Sustainable Livelihoods and Stronger Systems for Persons with Spinal Injuries in Malawi.

The PATHS Project is an initiative of the Spinal Injuries Association of Malawi (SIAM), supported by the Leopold Bachmann Foundation (LBF) through a grant. The project runs from June 2026 to July 2027 and is grounded in the lived experiences of persons with spinal injuries.

PATHS responds to the economic and social barriers that can limit persons with spina cord injuries access to employment, entrepreneurship and opportunities for independence. Through practical entrepreneurship training, 60 persons with spinal injuries will develop the knowledge and skills needed to start or strengthen small businesses, while 30 participants will receive start-up grants to turn their business ideas into sustainable income-generating opportunities.

Alongside livelihood support, the project will strengthen SIAM as an organization by improving its digital presence, financial management and reporting systems. These efforts will enhance accountability, communication and SIAM’s capacity to effectively support its members and advocate for their rights.

By combining livelihood development, lived experience and organizational strengthening, the PATHS Project is helping create opportunities for persos with spinal injuries to achieve greater economic independence, build resilience and participate more fully in their communities. It contributes to SIAM’s broader vision of a Malawi where persons with spinal injuries can live with dignity, equality and meaningful inclusion.