New Partnership Between We Love Reading and Nonprofit Organizations in Malawi

We Love Reading announced new partnerships, which began preparation in the middle of this year, to promote reading in communities globally, specifically in Malawi. The partnership was established in collaboration with the PRRC Center, which was created in response to the urgent need to address the increasing psychological suffering of refugees and vulnerable groups, particularly those affected by mental illness, trauma, physical disabilities, and social marginalization. This comes in a context where access to mental health services is scarce, especially in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.

As part of post-war trauma treatment, the center focuses on community education. From this came the partnership to address post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other psychosocial challenges through reading aloud to children, where nearly 186 ambassadors (men and women) have been trained.
According to the center’s founder, Elijah Rushigira, reading had a positive impact on several levels. In terms of language, there were noticeable improvements in vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence in speaking English and local languages. On the mental health side, the center observed calmer behavior during sessions, better concentration, and a more positive mood among children after reading.

From the parents’ perspective, reading sessions strengthened family bonds and positive parenting through increased dialogue around stories. The training also rooted the habit of reading at home, as parents began borrowing books or creating picture books from recycled materials.

Beyond that, at the community level, Elijah praised the training for creating local leadership, as reading ambassadors began running sessions independently and training others. The sessions brought together people of different nationalities and age groups, which enhanced social cohesion.
PRRC is not the only partner in Malawi. We Love Reading also established a partnership with Talk to the World (TAWO), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized and underserved communities through education, music, vocational training, and sustainable development programs. More than 75 people have received training in reading aloud.

We Love Reading continues to develop cultural movements locally and globally and remains committed to nurturing and growing communities by raising generations who love reading and drive social change.