Children in the Wilderness Malawi’s Symon Chibaka is counting down to the end of a remarkable year, and celebrating some of his members’, and former students’, key achievements.
First up are Davie Nkosi and Andrew Viano, both members of CITW’s Executive National Committee, and both of whom have achieved great success in their chosen careers.
“From these young men’s first days with CITW, their eyes were opened right away to the potential of being influential in the field of natural resources conservation. They both dreamed in vivid colour about their futures and professional careers, and both have realised these dreams”, says Symon.
Davie started his journey with CITW some 15 years ago, when he was 11 years old. He was an Eco-Club member at Chihame Primary School, and thereafter a member of the CITW YES Club in the Chintheche community. When he was at college, Davie joined the CITW Youth Executive Committee, where still currently plays an active role.
From his very first year with CITW, Davie had a dream of becoming a scientist in natural resources management. Last year he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from the Malawi University of Science and Technology. He has since secured a job with the Malawi Government in the Department of Forestry as Assistant Scientist in Forestry – Nkhotakota District.
His CITW record says it all: “He was inspired, he turned his attitude right, he walked his desire, and got it just right!”
Andrew is from Makote village on the eastern side of Liwonde National Park. He joined CITW in 2007 and is currently President of all CITW Malawi beneficiaries and participants. He has also volunteered as Camp Director of CITW’s annual eco-camps for the past two years.
Andrew is currently working with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), the biggest private media house in Malawi. As a journalist, he checks the policy makers using his pen and notepaper, and his microphone.
He recently won the Radio Category in the 2023 Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa. The awards ceremony took place in Tanzania, November end 2023, and recognises journalists reporting on Sustainable Agricultural Biotechnology.
“Sustainable Conservation through Leadership Development is a reality!”
By Symon Chibaka, CITW Malawi Programme Co-ordinator
