Dalitso Tembo
Hello, I'm Dalitso Tembo.
I come from the vibrant landscapes of the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi. Raised in the heart of a rural community, my perspective on life has been shaped by the unique geography of my homeland, Chikwawa district, where the land's elevation ranges between 90m to 350m above sea level, leaving us particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as floods and droughts.
In my childhood, the sight of cars was a rare occurrence, usually belonging to NGOs and CSOs navigating our dusty roads to implement various developmental projects in our area. However, amidst the flurry of activity, I couldn't help but notice a disconnect between the project implementers and the recipients. This observation fueled my determination to bridge this gap and foster genuine connections rooted in empathy and understanding. Thus, I grew inspired to emulate the agents of change and to ensure that the voices and needs of my community were heard and honored in every endeavor. As I expanded my perspective beyond my immediate community, I saw similar patterns in other African communities, stemming from complex governance systems and social dynamics. This birthed my interest in African Studies.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts Humanities degree (Classics, Philosophy, and Public Administration) from the University of Malawi. Professionally, I served as a Programs Assistant at the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, where the zeal for community empowerment through meaningful participation in development was ignited. Through this role, I had the opportunity to work closely with various local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of their challenges and ways in which they can be addressed. From these interactions, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to advocate for their rights and hold their leaders accountable. I also supported the commission's efforts in advocating for policy changes that would benefit marginalized communities.
I have also been actively involved in volunteer work within my community through which I have come to appreciate the value of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change within communities. I also co-authored an article titled 'Addressing the Rights and Well-being of Domestic Workers in Africa: Status in Malawi', aiming to shed light on the challenges faced by this vulnerable group and advocate for their rights.
I am thrilled to be a part of the European Interdisciplinary Master African Studies (EIMAS) program. My determination to advocate for desirable change extends beyond the academic realms. I aspire to learn how to address governance challenges, strengthen institutions, and enhance the citizenry's active participation in tackling Africa's development agenda.
Enrolling in this program presents an opportunity to break free from my rural cocoon and expand my horizons. It's a chance to challenge my epistemological limits, learn from diverse perspectives, and unravel the complexities of global systems. I'm particularly excited about the multidisciplinary approach of this program, which promises to equip me with the tools to drive meaningful change in my community and beyond. I am excited to embark on this transformative journey, driven by my passion for change and my commitment to leaving a lasting impact to society.
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