Welcome to Team Zombe!
Muli bwanji to those who are reading! This is the first blog
entry from Team Zombe- the first cohort resigning in Zomba, Malawi in
partnership with ICS and International Service. We are working with the charity
YONECO (Youth, Net and Counselling) who’s main focus is to promote good health,
applied human rights and democracy within society. They also aim to empower
women, children and young adults into practicing safe sex and preventing the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
So, let’s introduce you to our team…
The team leaders!
Liane
I’ve spent the last few years fulfilling my love of travel
and culture, by working and backpacking in several different places. Travelling
has sparked my interest in International development, and so I was thrilled to
get a place on an ICS programme in Malawi. I hope we can contribute in some way
while we’re here, and it’s been great working alongside the local community,
whose suggestions and advice are invaluable. I’m really enjoying the
friendliness of the people, the beautiful nature in Malawi, the dancing and the
colourful clothes!
Samson
My name is James Samson from Mangochi. I am currently
working with International Citizen Service as a team leader for the Zomba
cohort. I like the contribution which I am making through International Citizen
Service. It has given me an opportunity to challenge myself to change the
world. This placement has also exposed me to a couple of friends, most of which
are creative and supportive attributes to our project.
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Team Zombe!
Top row (left to right)- Austin, David
Middle row (left to right)- Caitlyn, Salome, Lucius, Lydia, Mirriam,,Alice, Cicely, Coach
Bottom row (left to right)- Samson, Liane.
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The team!
Austin
Hi! My name is Austin Kalimanjiro Junior. I’m 23 years old,
and also recently graduated from University in International Relations,
concentrating on development studies. I see this International Citizen Service
placement as a learning process and a way to help the less privileged. I really want to complete my masters in
development studies, and have a profession in the development field someday. I
want to learn and grow as a person and I hope this placement will help me.
Lucius
My name is Lucius Dam, and I’m 23 years of age. I am
Malawian born, specifically in the Southern region. I was born in a family of 9
children and I am the youngest alongside my twin sister. I have a diploma in
Sales and Marketing Management and I am currently working with International
Citizen Service in Zomba, Malawi. I
believe this placement will help me to develop and improve my skills- personal
and work related.
Coach
Hi guys! This is Coach Mwakhwawa from Karong- The northern
region of Malawi. I am 24 years old, and I currently hold a diploma in
Community Development. From Mzuzu Technical College. I am very happy to be on
an International Citizen Service placement in Zomba, in collaboration with
YONECO. This placement will help me in many ways, for instance to experience
new skills and culture though the UK volunteers.
Salome
Hello, I am Salome ‘Lomie’ Kadazi, and I am 20 years old. I
am a fan of British movies and African Afro beats. I volunteered with
International Citizen Service through the influence of my friends, but I have
realised that I made the best decision ever! I have experienced many things
during the first two weeks, and I can’t wait to help out fellow peers with the
voice I have! I also love my UK counterpart Caitlyn, as well as the entire of
Team Zombe! Much love J
Mirriam
My name is Mirriam Kapirah, and I am 20 years old from
Mzuzu- the Northern region of Malawi. I am the youngest sibling and a graduate
from Mzuzu Technical College, where I was studying Community Development. The
reason why I joined International Citizen Service is that I wanted to take part
in developing my country, and I also want to expand my knowledge on how I can
work with people from different countries and cultutes.
David
My name is David José Jimenez Beltran Gomez Ogively-Brown
Esperanza Castiblanco (yes, this is really my name!) I am 18 years old, and the
youngest team member. I am the care-free Latino from Tottenham, who loves nsima
and is always equipped with a speaker to blast good music (under discretion by
certain volunteers.) I’ve just finished sixth form and I am here on a
volunteering placement before I go to University. I hope this placement brings
happiness and warmth to my character, which will help me grow personally while
contributing a change to others. I want to help others while experiencing a new
culture, and to also have a temporary escape from the busy city life of London.
Lydia
So, I’m Lydia (but you can call me Lyd) and I am 20 years
old. I am currently going into my third year of biomedical engineering. Right
now, the UK feels a world away, but wow Malawi is something else; a lively and
at peace place! I can’t help but fall in love with it. Dancing here is my
favourite thing to do- apparently I can dance Malawian style so I never miss an
opportunity! The kids at the Ndola drop in centre always cheer me up whenever
I’m feeling down. Working with such inspiring young people is an incredible
experience. Our team is just the best, and I am so glad I had the opportunity
to meet them. I wouldn’t know what to do without them. Even with all the
challenges I will have to face, I can tell this is going to be a life changing
experience!
Alice
Hello, my name is Alice and I am 18 years old. I finished
secondary school a year ago, and decided to take a year out to pursue my life
long goal of volunteering abroad. With my final summer left before I started
university in September, I signed up for International Citizen Service. This
was an incredible decision and I am having an amazing time in Zomba, Malawi.
I’m constantly learning new things, and I hope while I’m here I can use my
skills in drama and public speaking to make a difference in this awesome
country. Also, I love cats.
Cicely
Hi! My name is Cicely, and I’ve just finished my second year
at Sheffield University. I decided to participate in International Citizen
Service over the summer period. I’m a landscape architecture student, who is
interested in how public space can be designed to further social justice. So
far, my time in Malawi has been eye opening! Getting past the initial culture
shock was a challenge, but I have now settled into my host home and local
community.
Caitlyn
Greetings! My name is Caitlyn, and I’m 19 years old from
good ol’ Yorkshire! I’m currently on a gap year, and I hope to start my TEFL
qualification by spending 2018 in China teaching English as a foreign language.
I signed up to International Citizen Service to try and gain a wider
perspective of different lifestyles and culture (as well as growing up, my mum
would argue!) I’m a huge kid at heart, and I have a soft spot for Disney and
Star Wars- both which I have relied on as a form of entertainment and a way to
de-stress during my placement. I have discovered a lot about myself in such a
short period of time, and I hope this continues during my placement. I’m
excited to execute my role as the communications lead for this project, even if
this involves nagging my team to complete blog deadlines! I’m fortunate enough
to work with a great team of diverse people, and I’m looking forward to the
many opportunities to arise over the next 8 weeks. My goal I hope to achieve
during my time in Zomba, is to teach the locals the ways of the force, and the
glory powers of the Yorkshire pudding! (Pardon the Star Wars reference)
We hope you join us on our adventures in Zomba- and we will
try to update as often as possible*
*Please mind the internet service in Malawi- it’s as
reliable as a chocolate fireman!
Best wishes,
Team Zombe!
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