A birthday promise to elderly people in Zomba is turning into a reality, with a free community clinic expected to open its doors to people who struggle to access basic healthcare and medication.
The planned facility will be built at Senior Group Village Headman Minama in the Zomba-Malosa area and will provide free medication and basic healthcare services to elderly people who can make it to the clinic.
The initiative was announced by James Kajawo, director of One for All Organisation in Zomba, who made the pledge on his birthday on August 17, saying he wanted to give elderly people a place where they could receive medical assistance without worrying about the cost.
The promise has now received a major boost from Support Knowledge to Youth Group (SKYPEF), which has agreed to fund and support the construction of the facility.
In a letter dated September 2, 2026, SKYPEF told Kajawo that it would support him to start construction next month, describing the project as a mission that would bring “healing, dignity and hope” to elderly people in the community.
The organization said it had previously supported Kajawo’s education and continues to trust him with initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable people.
Speaking in an interview, Kajawo said the clinic will be accessible to all elderly people in the Zomba-Malosa area who are able to reach the facility when they are sick.
“I made this promise because I believe our elderly people deserve to live with dignity. When they are sick, they should not have to worry about where they will get medication,” Kajawo said.
He thanked SKYPEF for responding to his call and agreeing to support the project, saying the donation had given fresh momentum to a vision he had hoped to turn into reality.
“I am very grateful to SKYPEF for believing in this vision and standing with me. This support means a lot because this is not just about constructing a building. It is about giving hope and helping people who have served their communities for many years,” he said.
Kajawo further expressed commitment to supporting both the elderly and young people, particularly vulnerable youths who have dropped out of school.
His commitment to youth empowerment is already reflected through One for All Technical College, which he has built and manages using his own money.
The college supports young people, particularly vulnerable youths who have dropped out of school, by giving them access to technical skills and opportunities to become self-reliant.
Kajawo said his work with the elderly and young people is driven by the need to support vulnerable members of society.
“The elderly and the youth are important to our communities. We need to care for those who are ageing while also giving young people skills and opportunities so that they can have a better future,” he said.
SKYPEF said its team will work with Kajawo during September to develop the plans and budget for the clinic before construction starts next month.
The organization has described the project as a way of putting faith into action, quoting Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
