Explore our journey at Urunji

Here is a graphical illustration of our journey at Urunji. Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey
2006
Urunji timeline
The beginning

Urunji founded

Ian C Maliseni receives a calling to support orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi. He mobilizes his friends and family. He starts with sponsoring 3 children and their grandmother.
2012
Urunji registration
The dream lives on

Urunji is registered

In July 2012, Urunji Child-Care Trust becomes legally registered as an NGO in Malawi. The following year, Urunji registers with the Council for NGos in Malawi, and the NGO Regulatory Authoruiy
May 2012
Needs assessment
Needs assesment

Community needs-assessment

We conducted a survey to assess the needs of the community. A technical working group was also established with community leaders and volunteers playing a major role.
Sept 2012
First feeding programme starts
Mwatibu village

First feeding programme starts

We started the first feeding programme at Nathenje at the village headman's house. We then scaled up to offer school feeding programme at Mwatibu Primary School
2013
International volunteers
Spreading our wings

International volunteers begin to arrive

Our work began to become visible and started to attract international volunteers, thanks to partnership with Love Volunteers
July 2013
Urunji blog
International volunteers

Irish volunteers arrive

We continued to receive international volunteers, this time from Ireland. This increased visibility for our work as well as to mobilize critical resources for our programmes
2015
Scottish volunteers
Scottish volunteers

Charlotte from Scotland arrives

We start placing volunteers right within the community, helping them to experience real life without electricity, portable water and a comfortable bed. Many volunteers applaud us for this decision.
2016
Roxa
Team USA

Roxanne and family arrive from the USA

Roxanne and her family arrives from the USA, spend 3 months with the local team then returns to the USA.
2025
2025
Fast forward

Urunji today

Fast-forward to 2025, Urunji continues to reach out to over 3,000 children, provides bursaries for 20 girls and has touched over 12,000 lives to date. Check out our programmes to learn more...