SMP New Members Forum - Winter 2026
We invited members to take part in an informal, online New Members Forum, where new and existing members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their connection with Malawi with others across the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP).
From ongoing feedback, we know that SMP members value hearing who is doing what, where, and with whom in Malawi. These conversations help to share learning and experiences, spark offers of support, encourage meaningful collaboration, and reduce duplication of effort while also spreading a shared passion for Malawi and energising members’ work.
Whether members are actively engaged in work with Malawi, have a long-standing connection, or are simply curious to learn more, everyone was welcome and encouraged to take part.
New Members
Anna Boni worked in Malawi since 2012, as part of Education Scotland, and then more recently 2019-2025 with the World Bank. She worked closely with the government of Malawi on inclusion, school inspection, school leadership and the curriculum in my time with Education Scotland and the World Bank. Anna believes strongly in the improved life chances that a good education can bring to the children and young people of Malawi; having met motivational teachers, strong school leaders and effective policy makers making a difference in a challenging context.
John Campbell is looking to partner with schools to work on an educational reward and motivational platform that his organistion, Global Digital Community CIC, is launching to support inequality in education.
Tiamika Chidothe (a clinical nurse manager) is interested to be involved in collaborative work that would help to improve public health and food security in Malawi.
Chigomezgo Kamanga is currently pursuing a Masters in International Law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. As a Malawian national and with her postgraduate studies being undertaken in Scotland, she is very interested in being part of this vibrant community.
Marcus Kneen is a trustee of the Zambia Malawi Community Partnership. He is currently supporting an outsourcing company in Blantyre bringing western quality internet based employment to rural Malawi.
Phindu Lipenga is working on her PhD research at the University of Strathclyde. As a Malawian currently living in Scotland she is interested in networking, participating in projects and gaining more insights into the work of the SMP.
Mtamandeni Mtambalika is an academic currently pursuing a PhD at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. Membership of the SMP is going to assist in establishing research networks that will be beneficial in several areas during Mtamandeni’s stay in Scotland. He has been a lecturer at the University of Malawi since 2009, mainly as a ceramics lecturer. Mtamandeni’s research area is in indigenous knowledge in the area of ceramics practice in Malawi and culture preservation through design.
Andrew Paterson is part of the flying faculty that supports the KUHeS dental school in Malawi via his role at University of Glasgow dental school. He is involved in rural oral health in Malawi; coordinating courses, training and empowering Malawian dental therapists to teach and cascade training ‘village oral health promoters’ in collaboration with the NGOs Bridge2aid and Smileawi, the Dental Association of Malawi and the Malawi Ministry of Health. This has been rolled out in Northern Malawi and is shortly to be rolled out in central and southern Malawi.
Magdalene Sacranie is involved with fundraising for The Children's Fund of Malawi. Her sister and brother-in-law, Hamid and Margaret Sacranie of the Central Bookshop in Blantyre, Malawi, were among the 12 original founding members of the Fund.
Katherine Shen is a PhD student from the University of St Andrews, focusing her research on Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development in the context of Malawi. She has been working with local teachers and NGOs since her Master's research, and seeks to maintain long-term relationships with NGOs and other stakeholders both in Scotland and Malawi.
Janet Walker: Children and Families International Foundation was established in 2007 in response to requests from academic institutions, NGOs and government in Malawi for support in developing their social work profession. In the UK, this is a small group of social work academics and practitioners who offer skills and expertise to colleagues in Malawi mainly. The foundation supported the development of the degree programme in social work, the Association of Social Workers in Malawi, delivers Practice Educator training, Leadership and management seminars, and now hopes to help establish a CPD structure and content with colleagues in Malawi. Work is mainly remotely with annual visits to Malawi.
Existing Member
Sally Rae is an SMP Board member. She is also involved with the Watson's Malawi Partnership (WMP). WMP provides financial support for orphaned babies, equips newborns with essential clothing, funds life-saving cervical screening equipment, keeps girls in school with reusable sanitary pads, provides women with underwear, helps children learn with reading schemes and in school-support, trains teachers and equips local sports teams. In return, pupils and supporters enjoy helping and learning from each other.
Resources
Chat box available here.
Recorded Video
Missed the event? Please find the recording here.
