One of the best parts of programme monitoring is when you find gold — when a conversation with someone reveals something surprisingly unexpected and encouraging. Last week was one of those moments.
Meet Hanek, Triza, Mercy, Faith and Daniel — all Grade 6 and 7 learners at a primary school in Chikwawa, southern Malawi which is struggling with the challenges of unpredictable weather and frequent flash floods – including being affected by Cyclone Ana (2022), Cyclone Freddy (2023) and Cyclone Jude (2025), collectively affecting nearly 3.5 million people. During our visit, we sat down with them to talk about the new mural that had recently been installed at their school. Commissioned by Link Community Development Malawi as part of the Climate Just Communities (CJC) project, and funded by the Scottish Government, the murals have been displayed across all project schools to raise awareness about flood risks and promote practical strategies for building resilience.
Since being introduced to the mural and its message during a school assembly, and through focused discussions in DRM clubs all of them have taken clear, practical steps such as building rubbish pits to improve sanitation, blocking gullies to prevent channels that speed up the build-up of incoming water, and planting trees to help protect reduce the speed and volume of water flow during floods.
But it was Daniel’s act of leadership that really shone when he extended his efforts to his home.
He told us how he had been so excited about the mural that he immediately told his parents as soon as he got home, suggesting they build gully blocks, dig a rubbish pit, and plant trees — and they agreed. They even got him seeds and organic soil so he could begin planting. So far, he’s planted two trees. His brother has joined in too, planting one, and they now take turns watering them. They’re already planning to plant more.
“My parents said that they were so proud of me for coming home with the mural suggestions which have been really helpful. They hadn’t expected it.”
It was very clear by the end of the conversation that some of the other members of the group had not only been motivated by the mural but also by Daniel’s actions, with Hanek wanting to speak to his parents too – “hearing what Daniel has just said, I’m really excited to tell my parents too. I’m curious how they’ll react — parents don’t usually think their child will do anything.”
It’s in golden moments like these when a simple mural becomes a catalyst for action, not just in schools but extending to homes and communities.