Story Time

We are an organization that empowers students in their educational pursuits through empathy, underst

Story Time was founded by two University of Minnesota students with passion for education and empowering communities from within. We believe that taking the time to listen to people’s stories will cultivate true community partnerships that will lead to sustainable community-led development innovations. Read more here about our story here: http://storytimeedu.org/our-history

Story Time works to im

prove the quality and access to education in secondary schools, by partnering with existing education and community structures, including government ministries, in Malawi, Africa.

06/02/2026

With U.S. students being dismissed for the summer, lets look at the Malawian Academic Calendar!

In the 2025/2026 school year, Term 1 ran from September - December 2025. They had a short break for the holiday season and Term 2 started in January 2026 and finished in April 2026.

With a short break, Term 3 started in the later half of April 2026 and will finish in July 2026. Term 3 is where a majority of the tests are taken, and the students get their results in July.

A Typical Schoolday Schedule for Primary & Secondary students:
07:00 - 07:30: Arrival and cleaning of classrooms/surroundings.
07:30 - 11:10: Morning lessons (usually with a short break).
11:10 - 11:20: Second break.
11:20 - 13:05: Final lessons.
13:05 - 14:00: Schools often close in the early afternoon. Some students have student-organized afterschool activities like choir or boy's soccer.
14:00 - 16:00: Students walk home (or bike if they are able).

05/28/2026

A tale of scraps to door mats!
A total of 63 students attended the latest Women's Empowerment Program Meeting (WEP). They have found a way to use the scraps from the reusable menstrual pad material! They are taking the scraps and making door mats and chalk board dusters.

"I did not know that we can make something beautiful like this from rags. Thank you so much for teaching us this skill," stated one of the students.

A total of eight door mats were made by the students. Some students also made chalk board dusters for Nsondole CDSS.

The door mats and chalk board dusters were presented at their latest PTA meeting, where they were met with much praise and excitement for their work.

05/21/2026

From empty walls to shelves filled with books—a dream that is possible with your generous donations!

The community is asking for a functional library; from teachers and students, to parents and guardians. This space is more than just a room; it's a resource, a refuge, and a reminder that every learner deserves access to knowledge. 📚

Become a co-author today!

05/19/2026

Imagine attending a concert, football game, or a fair and you only have 1 sink to wash your hands.

The lines would be immeasurable; they would go for miles! Now imagine that you're in school in the same situation. You would be absent for crucial class time- vital information for your end of year exams.

This is the reality for the students of Nsondole CDSS—more than 200 students sharing one washing station. 🖐🫧

With your generous donations, let's get these kids another hand washing station! 🚰

05/14/2026

The Malawi Government is starting to pay student fees!

With an emphasis on educating the youth for the betterment and future of Malawi, we are excited to see this next chapter. 🇲🇼

With students' tuition being paid for, what does this mean for Story Time's Student Sponsorship Program? Find out in our latest blog post!✍ storytimeedu.org/stories/2026/5/6/navigating-malawis-secondary-education-landscape-types-of-schools-and-new-government-policies

05/12/2026

Did you know Malawi has two different high school systems? CDSSs are sponsored by their community, literally through creating bricks and building the school's building. 🧱💪🏾

"Open" schools can then offer greater access for students who have interrupted education, did not pass their primary school exams, or are adults going to back to school. Learn more on our Stories tab: storytimeedu.org/stories/2026/5/6/navigating-malawis-secondary-education-landscape-types-of-schools-and-new-government-policies

05/07/2026

Happy Mother's Day from Story Time! 💐
Everyone's Motherhood story looks a little different. If you're a mother, aunt, grandma or guardian, your support means everything to these students, and makes it possible for the students to have a brighter future. From PTA meetings to the Women's Empowerment Program (WEP), your attendance builds the community that is necessary for a brighter tomorrow. 🌞

One of our Story Time field assistants, Shalom, is a mother! Even with little ones at home, she attends teacher trainings, WEP meetings, conducts house visits, writes field reports that are invaluable to the U.S. team, and so much more. We would like to celebrate her, as well as every mother and mother figure in our Story Time family and all over the globe. Happy Mother's Day!! 💕

04/28/2026

One of our 1:1 Student Sponsors recently had this to say about the experience:

"It's been really special getting to sponsor Austin through his college journey. I remember hearing that he had passed his exams and was going to be one of the first Story Time students accepted into college, and right away I just knew I wanted to help. You could see the momentum and the passion there, and I didn't want that flame to burn out because of finances or lack of support.

I'm just really proud of the work he's put in and the person he's becoming. It's a pretty awesome feeling knowing you get to play even a small role in helping someone move forward with their education and then go on to make a positive impact in their community."

Our 1:1 Sponsorship programs bring sponsors directly in conversation with their student's journey.

Ready to start your story? Become a 1:1 Student Sponsor and make a long-lasting impact for a young person in Malawi.

04/23/2026

Want to support but not sure how?

Here are 5 ways to be part of this journey—no donation required.

-Share a post
-Join our email list
-Start a conversation
-Attend an event
-Just learn with us

Your attention, energy, and care matter.

04/21/2026

Meet Sarah—board member, passionate community member, and advocate for equitable education for all.

She's one of many behind-the-scenes champions helping Story Time grow with purpose.

Address

Minneapolis, MN
55414

Telephone

+16123512205

Website

http://storytimeedu.org/most-in-need

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