In October 2018, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business sent a group of MBA students to Malawi for the first time, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership with the Othakarhaka Foundation. Five students were selected for this pioneering project, and they traveled alongside their sponsors, Gloria DeCoste and Don Thomas, to witness firsthand the transformative work being done by Ida Puliwa and her team.
Reflecting on the experience, the students shared that the project “touched our lives forever.” They were deeply moved by Othakarhaka’s unique grassroots approach, which focuses on sustainable, community-driven development through its “passing on the kindness” model. “What Ida and her team are doing in Malawi is unprecedented,” they noted. “Their approach is not only saving lives but also redefining how nonprofit organizations operate today.” This visit laid the foundation for a partnership that continues to inspire students and supporters worldwide.
Here are the highlights of the visit in pictures:
