Help Two Young Leaders from Malawi Reach the World Through Amateur Radio

Imagine growing up in a country where opportunities to meet scientists, engineers, and technology leaders from around the world are almost impossible to find.

Now imagine receiving an invitation to one of the world's largest amateur radio conventions—an invitation that could change your future and inspire countless young people back home.

That is exactly the opportunity before Elayi Banda (7Q7EB, AC3MF) and Urgent Jere (7Q6UJ, W4UJ).

The Jeffrey Dahn Memorial Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people in Africa through STEM education using amateur radio. Amateur radio is much more than a hobby—it teaches electronics, communications, physics, computer technology, problem-solving, and leadership while connecting people across continents and cultures.

This August, Elayi and Urgent have been invited to attend JARL HAM Fair 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, one of the largest amateur radio gatherings in the world(Travel visas are attached). Thousands of operators from every corner of the globe will come together to exchange ideas, demonstrate new technology, and build international friendships.

For these two remarkable men from Malawi, this is far more than a trip.

It is an opportunity to represent their country, learn from world leaders in technology and communications, and return home with knowledge and inspiration that they will share with hundreds of young people throughout Malawi.

The only obstacle standing in their way is the cost of airfare.

They have already received their Japanese travel visas. Their invitation is real. Their dream is within reach.

Now they need our help.

Our goal is to raise $4,680, enough to purchase two round-trip airline tickets from Lilongwe, Malawi, to Tokyo, Japan.

Elayi Banda: $2,340

Urgent Jere: $2,340

Total Goal: $4,680

Meet Elayi Banda

Elayi Banda serves as the President of the Malawi Amateur Radio Society, where he has become a mentor, teacher, and role model for young people interested in science and technology.

His passion is creating opportunities that he never had growing up. Through amateur radio, he introduces young people to STEM education, international friendships, and careers they may never have imagined.

Elayi also holds a U.S. Amateur Extra Class license (AC3MF) and serves as an ARRL Volunteer Examiner with the WM7X VE Team, helping others earn their licenses and begin their own journeys.

Meet Urgent Jere

At only 19 years old, Urgent Jere is already proving that leadership has no age limit.

A computer engineering student at Livingstonia University in northern Malawi, Urgent serves on the board of the Malawi Amateur Radio Society while mentoring fellow students and encouraging them to pursue STEM education.

He is an ARRL member, a member of HacDC Amateur Radio Club, CWOPS, and PVRC, an ARRL Volunteer Examiner with the WM7X VE Team, holds a U.S. Amateur Extra Class license (W4UJ), and has been selected as a member of the VK9XY 2026 Christmas Island DXpedition.

His enthusiasm is contagious, and he is inspiring a new generation of technically minded young people throughout Malawi.

Why Your Gift Matters

This journey is about much more than attending a convention.

At JARL HAM Fair, Elayi and Urgent will meet amateur radio operators from around the world, discover new technologies, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will continue long after the event ends.

They will also volunteer at the Jeffrey Dahn Memorial Foundation and CWOPS exhibit tables, proudly sharing the story of amateur radio in Malawi and demonstrating how STEM education is transforming lives in Africa.

When they return home, they won't just bring back memories.

They'll bring back new ideas for teaching, stronger international partnerships, renewed inspiration, and the confidence to help even more young people discover science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through amateur radio.

Your donation doesn't simply buy a plane ticket.

It helps build future engineers, teachers, innovators, and community leaders.

It strengthens international friendship.

It invests in young people who are already making a difference.

Please Join Us

Whether you can give $25, $50, $100, or any amount, every contribution brings Elayi and Urgent one step closer to Tokyo.

If you are unable to donate, you can still make a tremendous difference by sharing this campaign with your friends, family, local amateur radio clubs, STEM organizations, and community.

Together, we can help two extraordinary ambassadors from Malawi take their place on the world stage—and return home ready to inspire the next generation.

Thank you for believing in the mission of the Jeffrey Dahn Memorial Foundation and for helping expand STEM education through amateur radio, one young person at a time.