The Abel Program is driven by an inspirational group of women from within the community. We’re pleased to have you meet them!
Ellen Mhango
Community worker, Livingstonia
Auntie, head teacher, general driving force behind the entire program, Ellen was there from the onset of the program. Possessing that rare balance of leadership and helping hand, she thrives on learning new things and is always the first to volunteer a wise solution. Ellen hasn’t always had it easy in life, but you will never hear her complain about a tiresome day or a menial task.
Chimwemwe Msowoya
Community worker, Livingstonia
If somewhere in a distant village, you hear a group of kids belting out at the top of their lungs and stomping up the dust with their feet, you know Chimwemwe is heading the class. Having taught primary school as a volunteer teacher before joining the program, she was always meant to be inspiring little minds.
Asha Nyirenda
Community worker, Livingstonia
Many of our students need patience and a sensitive tolerance that often gets overlooked. Asha is an absolute natural, especially with our intellectually disabled students, many of whom have a history of negligence and abuse.
Rose Chirwa
Manager, Livingstonia
Rose is our modern connection. Having studied community development in Mzuzu, she left behind the conveniences of city life to came back to her home village and join our team. She has really grown into a leader and was promoted to manager in 2021. We couldn’t imagine the team without her laughter.
Violet Nyasulu
Community worker, Livingstonia
Violet’s spirit is tangible in any room, even if the room is just the shade of a mango tree, which our classrooms often are. Since joining our team, she has been motivated to both learn and teach, inspiring her students as well as her colleagues. She has a special connection to the students attending Embangweni Deaf School, driving 8 hours each way to bring them home during holidays.
Salome Chotcha
Abel House Manager, Livingstonia
Pleasant, gentle and warmly loving, Salome has worked with the program in Junju, Livingstonia and Thunda. Her nurturing and dedicated nature makes her the perfect fit to look after the kids staying at Abel House and to manage operations there.
Judith Mkandawire
Community worker, Junju
Herself a mother to a son with cerebral palsy, Judith implored us to branch out the program to Junju, a village 20 km from Livingstonia. Her husband Allan is also a great supporter, pitching in whenever we need an extra hand - even cooking lunch when the ladies are busy, which for a man is just about unheard of out here!
Patricia Mkandawire
Community worker, Junju
Patricia is our beacon of joy! She joined Judith in looking after our Junju students after Salome moved to Livingstonia. Together they climb the steepest slopes and trudge over the muddiest paths to visit their students at home.
Tryness Nyasulu
Occupational Therapist, Livingstonia
Tryness is a dedicated and loving therapist who started at the program as a teacher before completing her OT Diploma in Blantyre. The students love her and have been making great progress under her care. She is also imparting her skills and knowledge to the other teachers.
Naomi Opprecht
Founder & Director
Originally from Switzerland, Naomi fell in love with Malawi at first sight and in 2012 decided to build her home in Livingstonia. The Abel Program grew gradually out of relationships in the community - families with kids with disabilities lacking support - and has grown into the program and community centre it is today.