Mtendere Logo

A home for second chances

About Us

Mtendere Rehabilitation Center was established to address substance use and behavioral addictions among adolescents in Malawi. We provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for young people aged 12 to 20 to heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. Mtendere Rehabilitation Center (MRC) in Malawi helps adolescents (young people) with problems like substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues. They offer treatment, support, and education to help young people recover and live healthy lives. MRC has: - A residential program for boys with substance use issues - Outpatient services for all types of addiction - Prevention programs in schools to teach about mental health and addiction Their goal is to create a society where young people can talk openly about these issues without feeling ashamed or judged. They have a team of experts, including c ounselors, therapists, and nurses. Many young people in Malawi face challenges like depression, substance abuse, and violence, but don't get the help they need. MRC wants to change that by providing accessible and supportive services.


Who We Are

A society where adolescents reclaim their lives after addiction and where open, stigma-free discussion of addiction is embraced.

To deliver high-quality addiction rehabilitation and prevention services through counseling, family involvement, school partnerships, and community engagement that promote recovery and resilience.

  • Compassion
  • Respect
  • Comprehensive care
  • Partnership and Collaboration
  • Excellence

Our Location

Take a Tour

Get a glimpse of Mtendere Rehabilitation Center and experience the environment where healing, growth, and second chances begin.

Our Team

The center opens its doors to eight adolescent inpatients, with additional capacity for outpatient support. A dedicated multidisciplinary team—including a psychosocial counselor, a social worker, a nurse, and a rehabilitation assistant—is the backbone of the program.

Complementary services will be offered by self-employed specialists such as a music therapist, pastoral care, and occupational therapy. We are working hand-in-hand with local partners in Mzuzu, including St. John of God (SJOG), to integrate community knowledge and strengthen referral networks.

After one year of operation, we will present our project plan and outcome data to the Malawian government to support replication of adolescent rehabilitation centers across the country.

As we have already begun prevention sessions in primary and secondary schools, we envision a brighter future for adolescents—free from the constraints of addiction.

Raphael Nyirenda

Raphael Nyirenda

Co-founder & Psychosocial Counsellor

sharlon Welleweerd​a

Sharlon Welleweerd​

Co-founder and Addiction Nurse

Jolien Done

Jolien Donne

Psychologist

Janet Silika

Janet Silika

Addiction Nurse

Darius Luhanga

Darius Luhanga

Social Worker

Tabitha Chiona

Tabitha Chiona

Rehabilitation Assistant

Philip Chilembo

Philip Chilembo

Rehabilitation Assistant

Henry Banda

Henry Banda

Rehabilitation Assistant


Founders & Dates Opened

After witnessing an adolescent being admitted together with adults, Raphael Nyirenda was deeply touched. He shared this concern with Sharlon Welleweerd, expressing that if he had the capacity, he would establish a rehabilitation center specifically for adolescents.

This conversation inspired Sharlon to begin fundraising efforts through the Stichting Mavuvu Trust. The site for the center was purchased in 2015, and construction commenced shortly thereafter.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was paused but later resumed in 2022 and completed in October 2025. The center was officially opened on 10 October 2025.

During the launch, we were honored by the presence of the Inkosana, community members, and Mr Tendai Machaya from St. John of God, who emphasized the importance of structured adolescent rehabilitation and mental health services in Malawi.

birth
Tendai
mrc