared a powerful presentation on transforming education in Malawi. Her mission is simple yet impactful: to provide every student in Malawi with a desk, creating a foundation for academic success. The initiative aims to address the classroom shortage in Malawi, where millions of students sit on the cold floor each day, hindering their potential.

In Malawi, over 3.4 million students are forced to sit on hard floors, leading to discomfort and contributing to high dropout rates. This situation is especially severe for girls, with 50% dropping out by the end of sixth grade. The Desk Project seeks to change this narrative by providing students with the proper infrastructure for learning, one desk at a time.

By partnering with local carpenters and using locally sourced hardwood, The Desk Project has furnished four schools with desks for every student, impacting over 6,000 students learners every year. These desks go beyond just providing seating; they create environments where students can focus, stay engaged, and have the dignity they deserve to succeed.

The initiative has already seen significant success, with higher attendance rates, improved test scores, and better retention rates—especially for girls. The project also fosters local economic growth by working with Malawian carpenters, making the desks a catalyst for community development.

The Desk Project’s Vision:

The mission of The Desk Project is to address the desk shortage and create sustainable, long-term solutions to educational inequality in Malawi. By improving classroom conditions, the project is helping reduce dropout rates, especially for girls, and ensuring access to higher education for all students.

Making an Impact:

The Desk Project’s work has already equipped 4 schools, providing 6,000 students with access to proper desks. Every desk constructed plays a role in uplifting Malawian students, ensuring they can focus on their studies without the discomfort of sitting on the floor. Additionally, The Desk Project works with local carpenters and businesses to ensure economic empowerment within the community.

Ways to Get Involved:

There are many ways to support The Desk Project, whether it’s through donations, partnerships, or raising awareness. By investing in The Desk Project, you are helping provide more students with the tools they need to succeed, while supporting local businesses and empowering communities. The project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making contributions eligible for tax deductions.

Chikondi ended her presentation with a call for collaboration, inviting attendees to connect via LinkedIn and explore how they can contribute to this impactful cause. The mission is clear—together, we can create an education system in Malawi where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Through The Desk Project, Chikondi Kulemeka is changing the lives of students in Malawi. One desk at a time, one classroom at a time, this initiative is making a lasting impact on education and the future of Africa. Join the movement and help uplift the next generation of leaders.