By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE–(MaraviPost)-A bold vision to transform the lives of thousands of young Malawian girls through netball and education has received a major international endorsement after the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) secured approval for a groundbreaking development project from the World Netball Strategic Development Fund.
The project, aptly named “Grassroots to Queens: A Sustainable Netball Talent and Education Pathway for Malawian Girls,” has been approved by the World Netball Board following a recommendation from the independent Strategic Development Fund Panel, marking a significant vote of confidence in Malawi’s commitment to developing the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Although the release of funding has been temporarily delayed due to financial constraints affecting World Netball, the approval itself represents a landmark achievement for Malawi netball and a powerful recognition of the country’s vision to use sport as a catalyst for social change.
At the heart of the initiative lies a simple but powerful ambition: to ensure that talented girls from some of Malawi’s most disadvantaged communities are given an opportunity to chase their sporting dreams without sacrificing their education.
The programme will expand the reach of the NAM Academy into grassroots communities across the country, creating a structured pathway that identifies young talent, nurtures potential and develops future stars while encouraging girls to remain in school and build brighter futures.
Through organised school-based training sessions, participants will receive more than just netball coaching.
Girls will be equipped with life skills, leadership training, mentorship and education support, while also engaging in important discussions around issues such as teenage pregnancy, self-discipline and the value of education.
For many young girls, the programme could become a life-changing opportunity.
Those who excel will gain access to advanced training through schools of netball excellence under the Malawi Secondary Schools Sports Association (MASSA), placing them on a pathway that could eventually lead to selection for Malawi’s Under-19, Under-21 and senior national teams — including the internationally acclaimed Malawi Queens.
In one of the programme’s most ambitious components, outstanding participants will be rewarded with full secondary school and tertiary education scholarships, including transport support, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic and sporting success.
The initiative is closely aligned with World Netball’s INSPIRE strategic pillar and reflects a growing global recognition that sport can be a powerful tool for empowering girls, strengthening communities and creating lasting social impact.
Beyond developing players, the project will also harness the experience of some of Malawi’s most respected netball figures.
Former and current Malawi Queens players will serve as coaches, mentors and role models, helping to inspire the next generation while strengthening coaching and technical capacity at grassroots level.
The programme will be delivered through a partnership between NAM and the Mary Waya Foundation, bringing together educators, District Sports Officers, sports administrators and organisations working in girls’ education.
For Malawi netball legend Mary Waya, the project represents an opportunity to give back and create opportunities for young girls who may otherwise never have the chance to fulfil their potential.
“Netball gave me so many opportunities in life, and now we have the chance to open doors for the next generation of Malawian girls,” said Waya.
“Through this programme, we will not only develop exceptional talent but also ensure these young girls stay focused on their education and build a brighter future.”
NAM President Vitumbiko Gubuduza described the approval as a major milestone for both netball and girls’ empowerment in Malawi.
“We are thrilled that World Netball has recognised the vision and quality of this programme, which focuses on investing in the future of Malawian girls, using netball as a powerful vehicle for education, discipline and opportunity,” she said.
With preparations already underway, NAM is now awaiting the release of funding to begin implementation.
While the financial support is yet to arrive, the message from World Netball is clear: Malawi’s vision matters.
For countless young girls dreaming of wearing the Malawi colours one day, the approval of the Grassroots to Queens project is more than just a development grant—it is a promise of opportunity, hope and a pathway from dusty community courts to the biggest stages in world netball.
And for Malawi netball, it could mark the beginning of a new generation of Queens.
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