I am Mc Donald Chikusi a graduate of Community Development Studies from Mzuzu Technical College, Malawi and I am thrilled to provide a glowing testimonial for my own studies on Community Development under the ABMA Education UK board. Throughout my academic journey, I have made tremendous progress and developed both personally and professionally.
From the very beginning, I approached my studies with a deep passion and commitment to creating positive change within communities. The ABMA Education UK board’s comprehensive curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of community development. I gained a deep understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape communities and learned effective strategies to address pressing issues.
Entrepreneurship Education with Secondary School Students
As I progressed through my studies, I actively sought opportunities to apply my knowledge in real-world settings. Through volunteering, internships, and community projects, I gained invaluable hands-on experience and honed my skills in engaging and mobilising communities. These practical experiences allowed me to witness the impact of community development first-hand and further fuelled my determination to make a difference.
One aspect that stands out in my journey is my growth as a leader. Through various coursework and extracurricular activities, I developed strong leadership qualities and enhanced my ability to inspire and motivate others. I learned the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and empathy in driving successful community development initiatives. These skills have been instrumental in building strong relationships with community members and stakeholders, enabling me to foster meaningful partnerships and create sustainable change.
Looking back on my journey, I am incredibly proud of the progress I have made because after completing my Level 6 diploma in community development I applied for a Bachelor’s degree of Social Science in Development Studies at the University of Livingstonia and I graduated in 2021. I have successfully initiated and executed several community projects, ranging from education and healthcare initiatives to environmental sustainability campaigns. These projects have positively impacted the lives of community members, fostered social cohesion, and improved overall well-being.
Currently, am working with Mzuzu Entrepreneur Hub as a Monitoring, Evaluation and Leading coordinator where I specialised in data management, development of M&E systems and support business development capacity building training under various programs.