1. Organisation Profile

1. Name of the Organisation: The name of the organisation shall be Community Healthy Minds Foundation hereinafter referred to as COHEM Foundation.
2. Type of Organisation: COHEM Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established to promote the well-being of communities through initiatives aimed at improving mental health, education, social welfare, community development, and other related humanitarian interventions.
3. Location and Address: The Foundation shall have its headquarters located in Mpombe Village, Traditional Authority Kapeni, Blantyre District, Malawi.
   • Postal Address: Community Healthy Minds Foundation (COHEM Foundation), P.O. Box ___, Lunzu, Blantyre, Malawi
   • Contact Information: Telephone: +265 888 991 182 / +255 999 747 342 | Email: cohem@wp.pl | Website:
4. Area of Operation: COHEM Foundation shall operate throughout the Republic of Malawi. While its headquarters will be based in Blantyre District, the Foundation intends to implement programmes and interventions across all the regions of the country, targeting vulnerable and underserved populations in rural communities. The Foundation will work collaboratively with government, development partners, community structures, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance its mission and contribute to sustainable national development.

2. Background and Justification

1. Background: Community Healthy Minds Foundation (COHEM Foundation) is a Non-governmental organisation established in response to the persistent social, educational, mental health and economic challenges affecting vulnerable communities in Malawi. The Foundation was conceived after observing that many children, particularly orphans, vulnerable children and those from ultra-poor households, continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality education and achieving their full potential.

   In many communities, schools operate under difficult conditions characterised by inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, poor sanitation facilities, and limited learning resources. These challenges are compounded by poverty, which prevents many families from meeting the education needs of their children, resulting in poor attendance, school dropout, and low academic achievement.

   Girls are particularly affected by inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and related support services, leading to absenteeism and reduced participation in education. Furthermore, many households struggle with unemployment, limited households’ opportunities, and poor access to social support systems, thereby increasing vulnerability among children and young people.

   Recognising the interconnected nature of these challenges, COHEM Foundation was established to promote holistic community development through interventions that improve education, mental health, livelihoods, child protection, and community well-being. The foundation believes that sustainable development can only be achieved when communities are empowered to address the root cause of poverty and vulnerability.

2. Justification: The establishment of COHEM Foundation is justified by the urgent need to address the barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing opportunities for growth and development.

   Experience from community interventions has demonstrated that improving educational outcomes requires more than simply providing access to schools. Safe learning environment, educational support, improved health and hygiene, and strengthened household livelihoods are equally important in ensuring that children remain in school and succeed academically.

   Through community-driven initiatives, including classroom renovations, educational sponsorships, and menstrual hygiene support, COHEM Foundation has witnessed positive outcomes such as improved school attendance, reduced dropout rates, enhanced dignity among adolescent girls, and increased community participation in development activities.

   The Foundation therefore seeks to expand and institutionalise these efforts by operating as a registered NGO capable of mobilising resources, building partnerships, and implementing sustainable programmes that improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities throughout Malawi.

3. Vision, Mission, and Goals

1. Vision Statement: A Malawi where every individual, especially vulnerable children, youth, and marginalised communities, has access to quality education, good health, sustainable livelihoods, and equal opportunities to achieve their full potential.
2. Mission Statement: To promote inclusive and sustainable community development by improving access to quality education, mental health services, child protection, livelihoods opportunities, and social support through community-led interventions, partnership, and empowerment initiatives.
3. Goal: To contribute to the social and economic transformation of vulnerable communities in Malawi through integrated programmes which enhance education, mental health, livelihoods, and overall community well-being.

4. Objectives

The objectives of COHEM Foundation shall be to:

1. Promote access to quality, inclusive, and equitable education for vulnerable children and youth.
2. Improve learning environment through the construction, renovation, and maintenance of educational infrastructure and sanitation facilities.
3. Support the retention and academic success of vulnerable learners through scholarships, mentorship, and provision of learning materials.
4. Promote mental health, dignity and well-being of women, girls, children and other vulnerable groups through health education and support programmes.
5. Enhance menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health awareness among adolescent girls to improve school attendance and participation.
6. Strengthening household resilience and reduce poverty through sustainable livelihood initiatives, entrepreneurship development, and economic empowerment programmes.
7. Promote child protection, safeguarding, and the right of vulnerable children within communities.
8. Facilitate community participation and ownership in development initiatives to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
9. Establish partnership with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, and the private sector to advance community development objectives.
10. Conduct research, advocacy, and awareness campaigns on issues affecting vulnerable populations and promote evidence-based interventions.
11. Promote environmental conservation, climate change resilience, and sustainable natural resources management within communities.
12. Mobilise resources and provide humanitarian assistance during emergencies and situations affecting vulnerable populations.

5. Organisation Structure

1. Governance Structure: Community Healthy Minds Foundation (COHEM Foundation) shall be governed through a two-tier structure compromising the Board of Directors and The Executive Management Team. The Board of Directors shall provide strategic leadership, policy direction, and oversight, while the Executive Management Team shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration and implementation of the Foundation’s programmes and activities.
2. Board of Directors: The Board of the Directors shall be the highest governing body of the Foundation and shall be responsible for ensuring that the organisation operates in accordance with its vision, mission, objectives, and legal obligations.
   The Board shall consist of the following positions:
   • Chairperson: Provides overall leadership to the Board, presides over Board meetings, oversees strategic direction and governance.
   • Secretary: Maintains organisational records and Board resolutions, coordinates Board meetings and correspondence.
   • Treasurer: Oversees financial governance and accountability, reviews financial reports and budgets.
   • Board member – Legal and Governance affairs: Provides guidance on compliance, governance and legal matters.
   • Board member – Education and Child Development: Provide guidance on education and child welfare programmes.
   • Board member – Health and Community Development: Advises on mental health and Community development initiatives.

   Note: The Board may co-opt additional members with specialised expertise whenever necessary.

3. Functions of the Board: The Board of Directors shall:
   • Provide strategic direction and policy guidance.
   • Approve organisational plans, budgets, and annual reports.
   • Ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance.
   • Mobilise resources and build strategic partnerships.
   • Monitor organisational performance and impact.
   • Appoint and supervise the Executive Director.
4. Executive Management Team: The Executive Management Team shall consist of:
   • Executive Director (CEO): Responsible for overall management of the organisation, implementation of Board policies and decisions, programme development and resource mobilisation, staff supervision and organisational representation.
   • Programmes Manager: Responsible for coordinating programme implementation, monitoring project performance and outcomes, supervising project staff and field activities.
   • Finance and Administration Officer: Responsible for financial management and reporting, budget preparation and monitoring, procurement and administrative functions, human resource support.
   • Project Officers: Responsible for coordinating specific projects and interventions, community mobilisation and stakeholder engagement, activity implementation and reporting.
5. Organisational Reporting Structure: Board of Directors → Executive Director → Programmes Manager → Finance & Administration Officer → Project Officers → Support Staff.

6. Partnership and Collaboration

1. Community Healthy Minds Foundation recognises that addressing mental health and educational challenges requires a collaborative and multi-sectorial approach. The Foundation shall work closely with government ministries and departments responsible for health, education, gender, youth and social welfare to ensure alignment with national policies and priorities.
2. COHEM Foundation shall establish strategic partnership with schools, health facilities, universities, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities, community-based organisations, and development partners to strengthen the delivery of mental health and educational interventions.
3. At the community level, COHEM Foundation shall collaborate with traditional leaders, school management committees, parent-teacher associations, community structures and local development committees, religious leaders, health workers and community volunteers to promote awareness, early identification and community-based support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
4. The Foundation shall also seek partnerships with local and International donors, philanthropic organisations, and corporate institutions to mobilise financial, technical, and material resources necessary for the successful implementation of its programmes. Through these partnerships, COHEM Foundation seeks to create supportive environments that promote psychological well-being, quality education, and social inclusion for all.

7. Expected Outcomes

The implementation of COHEM Foundation’s programmes and activities is expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

1. Increased access to quality and inclusive education for vulnerable children and youth.
2. Improved learning environment through the renovation, construction and maintenance of educational structure.
3. Reduced school dropout rates and improved learner retention among vulnerable children.
4. Enhanced access to menstrual hygiene management and improved school attendance among adolescent girls.
5. Improved mental awareness and well-being among children, youth, women and vulnerable populations.
6. Increased household reliance through livelihood enhancement and economic empowerment initiatives.
7. Reduced stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and psychological challenges.
8. Improved access to mental health information, psychological support and referral services.
9. Increased knowledge and capacity among teachers, community health workers, faith leaders, and traditional leaders to identify and support individuals with mental health conditions.
10. Strengthened child protection systems and improved safeguarding of vulnerable children.
11. Strengthened community support systems for children, adolescents, women and families affected by mental challenges.
12. Improved maternal mental health and psychosocial well-being among pregnant women and mothers.
13. Enhance environmental conservation and climate resilience within target communities.
14. Increased community participation in promoting positive mental health and quality education.
15. Enhanced collaboration between schools, communities, health facilities and local leaders in addressing mental health and education challenges.
16. Overall improvement in the quality of life and socio-economic well-being of vulnerable communities throughout Malawi.

8. Sustainability of the Organisation

COHEM Foundation is committed to building a sustainable institution capable of creating lasting impact in the fields of mental health and education. The organisation shall pursue sustainability through:

1. Resource Mobilisation: Developing partnership with local and international donors, applying for grants and funding opportunities, establishing strategic partnerships with private sector, and mobilising contributions from individuals and well-wishers.
2. Community Ownership and Participation: Encouraging active participation of beneficiaries in project planning, implementation, and evaluation, strengthening local structures and community leadership, and promoting volunteerism and local resource contributions.
3. Capacity Building: COHEM Foundation shall invest in building local capacity by training teachers, community mental workers, youth leaders, faith leaders and traditional leaders in mental health promotion, psychosocial support, and community education. This approach will strengthen community-based systems and ensure long-term sustainability.
4. Income-Generating Initiatives: Exploring sustainable income-generating activities to support organisational operations and reduce dependency on donor funding, and promoting livelihoods interventions that empower beneficiaries to become self-reliant.
5. Strategic Partnership: The Foundation shall establish strong partnership with government institutions, universities, health facilities, development partners, media organisations, and private sector institutions to strengthen technical capacity and mobilise resources.
6. Advocacy and Public Engagement: The Foundation shall promote public awareness through radio programmes, community campaigns, digital platforms, and stakeholder engagement to create demand for mental health services and educational support, thereby increasing community commitment and support.
7. Evidence-Based and Cost-Effective Interventions: COHEM Foundation shall prioritise low-cost, community-driven approaches that maximise impact and ensure that interventions can be replicated and sustained within local contexts.

9. Key Programmatic Areas

COHEM Foundation shall focus on the following core programme areas:

1. Mental Health Awareness and Promotion:
   • Community mental health awareness campaigns
   • Radio and media programmes on mental health
   • Anti-stigma and psychosocial well-being campaigns
   • Mental health advocacy and policy engagement
2. School-Based Mental Health and Education:
   • School mental clubs
   • Mental health education and life skills programmes
   • Teacher training in psychosocial support
   • Guidance and counselling initiatives
   • Learner support and mentorship programmes
   • Educational sponsorship and retention programmes for vulnerable learners
3. Community Mental Health Services:
   • Training community mental health workers
   • Community psychosocial support groups
   • Referral and linkage systems with health facilities
   • Peer support initiatives
4. Maternal and Child Mental Health:
   • Maternal mental health awareness and support
   • Parenting education programmes
   • Early childhood development and psychosocial stimulation
   • Support programmes for adolescent mothers and caregivers
5. Faith and Traditional Leaders Engagement:
   • Capacity building for religious and traditional leaders
   • Community dialogues on mental health
   • Promotion of culturally sensitive and inclusive mental health practices
   • Strengthening referral pathways between communities and health facilities
6. Youth Development and Resilience:
   • Life skills and leadership training
   • Substance abuse prevention programmes
   • Youth empowerment and mentorship
   • Suicide prevention and emotional resilience programmes

10. Monitoring and Evaluation

COHEM Foundation shall establish a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) system to ensure effective implementation of programmes and achievement of intended results. The Monitoring and Evaluation framework shall focus on:

1. Monitoring: Tracking project activities and outputs against approved plans, monitoring resource utilisation and project performance, and conducting routine field visits and progress assessments.
2. Evaluation: Measuring project outcomes and impact against established objectives, assessing effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, sustainability, and lessons learned, and conducting baseline, mid-term and end-line evaluations where applicable.
3. Accountability: Promoting transparency and responsible use of resources, establishing feedback and complaint mechanisms for beneficiaries and stakeholders, and ensuring regular reporting to donors, partners, and governing bodies.
4. Learning and Improvement: Documenting best practices and lessons learned, facilitating knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and using evidence generated from projects to improve future programming and decision-making.

The Foundation shall prepare periodic monitoring reports, annual performance reports and impact assessment to guide continuous improvement and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.

11. Conclusion

Community Healthy Minds Foundation (COHEM Foundation) has been established in response to the growing need to address the interconnected challenges of mental health and education in Malawi. The Foundation recognises that quality education cannot be achieved without promoting psychological well-being, and that healthy minds are essential for individuals and communities to thrive.

By combining mental health promotion with educational support, community engagement, and capacity building, COHEM Foundation seeks to become a leading institution dedicated to nurturing resilient minds, reducing stigma, promoting inclusive learning environments, and empowering communities across Malawi.

Through strategic partnership, community participation, and innovative approaches, COHEM Foundation aspires to contribute to a Malawi where every child, young person, and family enjoys access to quality education, mental well-being, and opportunities to reach their full potential.