Our Board of Trustees
The founder of Community Raise Organization is a passionate and hardworking leader with over 25 years of experience as a Principal in Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture before retiring. His career also spans work with both local and international NGOs, where he focused on food security and education, driving initiatives that improved livelihoods and strengthened communities. Motivated by his lifelong commitment to service, he went on to establish Community Raise Organization, creating a platform dedicated to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.
Brenda Nachuma
Board ChairPerson
She is very passionate towards social change and promoting education of the willing but vulnerable students. As such she found an initiative where she pays fees for the students in the local communities of Namphungo, Mulanje. She joined as a vice Chairperson of CRO in July 2019. As a vice chair, she promised to work and serve the heart of the communities where CRO is working and bring a tremendous impact. She is the holder of Bsc of Education in Business Studies from the University of Malawi, the Polytechnic 2016. She is an entrepreneur and also the vice chairperson for Mulunguzi Secondary School Allumni Scholarship Trust which supports vulnerable students.
Pastor Andrew Kuntsinje
Vice Board Chairperson
He joined CRO in July 2019. He is passionate with ministering Gods creation through charity work. He have been working as secondary school teacher to head teacher for 20 years. Then he retired and joined pastor ship in 2018. He is holder of Masters in Education and currently he taking degree in theology.
Precious Chaponda
Board Secretary
He is passionate in bringing change in the lives of poor people in hard to reach areas with special emphasis on women and children. He joined CRO in July 2019. He is a fellow of YALI with background in project Management and Business and entrepreneurship, renewable energy and environmental management. He holds Masters of Philosophy in Applied Sciences from the University of Malawi and BSc in Renewable Energy Technologies from Nzuzu University. He currently works as a consultant and manages social enterprises he founded in 2018 after winning the D-Prize. He also hold Diploma in Education and has served as a Mathematics and Biology Secondary Teacher.
Luara Thompson
Board Treasure
As a Christian, she is passionate with uplifting the lives of poor people especially women and children. She joined CRO in July 2019 and her interest in will use her business experience to advance the mission of CRO. She has background in project Management and Business and entrepreneurship. She owns and runs a herbal clinic in Blantyre. She is also involved in agro- and agri- business and has vast experience in these fields.
Sophie Chitenje
Board Member
She is passionate with justice, she is a human rights activist. She have ambition of supporting children especially from poor families to realise their dreams. She join CRO in 2020. She has background in project Management and Business and entrepreneurship. She owns and runs a herbal clinic in Blantyre. She is also involved in agro- and agri- business and has vast experience in these fields.
Mr Samson Mulole
Founder
The founder of Community Raise Organization is a passionate and hardworking leader with over 25 years of experience as a Principal in Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture before retiring. His career also spans work with both local and international NGOs, where he focused on food security and education, driving initiatives that improved livelihoods and strengthened communities. Motivated by his lifelong commitment to service, he went on to establish Community Raise Organization, creating a platform dedicated to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.
Our Staff Members
Lesley Kapile
Co Founder and Programs Director
I am a dynamic community development practitioner with over 13 years of experience designing and leading transformative programs across Malawi. My work focuses on gender equality, women’s rights, economic empowerment, HIV/AIDS response, disability inclusion, and community resilience. I specialize in human-centered project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship training. As a certified Associate Training Coach for the Street Business School, I have successfully guided multi-sectoral initiatives that advance financial inclusion, social justice, and sustainable livelihoods. Currently pursuing a Degree in Project Management at Blantyre International University, I also hold advanced qualifications in community development, project management, and global health. My passion lies in empowering communities to create lasting social and economic change.
Shamim Malata
Administration Officer
Shamim is a dedicated Administration Officer with an Advanced Diploma in Community Development obtained from Soche Technical College in 2024. She joined Community Rise Organization (formerly Chitani Community Sustainable Development Organization) the same year, bringing strong skills in administration, coordination, and organizational management. Shamim plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, managing documentation, logistics, and communication across departments. Her efficiency, attention to detail, and teamwork contribute significantly to the organization’s success. Passionate about community service, Shamim is committed to supporting programs that empower women, youth, and vulnerable groups toward sustainable development.
Rabecca Sinda.
Financial Officer
Rabeca Sinda is a dedicated and detail-oriented Accountant with strong expertise in financial management within the NGO sector. She holds a **Diploma in PAEC** and has over four years of experience in accounting and financial reporting for development organizations.
Jones Gama
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Jones Gama is a dedicated Social Worker and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with an Advanced Diploma in Community Development from Soche Technical College (2018). He has additional training in M&E Systems, Data Management, Project Planning, and Results-Based Management, enabling him to effectively monitor project outcomes and impact. Before joining Community Rise Organization in November 2024, Jones worked with several community programs on youth empowerment and women’s economic development. Passionate about measurable results and community transformation, he continues to advance the organization’s mission of empowering women and youth through sustainable development.
Norah Jordan
Project and Communication Officer
She brings over five years of experience in working with communities especially women and children. She is a passionate Social Worker and active member of the Movement for Community-Led Development (MCLD). Her passion lies in empowering women and youth to become self-reliant, financially independent, and socially confident through education, entrepreneurship, and Village Savings and Loan groups. She joined Chitani Community Sustainable Development Organization (CRO) as a Project Officer in Mulanje District, where she implements projects such as The Right to Be a Girl, Empowering Girls through access to education (EGTAE) and Mzimayi Odzidalira. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Community Development from Soche Technical College (2022), where she passed with merit at all levels (4, 5, and 6). She also holds certificates in Monitoring and Evaluation (ADDIV Consultancy) and Entrepreneurship (Street Business School, Online Learning).
Grace Pamtumba
Project Officer, Health and Wellbeing & Microbusiness Incubation Program.
At just 21 years old, Grace is a passionate Public Health professional committed to improving community well-being. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Health and believes that true health extends beyond individuals to entire communities. Inspired by her parents at a young age to value education, Grace developed a lifelong desire to empower others—especially women and girls. Her work focuses on promoting health equity, youth empowerment, and economic resilience. Through education, outreach, and innovation, Grace continues to drive positive change, helping build a healthier and more self-reliant future for all.
Mwai Kalumbi
Outreach Officer on Health and Welbeing
Motivated by a passion for social impact, she joined CRO to be part of the organization’s holistic mission to empower people with disabilities, women, and youth to thrive and realize their full potential. At CHICOSUDO, she continues to contribute her skills, compassion, and enthusiasm while learning from a team of experienced professionals dedicated to sustainable community development. Mwai Kalumbi is a dedicated social worker with an Advanced Diploma in Public Health Management from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (2024). She previously served as a Health Survey Assistant at Kadidi Health Centre, where she gained valuable experience supporting patients across various departments and contributing to community health initiatives.
Bahart Kaliat
HIV AND Nutrition Officer
I am a passionate community development and public health professional dedicated to improving people’s lives through practical, evidence-based solutions. With a strong background in Nutrition and Public Health, I bring expertise in community nutrition programming, health promotion, and behavior change communication. At Chitani Community Sustainable Development Organization (CRO), I contribute to empowering communities, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing household nutrition and wellbeing. My motivation comes from witnessing positive change at the grassroots level and collaborating with others to build healthier, resilient, and self-reliant communities.
Chikndi Saindi:
Livelihood Officer
A results-driven Livelihood Officer with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). He brings hands-on experience in climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness training, food security, and community development. He has previously served as an Agriculture Officer Intern in Neno District, where he trained farmers in soil conservation and agribusiness practices. With additional experience in data collection and analysis using KOBO, Excel, and SPSS, he combines technical agricultural knowledge with strong analytical and reporting skills. He is passionate about improving rural livelihoods, promoting climate resilience, and empowering smallholder farmers through practical, community-driven solutions.