Lawrene O'Donnell and UNICEF USA's KIND Fund gives Malawi kids desks

The K.I.N.D. Fund
Kids in Need of Desks

An inspiring partnership between UNICEF USA and MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell supports quality education in Malawi by providing students with the desks and scholarships they need to continue to learn and build bright futures.

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Empowering Education in Malawi: The K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund

Education is transformative, yet many children in Malawi face daily barriers that make learning a challenge. The K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund, a long-standing partnership between UNICEF USA and MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell, addresses these obstacles by equipping classrooms with desks and offering scholarships to Malawian girls. Since its launch in 2010, the program has delivered over 385,000 desks to primary students, reaching more than 1.5 million learners. It has also supported nearly 28,650 schoolgirls with scholarships to complete their secondary education. Join us, and you can help students in Malawi learn, thrive and pursue their dreams.

Desks Transform the Learning Environment

In Malawi, over half of all students' classrooms have no desks or chairs. Children learn sitting on the floor, struggling to concentrate, write legibly and participate, which is especially tough for girls, who often skip school during their periods rather than sit on the classroom floor. K.I.N.D. desks, which come with attached seating, make all the difference. Schools report increased attendance, higher retention among girls and improved participation. Donate today to support even more eager learners.

 

  • $113 can provide a school desk for 2 to 3 students
  • $452 can provide school desks for 8 to 12 students
  • $3,390 can provide desks for an entire classroom of students
  • $33,900 can provide 300 desks for an entire school

A $240 Donation Gives a Girl a One-Year Scholarship

In Malawi, many families can't afford secondary school tuition, so girls drop out. Many of them marry before their time. The K.I.N.D. Fund helps ambitious young women continue their educations by providing scholarships for all four years of secondary school. The scholarship package includes tuition, room and board, transportation and everything a girl needs to succeed — uniforms, school supplies, menstrual hygiene products, even teaching materials for classroom use. Girls also receive mentoring and psychosocial guidance to get the most out of their classes. Your donation can change a girl's future:

  • $240 can fund a one-year scholarship 
  • $480 can fund a 2-year scholarship
  • $720 can fund a 3-year scholarship
  • $960 can fund a girl's high school education for all 4 years

Donate and Make a Difference

You can support the K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund by donating to provide desks or funding scholarships. Make a single gift or help Lawrence O’Donnell and UNICEF USA grow this vital program by becoming a monthly K.I.N.D. supporter. Monthly gifts provide the sustained support needed to reach more children and keep pace with the changing needs of Malawi’s students and teachers. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps create a brighter future for children in Malawi, ensuring they have the tools they need to learn, grow and succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund? Everything you need to know

The K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund is a philanthropic initiative established by Lawrence O'Donnell and UNICEF USA. The collaboration provides desks and scholarships to children in Malawi, aiming to enhance the quality of education and create better learning environments.

How can I donate to the K.I.N.D. Fund?

Your donation, whether large or small, can make a significant difference in the lives of Malawian children.

You can contribute to the K.I.N.D. Fund through several options:

  1. Online donations: Make a secure online contribution: give a K.I.N.D. desk here or give a K.I.N.D. scholarship to a girl here or via the buttons at the top of this page.
  2. Mail contributions: Send checks or money orders to K.I.N.D. Fund, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, 10038.
  3. Recurring donations: Set up monthly contributions to support the cause consistently over time. When you give a K.I.N.D. desk or give a K.I.N.D. scholarship, you can choose to make your K.I.N.D. donation a monthly gift. 
How does my donation help children in Malawi?

Your generous contributions support two primary objectives. You can:

  1. Give a K.I.N.D. desk: Many schools in Malawi lack basic infrastructure, including desks and chairs. Your donations help provide desks to children highly motivated and inspired to learn. The K.I.N.D. desks, with benches attached, ensure children can focus on their studies and do their best work.
  2. Give a K.I.N.D. scholarship: The K.I.N.D. fund also offers scholarships to young girls in Malawi, removing the financial constraints that keep so many of the nation's girls from living up to their potential. Scholarships cover tuition, room and board, uniforms, learning materials and more.
What is the impact of providing desks to Malawian schools?

A desk profoundly enhances students’ comfort and concentration and instructors’ teaching abilities. Here’s how:

  • Desks are not just furniture: They are the foundation of a comfortable learning environment designed to help students develop the knowledge they need for their futures. Desks allow students to sit comfortably and maintain better posture, enhancing concentration and academic performance.
  • Desks help increase enrollment and student retention: Schools with desks are comfortable places to learn, where students can enjoy engaging with their teachers and classmates and doing their best work.
  • Desks support teachers: A well-equipped classroom enhances instructors' abilities to engage their students and set them up for success.  
What does a K.I.N.D. scholarship cover?

A K.I.N.D. scholarship empowers young girls to take control of their lives. In Malawi, less than half of the nation's girls graduate from primary school. School fees and widespread poverty mean even fewer girls can afford secondary school.  A K.I.N.D. Fund scholarship removes those barriers by providing comprehensive support, including:

  • Tuition assistance: Covers all school fees required for attendance
  • School supplies: Provides essential materials such as notebooks, pens and textbooks
  • Uniforms: Ensures students have the proper attire required for school attendance
  • Personal hygiene supplies: K.I.N.D. Fund scholarships help girls meet their menstrual hygiene needs so they can attend class confidently and focus on what matters
Can I choose whether my donation goes to desks or scholarships?

Yes! When donating, you can decide how you would like your funds allocated. You can give a K.I.N.D. desk gift, which includes desks and learning supplies, and K.I.N.D. scholarships. You also have the option when donating desks or scholarships to make your donation to the K.I.N.D. Fund a monthly gift. Monthly gifts provide ongoing operational support for the K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund initiative. 

Can I make a recurring donation to the K.I.N.D. Fund?

Absolutely! Setting up a recurring donation is a great way to provide ongoing support to the K.I.N.D. (Kids in Need of Desks) Fund. You can sign up to start giving monthly on the K.I.N.D. desk or K.I.N.D. scholarship donation forms or via the buttons at the top of this page. When you donate monthly to K.I.N.D., you provide the sustained support Malawi's students need to transform their lives through education.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, donations made to UNICEF USA to support the K.I.N.D. Fund are 100% tax-deductible. Upon making a contribution, you will receive a receipt that you can use for tax purposes.

How can I stay updated on the progress of the K.I.N.D. Fund?

To stay informed about the progress and impact of the K.I.N.D. Fund, you can:

  • Follow on Social Media: Keep track of the latest news and stories by following UNICEF USA and Lawrence O'Donnell on social media.

Supporting the K.I.N.D. Fund helps transform the lives of Malawian children, providing them with the resources they need to succeed through education. Whether through donating desks or scholarships, every contribution can make a world of difference to children and young women who want nothing more than to learn.