Who we are
“Building Dreams, Transforming Communities”
Ascend Futures Foundation (AFF) is a dynamic non-profit organization at the heart of youth empowerment and community development in Zambia. Since its inception, AFF has remained steadfast in its mission to drive meaningful social impact, positioning itself as a catalyst for positive change among Zambia’s vibrant youth population.
With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable development, AFF addresses some of the most pressing societal challenges facing young people today. Through comprehensive programs that include advocacy, capacity building, research, mentorship, and active community engagement, we seek to equip Zambia’s youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our core mission is to nurture personal growth, cultivate leadership, and build resilience among Zambian youths. By fostering these qualities, we empower young people to become the driving force behind transformative change in their communities, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
At AFF, we believe that every young person has the potential to be an agent of change, and we are committed to providing the tools and support they need to make that potential a reality.
Through strategic partnerships and a steadfast commitment to excellence, AFF endeavours to create a lasting impact across diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.
Our Story
Where we are coming from
Ascend Futures Foundation (AFF) was born from a shared passion between two advocates for HIV prevention, hailing from Malawi and Zambia. On August 17th, 2017, they envisioned an initiative that would go beyond their daily work, aiming to uplift vulnerable young girls through school fee assistance and mentorship programs. Their dream was not confined to one country; they were committed to replicating their efforts across both Malawi and Zambia, believing they could empower adolescent girls and young women to rise above their circumstances.
Initially, the focus was on adolescent girls and young women, providing them with the support they needed to continue their education and improve their futures. However, over time, Ascend recognized the importance of including boys in their mission. Empowering entire communities required an inclusive approach, where both girls and boys could benefit from mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for personal growth.
By 2022, it became evident that Ascend’s vision had grown beyond its original scope. What began as an initiative for educational support and mentorship had evolved into a broader movement for youth empowerment and community development. The passion to create lasting, meaningful change was stronger than ever, and with the dedication of a growing team of like-minded changemakers, Ascend formally registered as a non-profit organization in 2024.
Today, Ascend Futures Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives, not just in Zambia but across the region, with a commitment to youth empowerment, education, mentorship, and community development. We believe in the power of young people and are driven to create a brighter future where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to their communities.
Our mission
To empower the youth and communities to work towards equitable access to economic opportunities, education and health through advocacy, capacity building, research, mentorship and community engagement
Our vision
A Zambia where all individuals have equitable access to opportunity, education and healthcare leading to better health outcomes
What we do
01
Incorporating Climate Change Factors into health Policies
02
Strengthening Social and Environmental Safeguards for Addressing HIV/AIDS Impacts
03
Provision of Comprehensive Health Services through Outreach Programs
04
Youth Development through Mentorship and Guidance
05
Advancing Gender Equality and Equity in Healthcare Programs
Meet our team
Chilufya Kasanda
Meet Chilufya Kasanda: a visionary leader in development and public health, with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and Sociology from the University of Zambia and currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Rights, Governance, and Development. She has extensive experience in managing project life cycles, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and leading HIV program design, development, and advocacy, especially for adolescent girls and young women.
Her skills include project management, research, data analysis, psychosocial counseling, and stakeholder coordination. Chilufya is passionate about social justice and health equity, actively contributing to HIV prevention initiatives and mentoring young leaders as a team lead at Ascend Futures Foundation.
Corretta Zulu
Meet Corretta Zulu: a dedicated educator and advocate for social change, with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Zambia and currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Rights, Governance, and Development. She teaches Computer Studies to primary school learners, integrating digital skills with important topics like career development, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and HIV prevention.
Corretta’s holistic approach to education empowers young minds to excel academically and grow into informed, resilient individuals. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of education, making a lasting impact in her community.
Moscane Hampongo
Meet Moscane Hampongo: A Chartered Accountant by profession. He holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the University of Zambia. Associate member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and Associate member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA). He is a Finance Executive with over 15 years’ experience in Financial Management and Administration having worked in Telecoms, Insurance, Education, Transportation and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Sectors. Extensive Consultancy experience in systems set up and Capacity building of Finance teams.
Ephraim Chinga
Meet Ephraim Chinga: a passionate advocate for social change, focusing on HIV prevention and climate change advocacy through technology. With a background in Computer Science, he develops tech-based solutions to tackle public health issues and environmental sustainability. Ephraim works with organizations to create digital platforms that educate and support those affected by HIV, aiming to increase awareness and community engagement. In climate advocacy, he promotes sustainable practices by organizing community events and developing apps to track and reduce carbon footprints, all aimed at fostering a healthier planet.
Reachwell Nyirenda
Meet Reachwell Zulu: a passionate advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV prevention Advocate .he is dedicated to creating awareness and advocating for policies that support SRHR and HIV preventive measures . Furthermore, Reachwell Nyirenda is a youth member of the united leaders youth movement in ESA, a youth champion in sustainable development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 5 focusing on good health and well-being, and gender equality,Through his work and advocacy, he strives to make a positive impact on society and promote a healthier life also to ensure that newly HIV infections are reduced to Zero.
Idah Mulala
Idah Mulala is a registered nurse with extensive experience in HIV care, programming, advocacy, and community engagement. She holds a nursing diploma and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in development studies. An alumna of the Awareness 360 Fellowship and former IAS Young Leaders recipient, she currently volunteers with the Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign, focusing on HIV prevention and research. Idah is dedicated to improving healthcare for adolescents and young people, advocating for long-acting HIV prevention options like Cabotegravir and the Dapivirine vaginal ring.
Dr. Mwate Joseph Chaila
Dr. Mwate Joseph Chaila is a distinguished healthcare leader in Zambia, dedicated to transforming the country’s health systems. With education from the University of Zambia, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and ICOF Colleges, he serves as the Deputy Chief of Party for the USAID Zambia Accessible Markets for Health Project at John Snow Health Zambia Limited, focusing on enhancing health markets through private sector partnerships. As Interim President of the Zambia Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance, he advocates for improved palliative care. His work spans cervical cancer prevention, HIV programs, and adolescent health, making him a prominent advocate for health equity and innovation in Zambia.
Wantula Simbaya
Wantula Simbaya is a skilled Demographer and Public Health professional with expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) across areas like adolescent health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, education, climate change, women’s empowerment, and child protection. Committed to data-driven decision-making, he brings strengths in program design, budgeting, and community-based interventions. Known for building strong partnerships, Wantula excels in fostering collaboration to enhance program success and outcomes.
Maureen Luba
Maureen Luba is a seasoned global health practitioner and early-career researcher with over 15 years in program design, implementation, and evaluation, specializing in SRH, TB, COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, gender mainstreaming, and health systems strengthening across Africa. She is currently the Senior Advisor for Global Policy at AVAC, leading policy advocacy from Africa to a global level. Maureen collaborates with global health institutions, funders, and community stakeholders to drive community engagement and policy development. She serves on multiple advisory boards, including the Medicines Patent Pool and the IAS HIV Vaccine Partnership, and holds degrees from the University of Malawi and Harvard Medical School.
Mutinta Choolwe Sikapande
Mutinta Choolwe Sikapande is a seasoned professional and volunteer at Ascend Futures Foundation, with over nine years of community service experience. She has a strong background in psychosocial counseling and procurement, with prior roles including Project Officer for the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Project and Project Assistant for the System for Better Health Project, focusing on health governance and community engagement. From 2019 to 2021, she coordinated the SRHR Program, mobilizing youth for reproductive health services. In 2022, she served as a Data Manager for a PEPFAR-supported program, overseeing data across seven districts. Known for her adaptability and advocacy, Mutinta is committed to staff welfare and teamwork, making her a valued member of the Ascend Futures Foundation.
Muchinga Mutambo
Muchinga Mutambo is an accomplished Programs Professional with over a decade of experience in community and program development, gender inclusion, and HIV advocacy. He currently leads as Head of Programs for Copper Rose Zambia, the country’s largest youth-led organization, where he drives impactful grassroots-to-national initiatives. As a recognized Mandela Washington Fellow and the youngest Deputy Chief of Party for the $32 million ZAMFAM USAID project, Muchinga has demonstrated notable leadership in youth programming. Known for his strong relationship-building skills, he collaborates effectively with various stakeholders. Passionate about youth empowerment, he envisions a future where young people are actively engaged in creating positive societal change.