SASO salima malawi

20/04/2026

02/04/2026

Her Flow Her Story LET'S Break the Silence!

Let's talk about something that's still taboo, but affects half the population: Menstruation!

Myths, misconceptions, shame, and stigma surround periods, often fueled by cultural and religious beliefs. It's time to break free!

Let's bust some myths:
- Periods are not dirty or impure
- Menstruation is a natural part of life
- Everyone deserves dignity and access to hygiene products

What you can do:
1. Educate yourself and others
2. Speak up against period shaming
3. Support menstrual health initiatives
4. Offer help and resources to those in need

"Join the movement!" Let's create a culture of understanding, empathy, and support.

25/03/2026

18/03/2026

SASO has the privilege of attending a comprehensive Governance Training for Local NGO Boards, organized by the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) with support from Tilitonse Foundation. The training is a valuable opportunity for SASO's leadership to enhance governance skills and knowledge.

The training is covering critical topics, including an overview of the NGO Act and Regulation provisions, Board composition and effectiveness, Ethics and good governance, and the roles of the Board versus management. We also delve into conducting effective Board meetings, managing conflicts, performance auditing, and board appraisal, as well as risk management and internal controls.

SASO's 2 Board members and Executive Director are participating in the training, ensuring SASO is well-equipped to uphold the highest standards of governance and accountability.

We're excited to apply the knowledge and best practices gained to drive SASO's mission forward.

14/03/2026

On 13th March 2026, SASO's Board of Directors gathered for their meeting, and it was a game-changer! 🎉 They screened a powerful film, "My Flow My Story," which sparked a lively discussion on menstruation, a topic often shrouded in silence.

One of the board members, a respected Traditional Authority Kalonga, praised the film for its potential to ignite conversations, correct misinformation, and demystify myths surrounding menstruation. 🙌

We're thrilled to see our stakeholders embracing our efforts to promote menstrual health and hygiene! 💪

The film features real stories from women and girls, sharing their experiences and breaking taboos. In her remarks Mrs Chawinga said "This is a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness-raising. 📚

14/03/2026

SASO recently organized an inclusive aerobics session at Salima LEA Resource Centre, bringing together learners with disabilities for a fun and empowering experience. The event embodied the spirit of "Leaving No One Behind," ensuring equal access to physical activity and mental wellness opportunities for all.

The aerobics session provided numerous benefits for the learners, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced self-esteem. Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, and it's exciting to see these learners thriving and enjoying the experience.

The session was a testament to SASO's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, providing a safe space for learners with disabilities to come together, move their bodies, and support one another. 👏

By promoting physical activity and mental wellness, SASO is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive community. Kudos to the team and participants for making it happen! 💪

SASO is implementing this initiative under the Shifting the Power program implemented by Tilitonse Foundation in partnership with Comic Relief and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom (UK Aid)

13/03/2026

SASO held a collaboration meeting with health officials, faith leaders, CSOs, and local leaders to address mental health conditions related to cervical cancer. The meeting aimed to find ways to support women with cervical cancer and provide them with mental health services.

Key discussions included the silence and secrecy surrounding cervical cancer; transport costs to treatment centers, stigma, and discrimination. During the discussions he following stakeholders committed to:
- Local leaders will raise awareness in their communities through various platforms and events.
- Cervical cancer survivors will share their stories to give a human face to the disease.
- CSOs will continue engaging communities to create demand for services.
- Faith leaders will engage their church members on cervical cancer and mental health.
- Media houses will educate the public on cervical cancer and mental health.
- CSOs will engage men to address myths and misconceptions about cervical cancer and mental health.

The project is supported by Tilitonse Foundation, in partnership with Comic Relief and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom (UK Aid).

09/03/2026

SASO conducted a mental health awareness meeting with police officers, responding to their request for support in addressing a critical gap in mental health knowledge. The session aimed to equip officers with the knowledge and practical skills to recognize and respond to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, ultimately enhancing community safety and well-being.

Police officers play a vital role in addressing mental health conditions, often being the first point of contact for individuals in distress. This meeting empowered them to identify signs of depression, emotional distress, and other mental health conditions, and respond appropriately. Key topics included:

- Supporting children who experience trauma after witnessing violent incidents
- Identifying and responding to depression and other mental health conditions
- Managing interactions with individuals with conduct disorders and behavioral challenges

"The knowledge gained will help us respond more appropriately when dealing with distressed individuals," said one officer, highlighting the session's impact.

SASO's initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health support systems. By equipping police officers with the right skills and knowledge, we can create safer, more supportive communities.

The project is supported by Tilitonse Foundation, in partnership with Comic Relief and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom (UK Aid).

04/03/2026

SASO recently convened a quarterly review meeting to share progress on the "Improved Community Mental Health Services in Salima District" project and discuss mental health challenges affecting vulnerable groups. The meeting brought together stakeholders from mental health and non-communicable disease teams, Social Welfare, media, police, CSOs, youth offices, and representatives of people with disabilities.

Participants commended SASO's mental health initiatives and identified key areas for improvement, including:

- Integrating aerobics programs for people with disabilities, with commitments from Joy Abilities and APAM to mobilize their networks.
- Addressing cervical cancer's impact on women's mental health, with Ndimoyo Palliative Care and SASO pledging to engage stakeholders to address transport and treatment challenges.

The project is supported by Tilitonse Foundation, Comic Relief, and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom (UK Aid).

26/02/2026

Mtumbira Primary School hosted a screening of "Future on the Brink" on Feb 26, 2026, organized by SASO with support from STEPS, and Comic Relief. The event raised awareness on climate change, sparking discussions among local leaders, teachers, and community members. Participants committed to environmental conservation, with teachers pledging to initiate tree-planting activities. A key outcome was recognizing the role of community leaders in integrating environmental measures into government projects.

26/02/2026

February 26, 2026 - Chigombe Primary School hosted a pivotal film screening event, "Future on the Brink", organized by SASO with support from STEPS in partnership with Comic Relief. The documentary, originally filmed at Kaputu Primary School, shed light on the pressing issue of climate change on education, sparking a lively discussion among learners, teachers and stakeholders.

The session highlighted the devastating impact of human activities such as deforestation, improper waste management, and burning of waste materials on the environment. The audience recognized climate change as a major contributor to natural disasters and expressed commitment to taking action.

The learners made notable pledges, including:
- Planting trees around the school to promote environmental conservation
- Constructing pit latrines to improve sanitation and hygiene
- Serving as climate ambassadors to disseminate climate action messages within their community

A teacher assured that the school will implement by-laws to ensure proper tree care and responsible plastic waste management. This facilitated film screening session marked a significant step towards fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among the learners.