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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
ABOUT THE OGANIZATION
CONSTITUTION
2016

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
P.O.BOX 1552 TEL: +265 881 001 099
Lilongwe +265 995 488 297
MALAWI E-mail: youthforum.mw@gmail.com
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
Established in june 11th 2015, as a NGOs YouthForum Initiative organization
in focuses on our community’s most at-risk youth between the ages of 14 to
26 who are not actively engaged in school or in the workforce. The goal of
the Initiative is to bring together community members and organizations
that will promote positive change and explore opportunities to help
strengthen support for Malawi youth. The Initiative goals are to Build a safe
and supportive platform for Youth to share their stories and include their
insight and voice in the process of exploring new pathways and expanding
existing programs for their success, and to develop a shared vision and path
for community to build a common understanding of the needs of our youth
today and work together to develop supportive partnerships, programs and
resources.
(YIFO), Goals
Collaborating for Impact
MALAWI primary goal is to formally establish a community-wide
collaboration that will develop a common (YIFO), Vision of how disengaged
youth can gain the vocational or professional skills needed to contribute to
our community and identify steps we can take to continue to build a local
economy which will serve both our youth and (YIFO), cultural values.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
STATUTORY DECLARATION MADE UNDER RULE 2(4) OF THE TRUSTEES
INCORPORATION ACT RULES (CHAP. 5:03) OF THE LAWS OF MALAWI
We, Francis Majiga Banda of Namagonya Village Traditional Authority Chikumbu,
Mulanje District; AgasonManjawira of KaloloVillage T/A Kalolo Lilongwe District;
MadalitsoBwemba of Bwemba Village Traditional Authority Malili, Lilongwe District;
John Mponda of LigojoVillage Traditional Authority Chikumbu, Mulanje District; jointly
and severally solemnly DECLARE that:
1. The signatures appearing on the Application for Incorporation of an Organization
marked “Form A” in respect of THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF YOUTH FORUM
INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO) produced to us and attached herein are the
proper handwritings of the said FRANCIS MAJIGA BANDA, the said MADALITSO
BWEMBA BANDA, the said AGASON MANJAWIRA, and the Said JOHN
MPONDA
THE FUNCTIONAL LITERACY PROGRAMME IN MALAWI
The programme was launched in 1986 with the aim of establishing a direct link between
the acquisition of reading, writing and numerical skills and the solution of problems
which require literacy skills for effective functioning and progress towards a higher living
standard for the individuals, their families and community.
The specific objectives of the programme include:
(a) To upgrade literacy priority and integrate the planned Functional Literacy
Programme with other priority national development programmes.
(b) To bring about socio–economic change with particular emphasis on changes
on agricultural production, improved health habits and practices, better family
life and community living.
(c) To increase the attainment and use of literacy skills by laying foundations for a
broad–based attack on illiteracy so as to sustain the process of learning and
life–long communities.
(d) To improve the status, general knowledge and technical skills of the rural
people especially smallholder farmers by reducing illiteracy through work–
oriented functional literacy programmes (UNICEF, 1992: 4).
In the Malawian context learners are taught to read and write Chichewa which along
with English is a national language. The emphasis is on delivering usable information
simultaneously with the teaching of literacy and numeracy. In numeracy, simple
numerical calculations with a practical relevance are emphasized. Apart from
information related to agriculture, the programme is now used to disseminate
information on health, hygiene, nutrition, agro forestry, childcare and child–spacing
(Kishindo, 1993: 397). The programme’s main targets are those above the age of 15
years who by either economic or social or geographical positions never had an

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
opportunity to obtain the basic minimum education level, which is standard four in this
country.
However, the Functional Literacy Programme in Malawi faces the problem of effective
implementation. Kishindo (1992) discusses the efforts of the Malawi Government to
improve the Functional Literacy Programme in Malawi. He examines the problems the
programme is encountering and suggests solutions to the problems. He argues that for
the Functional Literacy Programme to improve and contribute to socio–economic
development of the country, a number of improvements need to be made. Among
other things, he suggests the recruitment of well–trained instructors, raising their
honorarium, improvements in the supply of teaching and learning materials and an
increase in the ministry’s budget allocation to the programme.
In a study to explore problems that affect the Functional Literacy Programme in Malawi
with Zomba Municipality as a case study area by Kalombola (2002), respondents who
included learners, non-learners, drop-outs, instructors and Community Development
Supervisors had lamented on the following problems and challenges:
Inadequacy of teaching and reading materials such as primers, chalk, slates, textbooks,
exercise and notebooks, pencils, pens and papers. As such, out of the 20 drop outs
interviewed 15(75%) said they dropped out due to lack of learning materials in their
respective literacy centres. This research finding supports the observation of Kishindo
(1993: 397) who found out that some learners especially out–of–school youth dropped
out because of dissatisfaction due to inadequacy of reading materials.
Inadequate honoraria for instructors
Similarly, findings of earlier studies have described the amount of honorarium as no
major incentive (Situation Analysis of Poverty in Malawi, 1993: 151). Although functional
literacy teaching is supposed to be voluntary, the instructors felt that they should be paid
adequately for the services they provide for their upkeep.
Low male participation
This finding agrees with the research findings of Sodala (1997). It has been found out in
this survey that although a good number of men may initially enroll for the programme
they eventually, sooner or later, dropout.
Absence of literacy centres within walking distance
This problem is particularly rampant in rural areas. In rural Malawi, literacy centres are
widely far apart such that most of them are not accessible to some potential learners who
live very far away from the centres.
Very low young persons’ enrolment and participation
Similar to the findings of Kishindo (1993: 397) in Malindi, Bawala and Sanga areas that
although the programme is open to any person aged 15 years and over, it has attracted
very few young persons, this survey also reveals the same trend.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
Instructor absenteeism
This problem was highlighted both in urban and rural literacy centres.
Inadequate and irregular supervisory visits by Community Development Assistants.
This problem is particularly common in rural areas.
Other problems highlighted include: lack of support by some community leaders,
inadequate or no training at all for the instructors, high learner dropout rate and poor
learning environment in some literacy centres.
It is against this background and desirous of contributing to social development of
humanity that several individuals have been envisioned to establish an organization to
give an opportunity to those adults who for one reason or another failed to gain literacy
and numeric skills in their childhood to access such skills now in order for them to
actively participate in the development agenda of our country, Malawi. The organization
shall be called YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO).
MISSION STATEMENT
To be a catalyst for long- lasting positive change in low and moderate income
communities around Malawi, by helping the Youths, Women and Vulnerable to
improve their social economic and environmental conditions.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Name of the Organization
1.1 Type of Organization
2.0Location
3.0Terms of reference for formation of the organization
3.1 Target Groups
3.2 Areas of Focus
3.3 Ultimate Objective
3.3.1 Specific objectives
4.0Board of Trustees

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
4.1 Powers and functions of the Board of Trustees
5.0Executive Structure
5.1 Duties of
5.1.1 Executive Director
5.1.2 Director of Programs
5.1.3 Project Officer
5.1.4 Finance and Administrative Officer
5.1.5 Training Officer
5.1.6 Administrative Officer
5.1.7 Development Worker
5.2 Conditions of Service
5.3 Recruitment Procedures
6.0 Finances
7.0 Appointment of Auditors
8.0 General Meetings
9.0 Constitution Amendment
10.0 Dissolution of the organization
1. INTERPRETATION
1. The organization means Youth Forum Initiative Organisation (YIFO);
2. Trustees means the Board of Trustees established under section 8.0 of this
Constitution
2. ORGANIZATION
The organization shall be called the Registered Trustees of the Future AID for
Community Development, hereinafter known as Youth Forum Initiative
Organisation (YIFO).
3. TYPE
The organization shall be established and registered in Malawi as non-profit
/charitable indigenous Non-Governmental Organization.
4. LOCATION
Its headquarters shall be established in Lilongwe with its contact address as:
Youth Forum Initiative Organisation (YIFO);

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
P.O Box 1552
Lilongwe, Malawi
5.0 EXECUTIVE BODY
The Management shall consist of the following;
Executive Director
Director of Programs
Finance and Administrative Officer
District Coordinators
Project Officer
Development Worker
5.1 DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE
The duties of the executive shall be:-
5.1.1 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
He/She shall:
(a) Be the overseer of all executive officers.
(b) Ensure the objectives of the organization are being met through endorsing the
techniques of the organization and the programs of the organization to be carried
out.
(c) Summon executive body for a general meeting a time he/she deems necessary and
appropriate to do so.
(d) Be able to appoint together with the Director of Programs both executive and
ordinary member to represent the organization at any forum, meeting, seminar,
workshop or symposium.
(e) Be able to relieve any member (anybody below the Project Officer and Training
and Education Officer) who is not executing his/her duties properly but after
recommendation to and from the Board of Trustees.
(f) Be reporting to the donor partners the progress of each program, which has been
funded.
5.1.2 DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
He/She shall:
(a) Responsible for coordinating all activities and programs of the organization.
(b) Assume the position of the Executive Director during his/her absence,
incapacitation dismissal or resignation till a fit body fills the office.
(c) Be required to submit an annual budget which is subject to approval by the
management.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
(d) Compile a comprehensive monthly report to the Executive Director on the
progress of different programs in effect.
(e) Sing together with either the Executive Director all cheques drawn on the
organization’s bank account.
(f) Draw up an annual plan of action for the organization.
5.1.3 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
She/he shall be involved in:
(a) Financial accountability of the organization.
(b) Signing together with Executive Director or program Manager, cheques for the
organization.
(c) Control of all the support staff for the organization.
(d) Preparing of accounts books for the organization.
5.1.4 District Coordinators
She/he shall be involved in:
(a) Conducting research for the organization especially in the context of proposal
development at district level.
(b) Reporting to the Director of Programs the progress of all the projects
implemented at district level.
(c) Being in the fore-front in proposal development for all the projects in the district.
(d) Coordinating all the district activities for the organization.
(e) Any other duty assigned from time to time by the management.
5.1.4 PROJECT OFFICER
He/Shall be:
a) Conducting research in the context of monitoring and evaluation of different
projects, which are being implemented.
b) Reporting to the District Coordinators the progress of the implemented
projects/programs.
c) Coordinating the activities between the impact area and the district office.
d) Any other duty assigned from time to time by the management.
5.1.5 DEVELOPMENT WORKER
He/she shall:
(a) Be responsible for all the project implementation in an impact area.
(b) Write monthly report on the projects in his/her impact area.
(c) Train the beneficiaries on the use of the available resources within the context of
implemented /under implementation program.
(d) Monitor and take part in evaluation on the projects which have been
implemented.
(e) Take care or give directions to the youths in times of program implementation.
5.2 CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
(a) No any member/employee shall be relieved of his/her duties without consent of
the management/board members.

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(b) Any member /employee shall be relieved of his/her duties commits an offence
that shall bring bad image to the organization such as criminal offence, sell or
revelation of confidential information or documents, immorality, abscondment
from duties for more than 14 days without explanation.
(c) Procedure for the relief of any worker;
i. If any of the employees is incompetent the Executive Director will convene
an executive meeting to decide the fate of the individual (s).
5.3 RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE
(a) The vacant post shall be advertised in the print or electronic media.
(b) Executive member deemed fit to do so at that times shall conduct the short-listing
process.
(c) Candidates shall be subjected to interviews to be conducted by management or
hired independent body.
(d) Only those that have fully satisfied the requirements shall be offered the post.
5. TERMS OF REFERENCE
The main terms of reference of the said organisation shall be:-
5.1 TARGET GROUP
The organization shall target rural Malawians with emphasis on the under-
privileged and vulnerable women, children and youths.
5.2 AREAS OF FOCUS
Its areas of concern are:
1) Youth Empowerment
2) Livelihoods;
3) The HIV and AIDS Pandemic;
4) Water and Sanitation;
6.0 YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO) OBJECTIVES
The YIFO Objectives are: -

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
6.1 ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE
To be a catalyst for long- lasting positive change in low and moderate income
communities around Malawi, by helping them to improve their social economic
and environmental conditions
6.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
To achieve economic empowerment through initiation of income generating
activities, efficient marketing and good prices for agricultural produce.
To create an environment that will enable the poor, vulnerablean
To improve access to quality HIV and health services for the poor and
marginalized communities
Marginalized people to access quality and equitable education
To strengthen the livelihoods of communities through improved food security,
climate change adaptation and agribusiness
To strengthen the capacity of children, youths, women and girls on the awareness
of their rights and responsibilities
To promote the access to safe water and sanitation by vulnerable and
marginalized communities
To increase women, girl participation in development through adoption and
application of engendered policies.
7.0 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
There shall be a board of trustees appointed by the executive who shall act as
guarantees and protect the assets of the organization.
Chairperson who shall assume a two-year term of office unless otherwise stated
shall chair the board of trustees.
The board shall consist of the five (5) distinguished persons who shall hold office
for a period of three years and eligible for re-election.
Three (3) members shall from a quorum for the purpose of transacting business of
the board to fill the vacancy.
Where a vacancy arises in the office of trustees, the executive committee shall
appoint another person to fill the vacancy.
The Executive Committee is invested with authority to add trustee(s) at any time
when the need arises.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
An office of Trustees may fall vacant before expiry of three years if the trustee:
Death, Resigns, Found to be of unsound minded; Declared bankrupt, Convicted
by court of law for a criminal act
9.0 POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Board of Trustees shall perform the following:-
To provide advice to organization on matters of national interest and conflict
resolution;
To receive, consider and determine appeals against the decision of executive
committee;
To review overall organization performance against policy;
To provide guidelines to the executive committee in line with laid down
procedural regulations
To have access to all transactions and progress of the organization;
To help in soliciting funds for the organization.
10.0 SECRETARIAT
There shall be established a Secretariat, which shall be headed
By an Executive Director who shall be an initial Trustee and shall consist of any
such persons as officers of the organization as may from time to time be
appointed.
The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees;
The Executive Director as secretary to the board of trustees shall hold primary
responsibility within the Secretariat
Established a Secretariat, which shall be headed by an Executive Director, shall
consist of Program Manager, District Coordinators, Project Officer, Finance &
Administration Officer, Secretary and Cleaner
11.0 FINANCES

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
Since the funding shall be through donations, corrective measures shall be laid
down for proper accountability of the money.
The source of funds shall include:
Donations from good will people and organizations
Any lawful means as approved by management
The organization shall open and operate a suitable account in the name of Youth
Forum Initiative Organisation (YIFO); into which funds specified in (a) and all
others shall be deposited and kept.
All cheques drawn on organization’s account shall be signed by two jointly of
whom the organization’s financial officer shall be either Executive Director or
Director of Programs.
Financial year shall begin on the first day of January in each year and end on the
thirty-first day of December;
In each case of embezzlement of the organization funds by any member, the
following measures shall be taken:
The member concerned shall be reported to the management. He/she shall be
suspended forthwith pending further investigation by a commission of inquiry.
Commission of inquiries shall be instituted by the chairman of the board of
trustees when need arises.
If found guilty:
1. If the funds embezzled can be fully recovered from his/her income then the
management shall use constitutional approval methods to recover it, within period of
four months.
2. If the funds embezzled exceed the persons income the management shall decide on
the right punishment deemed fit with the situation.
3. Default to pay back through the (iii-a) and where cannot apply, legal means shall be
used to recover the funds.
4. Any member of the management and board of trustees shall have the right of access
to the financial statements of the organization upon 7 days of notice.
5. Any donor, organization or an individual shall have access to financial statements to
the organization.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
13.0 APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Executive together with the board shall appoint an independent audit firm to
audit its books once in each financial year, and shall be the duty of auditors of the
body, in addition duties of auditors, to certify not less than once financial year
whether or not:
The accounts of the organization have been properly kept and transacted
They have received from the organization all the information and explanation
which they (auditors) consider necessary for the performance of their duties, and
The accounts of the organization present a true and fair statement of the financial
position of the body according to the information and explanation given, and
books and records produced to them.
14-GENERAL MEETINGS
3. General meetings may be held at such times as the Executive Director
shall authorize, or quorum of the members determine. Two thirds of
members shall constitute a quorum of general meeting.
The annual general meeting shall be held for the purpose:
4. Review of previous minutes
5. The presentation of an audited financial report
6. Presentation of the projects report
7. Develop strategic plan for the coming year
8. Develop the budget
9. Any other business.
15.0 CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT
The constitution shall only be amended by a resolution proposed by any original
trustee.
Any amendment of any section of the constitution or insertion of new section
shall be proposed by any original member.
Any alteration or additions to any section of the constitution shall require the
approval of not less than two thirds of the Trustees.
A notice of a proposed amendment shall be circulated to Trustees at least 21 days
prior to the date of the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be voted
on.
The amendment shall come into effect upon the approval of the Chairman of the
Board of Trustees.

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YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE ORGANISATION (YIFO)
16.0 RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE AND CUSTODY OF THE
COMMON SEAL
The custodians of the common seal for YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE
ORGANISATION (YIFO); shall be the Executive Director.
USE
It shall be used only:
For legal and financial transactions and any other relevant documents deemed fit
by the management.
Shall in no way be used as a replacement of the organization’s logo.
17.0 DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION
The body may any time be dissolved by a resolution passed by two thirds majority of
original Trustees present and voting at a meeting of the Board of Trustees convened after
a notice of at least twenty-one days shall have been given to all Trustees; and such
resolution shall include disposal procedures of all assets of YOUTH FORUM INITIATIVE
ORGANISATION (YIFO);.