Foundation Goals

One of the foundation’s most important activities is the renovation and rebuilding of schools in Malawi. In many rural areas school buildings are in very poor condition often posing a risk to pupils’ safety and creating an environment that is not conducive to learning. Basic equipment is lacking and the school environment itself provides neither stability nor comfort, as a result school attendance is low.

Through our project, we transform these places into safe, colourful and welcoming learning environments. We equip classrooms with desks, blackboards and essential educational materials enabling children to learn in conditions that genuinely support their education.
The results of these improvements become visible very quickly. In renovated classrooms pupil attendance increases by more than 50%. This means that significantly more children remain in education instead of entering work.

It also provides greater opportunities for girls who are less likely to be married at an early age and are instead able to continue their education and build their own future.

The “Adopt a Student” project provides long-term educational support for children from the poorest families. Its aim is to enable children to attend school when their parents cannot afford even the basic costs associated with education.

The programme works by finding individual sponsors outside of Malawi who provide financial support for pupils attending the school in a form of annual sponsorship.
The annual sponsorship covers fees for extra activities and parental contributions, as well as a school uniform, books, notebooks and all essential school supplies. The student also receives a backpack, a pair of shoes and basic hygiene products, enabling them to participate fully in school life.

This support goes beyond material assistance. Above all, it gives a student a genuine opportunity to learn, develop and have choices in the future, rather than being condemned to a life of poverty.

Period poverty is one of the reasons why girls in Malawi regularly miss school. A lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene products means that many girls feel too embarrassed to attend classes during menstruation and, over time, may drop out of education altogether.

Through this project, we provide reusable sanitary pads made locally in Malawi, together with underwear and soap. At the same time, we provide education about hygiene, health and understanding how to care for one’s own body.

For us, this is not a taboo subject, but a matter of dignity and equal access to education. We believe that every young woman should have access to basic hygiene products.

The “Goat Pass – on” project was created as a form of long-term support for families living in extreme poverty in rural areas. Providing a goat is not a one-off form of assistance, but an investment in the future of the entire family.

A goat provides milk, which improves daily nutrition, and over time can also become a source of meat and income. This can bring a genuine improvement in the quality of life, particularly in areas where access to food is limited.

Families participating in the project prepare suitable conditions for the animals and learn the basics of goat farming. The Foundation provides veterinary support and a breeding buck, enabling the herd to grow.

The most important element of the project is the passing-on principle. The first female offspring born is given to another family in need. This ensures that the assistance does not end with one household but continues to spread throughout the community.

This project not only improves families’ financial circumstances but also helps build responsibility, independence and a sense of empowerment.

iMIND is an organisation founded by students in Malawi. Its aim is to support the mental health of young people and create safe spaces for conversation, personal development and building relationships.

iMIND’s activities include meetings, youth clubs and support programmes that help young people better manage their emotions, build self-confidence and think about their future in a conscious and courageous way.

Since May 2026, the COHEM Foundation has officially been working in partnership with iMIND. The programmes will be delivered directly in the schools covered by our renovation projects, ensuring that children receive not only improved learning conditions but also genuine psychological and emotional support.

Educational Talks in Polish Schools

An important part of the Foundation’s work is delivering educational talks in Polish schools for children and young people. Through stories, photographs and materials from Malawi, we show what everyday life is like for children of the same age living in another part of the world.

We introduce students to the culture, traditions, education system and realities of life in rural areas, helping them better understand the challenges faced by children in developing countries.
Our meetings provide an opportunity to discuss social and economic differences, but above all, to highlight how much we all have in common regardless of where we were born.

We encourage young people to develop openness, empathy and an awareness of the needs of other communities around the world. We also show them that every one of us can make a difference to the world around us and support those who have fewer opportunities.

During the talks, we also address topics related to respect for other cultures, building positive relationships between people and taking responsibility for our words. We discuss hate, discrimination and exclusion, showing how negative behaviour can affect the lives of young people both in Poland and in other countries.

Talks for Adults

The Foundation also organises meetings and talks for adults. These mostly take place in libraries, community centres, cafés and during local community events. They provide a unique opportunity to learn about Malawi from the perspective of people who regularly visit the country and work closely with local communities.

During these meetings, we talk about the lives of people in Malawi, their culture, everyday challenges and the problems faced by children and entire families. We show what everyday life is really like in the poorest regions of the country and explain why education, mental health and the fight against poverty are so important for the future of the younger generation.

Our talks are not simply lectures. Above all, we value conversation and the exchange of experiences. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share their thoughts and take part in discussions about global inequality, social responsibility and ways of supporting communities in need around the world.

We believe that learning about other cultures helps us better understand the world around us, develops empathy and demonstrates that even small actions can have a genuine impact on another person’s life.

Through these meetings, we raise social awareness and create opportunities for discussion about issues that often remain outside our everyday experience.