This report evaluates the Students with Dreams (SWD) project, a creative leadership programme – the first of its kind in Malawi- that inspires college students to become agents of change. With training, mentorship, and seed funding, young leaders develop creative and innovative projects that address pressing social issues.
This report presents:
• the findings of interviews with 62 SWD alumni regarding the impact that SWD has had on their lives and career trajectories
• insight into the longer-term impact that the programme has had on participants and their role in creating wider change
• case studies which highlight the use of arts-based initiatives.

Of the alumni who took part in the study, over 90% reported that leadership and confidence were the areas that saw most improvement through their participation in the programme. Creativity, collaboration, time management, problem-solving, networking, and conflict resolution have also been positively impacted by the programme. These 62 alumni estimated that their 45 individual projects have positively impacted approximately 8,900 community beneficiaries. The most common project themes between 2011-2017 were in the areas of Education, Arts and Health.

The Art & Global Health Center Africa (AGHCA) fosters creative leadership and implements innovative, arts-based, health oriented programmes that inspire and mobilise.

Ballero, R., Chinkonda, B. (2021). Students with Dreams Impact Evaluation. Zomba, Malawi: Art and Global Health Center Africa (ArtGlo).