Making a splash: Brussels expat's sponsored swim to raise funds for Malawi health centre

For the second year running, Sue Bird will be diving into the pool of the Brussels Aspria sports club to raise money for her Malawi charity, the Songani Hope and Wellness Centre.

Hoping to complete 200 lengths of the pool on 13 June, the former European Commission official’s latest fundraising initiative is in support of the centre's HIV work.  

After setting up the Songani Hope and Wellness Centre in 2018-2019, Bird then founded the Belgian branch of Mbedza with a friend in 2025. The UK charity runs projects in southern Malawi aimed at reducing poverty in a region where HIV remains a significant challenge. 

The centre hosts various projects, and in particular it trains a youth group, the Hope Ambassadors, whose mission is to educate their peers on HIV prevention. They participate in youth rallies and use poetry, music, dance and theatre to persuade other young people to avoid transmission of the HIV. 

The money raised by Bird will support the Hope Ambassadors with their projects.

Testimony from a Hope Ambassador

Gracious Chakoma is one of the Hope Ambassadors whose life has been transformed through the programme. From being an “ordinary” member of the group, Gracious has grown into a young entrepreneur, winning a tender to supply printed T-shirts for all of the ambassadors.

At a recent event, Gracious was responsible for decorating the venue to make the occasion colourful and memorable. Through this opportunity, he not only earned a living but showcased his creativity, talents and skills.

Gracious now has a much better understanding of how to market and advertise his skills, something he struggled with before. He is grateful to be part of the youth programme and for the opportunities it has opened for him.

To donate to Sue Bird’s sponsored swim for the Hope Ambassadors on 13 June: Mbedza Belgium, BE28 3632 5939 5420

Or contact Sue for more information: Sue@mbedza.org.

Photo: A celebration of Hope Ambassadors’ achievement ©Sue Bird