ABOUT US
Background of Focus on Ability Society (FOAS)
Focus on Ability Society (FOAS) is a registered, youth-led nonprofit organization working across Malawi, founded in 2016 by MacDonald Malamula Nyirenda, a passionate advocate for disability rights, inclusive development, and community resilience.
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Established with the belief that ability matters more than disability, FOAS was officially registered in 2019 under the Trustees Incorporation Act (CAP 5:03) and the Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) in 2024. Since its inception, FOAS has been driven by a bold vision: to challenge societal perceptions, empower the most marginalized, and build inclusive, resilient communities through creativity, innovation, and grassroots action.
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The organization emerged from MacDonald Nyirenda’s early work in inclusive media and youth empowerment, particularly through documentary filmmaking. The journey began when he participated in the international Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, hosted by NOVA Employment in Sydney, Australia, with a powerful short film titled See Me, See Abilities. The film featured a remarkable young video producer, Sautso Ndalama who was born without legs and hands, challenging viewers to recognize the potential in every person, regardless of physical ability. What started as a disability storytelling initiative has since evolved into a multi-sectoral movement that supports vulnerable groups across Malawi—including persons with disabilities, youth, the elderly, women, and communities affected by climate-induced disasters.
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FOAS leads nationally recognized initiatives such as the Focus on Ability Film Festival Malawi, which has empowered over 30 filmmakers and persons with disabilities by showcasing their stories and challenging stereotypes through film. Beyond the screen, FOAS is building futures through climate-smart agriculture, education support for disaster-affected students, humanitarian relief, peacebuilding, and intergenerational cultural programs like the YETO Festival.
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Guided by values of accountability, transparency, professionalism, teamwork, and community participation, FOAS continues to work at the intersection of inclusion, sustainability, and justice. The organization partners with local and international institutions to deliver impact-driven programs rooted in the real needs of communities.
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Today, FOAS is more than a nonprofit—it is a platform for change, a community of hope, and a voice for the unheard. Through its work, it envisions a Malawi where every person—regardless of ability or background—has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and be celebrated.
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Our Mission
Focus on Ability Society (FOAS) exists to empower marginalized communities in Malawi—especially persons with disabilities, youth, women, the elderly and disaster-affected families—by using storytelling, climate-smart innovation, and inclusive development to challenge stereotypes, advance human rights, and build resilient, just communities. Through documentary film, grassroots action, and transformative partnerships, we amplify ability, nurture potential, and create spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.
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Our Vision
To create an inclusive Malawi where every individual—regardless of ability, age, or background—has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. FOAS envisions communities that embrace diversity, uphold dignity, and thrive through equity, resilience, and shared humanity.
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Our Objectives
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To promote disability rights and social inclusion through the use of documentary films, inclusive storytelling, and public awareness campaigns that challenge stigma and celebrate the abilities of marginalized individuals.
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To empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities through skills training, education support, and entrepreneurship initiatives that enhance self-reliance and socio-economic participation.
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To respond to humanitarian needs and climate-induced disasters by providing relief aid, education support, and long-term resilience-building initiatives in disaster-affected communities.
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To advance climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihoods by equipping youth and rural households with adaptive farming skills, sustainable irrigation techniques, and organic practices to ensure food security and educational continuity.
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To foster peace, intergenerational dialogue, and cultural preservation through community events, storytelling festivals, and conflict resolution training that promote solidarity and local wisdom.
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To strengthen human rights and gender equality by advocating for policy reforms, legal awareness, and protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations including girls, elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
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To promote digital inclusion and innovation through ICT education, media production, and technology-based solutions that enhance access to information, communication, and economic opportunities.
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To build strong community partnerships and networks that drive sustainable development through grassroots engagement, participatory planning, and evidence-based advocacy.
