MEET THE TEAM

  • Innocent K. Phiri

    Project Manager, Open Your Mind

    Innocent leads Open Your Mind equipping young people with essential digital skills.

    He holds an MSCE (Malawi School Certificate of Education) and certificates in Catering Management (Union University College) and Local Journalism.

    In addition, he oversees the administrative work in CARMA and he is the host of the CARMA youth hub.

  • Aurora Chirwa

    Project Manager, Youth for Climate Justice

    Aurora is a climate activist and leads our Youth for Climate Justice project while also managing our social media.

    She studied Environmental Science at the Catholic University of Malawi, deepening her knowledge of activism and sustainability. As a role model for many, Aurora empowers young people in Nkhata Bay to understand and engage with climate justice, equipping them to become the activists of tomorrow.

  • Prince Shela

    Prince Shela

    Project Manager, Trees for Tomorrow

    Prince Shela leads our Trees for Tomorrow project with a strong commitment to reforestation and community resilience.

    He holds a BSc in Rural and Community Development from ShareWORLD University and a Diploma in Environmental Management from LUANAR. With a passion for empowering local communities, Prince blends academic expertise with grassroots action to drive sustainable change and environmental stewardship.

Founders

In 2021, we moved from Denmark to Malawi and took the opportunity to transform an eco-village into Mayoka Højskole. Today, it’s a thriving hub for sustainable development, climate justice, adventure, and community.

Living in Nkhata Bay has given us a deeper understanding of climate change—not as an abstract issue, but as a daily reality. Here, young people are eager to take action, yet they often lack access to the necessary resources, education, and opportunities. Recognizing this, we have established CARMA as a space where youth can connect, share knowledge, and drive local solutions.

Today, we call Nkhata Bay home, running Mayoka Højskole, Mayoka Village (eco-lodge), and CARMA - each contributing in its own way to learning, sustainability, and community-driven action.

  • Maiken Kirk Andersen

    Maiken brings a wealth of experience in human rights, inequality and project management. 

    She has specialised knowledge about how to create and support youth movements & network.

  • Sune Rahbek Thuesen

    For over a decade, Sune has been dedicated to empowering youth and advancing sustainable development across african countries. 

    Sune has degrees in international development and African studies.

  • Lars Puggaard Sønderby

    Financial manager and former IT-consultant in an  international IT-concern. Lars has a degree in IT.

  • Betina Lund Sønderby

    Betina is developing our ICT courses in collaboration with trainers. Betina has a degree in Digital Design and Communication.