Guest post written by Tena Tiruneh, Senior Vice President of Programs at Heart to Heart International .
On the early morning of Saturday, July 5th, 2025, the air in Lilongwe, Malawi, was alive with the cheerful chirping of birds encircling a charming compound known as Kusewera. In Chichewa, the local language, “Kusewera” translates to “to play.” On this particular day, three non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Heart to Heart International, Freshwater Project International, and Kusewera, were hard at work preparing for a community event that had its roots in Kansas City. You might be curious how Kansas City connects to a gathering in Malawi, and this story beautifully weaves that connection through the rising Malawian soccer star, Temwa Chawinga.
Freshwater Project International is committed to delivering clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education through sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, proudly supported by its brand ambassador, Temwa. On another front, Kusewera, a nonprofit founded by Karen Osborn, is based in Malawi and focuses on health education and providing play opportunities for children. Additionally, Karen serves as the U.S. liaison for professional soccer player and KC Current forward Temwa Chawinga. Heart to Heart International, a Kansas City-based NGO, is well-known for its global efforts to enhance health access by distributing medicines and hygiene kits to those in need, is also a passionate supporter of the KC Current and superstar Temwa.
In a powerful show of community spirit, three organizations came together to support Kansas City’s own superstar, Temwa Chawinga. Just three months earlier, on April 5th, a vibrant community event took place at our headquarters in Lenexa. The event drew Temwa and hundreds of eager young soccer players from local leagues, all of whom were excited to get involved. Under the guidance of the dedicated Hygiene Kit program, these enthusiastic volunteers worked side by side to assemble an impressive 8,000 hygiene kits destined to make a significant impact in Malawi. The atmosphere during the assembly event was filled with energy and camaraderie, as the community came together for a meaningful cause, showcasing the power of teamwork and compassion.
Three months later, in Malawi, filled with excitement, we prepared to distribute 600 of the 8,000 kits. Looking around, I couldn’t help but think of the many community members and young soccer players in Kansas City who had poured their hearts into crafting these kits with genuine care. The event unfolded with joy as we celebrated delivering these kits to the equally eager youth in Malawi. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the dedicated team that brought this effort to life.
While Temwa, who would have loved to be a part of such a joyous occasion, was busy helping the KC Current secure their leading position in the National Women’s Soccer League, we took a moment to honor her during the event. As the day unfolded, surrounded by laughter and a sense of optimism, I believe we truly captured the essence of what it means to be a winning team.
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Kusewera team for graciously hosting our community event at their beautiful compound. A big thank you also goes to Freshwater Project International for their invaluable partnership, as well as to Temwa and all the dedicated volunteers who came together on April 5th to assemble the hygiene kits that we proudly distributed across the breathtaking landscapes of Malawi.
READ: HHI, Freshwater, and KC Current Stars Unite for Malawi’s Future