Community Forum (COFO)

Community Forum (COFO) is a local community-based organization that builds community-driven approaches for sustainable development. COFO established in 2018 and is currently registered under the following bodies:
− 3rd September 2019 – Registrar General, Company Limited by Guarantee: 1011976
− 1st July 2021 – National Youth Council of Malawi: SR/002/2021
− 14th March 2022 – Council for Non-Government Organizations of Malawi: C1628/2022.
− 1st January 2023 – Registered with Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organization (MANASO).

COFO established with the main goal to work with communities and provide every citizen the opportunity of a high quality of life. The organization has a team of 7 (4 males and 3 females) who are actively working for a real meaningful change and 7 boards of trustees (3 males and 4 females) for technical skills and guidance. Our team works with local leaders in communities to address the needs of their communities. COFO has local and international affiliations with a number of organizations that help to fund the projects. COFO promotes and protects the good standards of the youth by equipping them with appropriate information and skills. We create a forum that works towards promoting behaviour changes of youths in view of education, and dealing with health issues that affect the youth and the communities.
Health and wellbeing is a successful project implemented by COFO in Chikwawa district. The project improves the quality of life of individuals affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Chikwawa communities and has so far resulted in the construction of 2 under-5 clinics, working with an extra 5 health facilities in the promotion of SRHR, and revamping youth clubs and HIV/AIDS support groups in the area. These Y+ and support groups, ranging in size from 10 to 40, have increased members’ independence and overall wellbeing, as well as community awareness on HIV/AIDS and SRHR.

COFO has experience with digital art through a project that uses young journalists, art, and social media to create a space for maternal health, SRHR discussions, practise, and education. Currently, COFO is disseminating SRHR, fistula prevention, and self-esteem information while also connecting young people to discuss SRH issues.

COFO’s local expertise on HIV/AIDS and SRHR will be valuable for the expansion of the proposed HIV/AIDS project for in- and out-of-school youth. Having developed sustainable relationships with members of HIV/AIDS support groups and youth clubs, COFO possesses the knowledge required to set up a successful project expansion while being able to access and involve key stakeholders. Since these groups already involve youth, COFO will further encourage youth participation and engagement in addressing HIV and AIDS.