About us

The Chiswen Foundation is a non-profit charity in Malawi founded by Moses Stanley Chikuse, a Malawian based in Rome, Italy, who serves as Executive Director, and Sarah Jane Swenson, a former American Peace Corps volunteer based in Seattle, Washington, who serves as Secretary-Treasurer. Besides the two non-resident founders, three resident Malawians also serve on Chiswen’s all-volunteer Board of Directors and assist in the Foundation’s in-country operations in various capacities.

Founders

Moses S. Chikuse

Moses is a Malawian national who has been raised in Rome, Italy, since he was nine years old. He gained early experience in product development, marketing, and international trade while working for two start-up Roman firms that specialized in led lighting and electronics.

After completing his Laurea in Digital Communications, Moses joined the International Department Office of Link University in Rome, where he currently serves as Director of Incoming Students.

Whether helping a young person map out a viable career path, identifying an interesting business opportunity for a mid-life investor, or organizing a fundraising activity for a worthy cause, he is passionate about using his skills to improve the lives of others, beginning with his home country, Malawi.

Sarah J. Swenson

Sarah is a former United States Peace Corps volunteer who spent four years in Malawi and fell in love with the country’s culture and people.

After returning to the United States, she obtained a nursing degree and settled in Seattle, Washington, where she now works as a registered nurse at the Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Throughout the years since her return, Sarah has continued to support the people of Malawi by mobilizing resources for local projects and activities that offer the possibility of making a big impact with a relatively modest level of support.

Despite the distance, her commitment to her work with Malawian communities has never wavered and is a source of great satisfaction to her.

History

Moses and Sarah met in 2013 at a fundraising event in Arizona while he was visiting family and she was completing her nursing degree. Moses’ background in small-scale business entrepreneurship and Sarah’s experience in community-based development led them to join forces to establish a charitable NGO registered in the US to support innovative community-based projects and small business initiatives in Malawi. Chiswen’s US NGO implemented pilot activities in three locations within Balaka District, Southern Region in 2013 and 2016.

Amami

Malawi Music Project

Hope for Education

After taking a break due to external factors and the impact of COVID-19, the founders are excited to get back to work and continue their mission. Instead of attempting to direct activities from a US base, they have now decided to register Chiswen.org as a Malawian NGO with a local office in Blantyre. The website has been completely redesigned to provide a platform for connecting people and communities in Malawi who have creative ideas for bettering their own lives, with individuals and institutions both within and beyond the country’s borders who feel motivated to offer support.

Vision

IN THE WORDS OF THE FOUNDERS

"We believe that working together with those we serve,

is the only way to create sustainable impacts.

We are committed to investing in and encouraging

local and individual initiatives which will empower

people to believe in themselves as the best agents

to find ways and take action to improve their lives."