* Proceeds from FAM-NBS Bank Charity Shield 2026’s Green Girls’ Boarding Schools Initiative played in April as season opener
* A compelling demonstration of what can be achieved through collaboration, driven by a shared vision for girls’ education, climate resilience, and sustainable development
* The solar-powered kitchen project represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade — it is a transformative step in how boarding schools should operate
By Duncan Mlanjira
Plan International Malawi has profoundly applauded Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and NBS Bank for solar-powered kitchen investment for Luvweri Community Day Secondary School (CDSS).
The investment is from the proceeds from the FAM-NBS Bank Charity Shield 2026under the Green Girls’ Boarding Schools Initiative, the season opener which was played on April 18 — won by Mighty Wanderers after beating Nyasa Big Bullets at Bingu National Stadium.
At the handover of the investment this Wednesday in Lilongwe, Plan International Malawi Country Director, Mwape Mulumbi, highlighted that the occasion was “a compelling demonstration of what can be achieved through collaboration, driven by a shared vision for girls’ education, climate resilience, and sustainable development”.
She stated that FAM and NBS are not just supporting education — they are “making vital investments in innovation, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of Malawi’s girls”.
“The solar-powered kitchen project represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade — it is a transformative step in how boarding schools should operate.
“As outlined in our Green Girls’ Boarding Schools Concept Note, these institutions have traditionally cooked daily, every term, every year, relying heavily on firewood — a fuel that is becoming increasingly scarce, environmentally harmful, and detrimental to the health of cooks and students alike.
“With this investment, Luvweri CDSS will serve as a national model for clean, modern, and climate-smart school infrastructure joining the likes of Enyezini CDSS in the same district of Mzimba.
“The fully solar-powered container kitchen will eliminate the dependence on firewood, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create a safer, healthier environment for both students and staff.”
Plan International Malawi further emphasises that “when girls learn in environments that embody modern, sustainable practices, they internalise those values”.
“Schools play a pivotal role in shaping behaviors, aspirations, and expectations,” said Mulumbi. “By modernising Luvweri’s kitchen, we are influencing not just the current generation of learners but also future households, communities, and generations.
“This project will enhance girls’ retention, improve their wellbeing, and establish boarding facilities as safe, dignified spaces for education. “Additionally, it will alleviate pressure on surrounding forests and support Malawi’s climate commitments.
“To FAM and NBS: your partnership is truly visionary. You are helping us transform girls’ hostels and school kitchens into centres of influence, spaces where climate action, girls’ rights, and education intersect meaningfully.
“We value your trust and recognise the responsibility that comes with it. Plan International Malawi is committed to diligent, transparent, and accountable implementation.
“We will ensure that every kwacha invested yields measurable impact,” assured Mulumbi, adding that they will closely collaborate with the school, its community, and government “to guarantee sustainability and foster learning that can be replicated throughout Malawi”.
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To the government as its development partner, Plan International Malawi emphasises that it is proud to complement its efforts and contribute to Malawi’s vision for sustainable development.
“As we receive these funds today, we celebrate not just a project, but a shared commitment. A commitment to girls, to education, to climate-smart solutions, and to a greener Malawi.
“Thank you, FAM and NBS, for believing in this vision, thank you for investing in girls, for investing in Malawi’s future — together, we are building schools that protect, empower, and inspire.
“Together, we are demonstrating that climate action begins where children learn,” said Mulumbi.
The fans that contributed towards the investment
The FAM-NBS Charity Shield in April generated a net revenue K103.8 million, which FAM described as “a resounding success” as it represented a 68.8% increase from K61.7 million raised in 2025.
Gross revenue was K211.1 million, which is from K100 million from NBS Bank sponsorship, K108.9 million from ticket sales, and K2.1 million from broadcasting rights — and after a total of administrative & matchday expenses, brings the net at K103.8 million.
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NBS Bank Chief Operating Officer, Shadrick Chikusilo described football as “more than Malawi’s most popular sport” but as “one of the strongest platforms for bringing people together across communities, backgrounds and generations”.
It creates belonging, national pride and a shared identity. It gives young people opportunities to develop discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership.
“But football’s impact goes beyond the pitch. It has the power to mobilise communities, generate resources and support causes that matter.
“The Charity Shield is a powerful example of this. It uses the passion for football to create meaningful social impact beyond the game itself.”
Mighty Wanderers claimed the much- anticipated FAM-NBS bank Charity Shield by beating archrivals and seven-times champions, Nyasa Big Bullets, who denied them the title three times in 2016, 2019 and 2023.
