Youth Festival Team Member, Josephine Chikwana seeking work and to expand Education sector networks in Scotland

21 June 2021

Following direct requests from our friends in the diaspora community, the SMP is supporting Malawians in Scotland to reach-out, make contacts and gain work experience.

Youth Festival Team Member, Josephine Chikwana seeks to expand her professional network in the Education sector in Scotland and is seeking a paid work opportunity. Josephine is a committed Youth Festival Team member, who has been directly involved in our work and it is in this capacity that we are offering support with her onward professional development.

Josephine shares her experiences and skills below, simply click on each question to read Josephine's response.

If you would be interested to connect with Josephine, please initially contact our Youth & Schools Officer on youth@scotland-malawipartnership.org.

A video message from Josephine.

Josephine Chikwana

Josephine Chikwana

Youth Festival Team Member

1. Can you tell us about yourself and your background?

My name is Josephine Chikwana. I was born and raised in Blantyre, Malawi. I am an adaptable, highly driven and determined individual who is passionate about education. I have spent my last 6 years working with the youth in Malawi as a teacher in secondary schools. I also act as a youth advocate for Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) of Malawi for those living in rural areas. I see myself as part of the puzzle in solving issues to do with inequality and quality education and alleviating poverty in my country.

2. What are you currently studying and what qualifications do you already have?

I am currently pursing my master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at University of Edinburgh through the MasterCard Scholarship. I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Education degree (specialised in Business Education) from the University of Malawi (The Polytechnic).

3. What sort of opportunity you are looking for?

I am looking for an opportunity to work with an organisation or individuals who are in the education sector. I can work in a project lead/officer role or supporting role, communications or social media role and training or learning and development roles.

4. Do you have any specific interests or specialisms?

I am really interested in education through working with students and youth in general. I have mainly focused my research studies in university on entrepreneurship education particularly offered in developing countries such as Malawi. I am also interested in coaching and mentorship. I think coaching is a powerful tool that can empower youth in analytical thinking and problem solving. I have recently been engaged in coaching circles by using Action Learning Sets with my peers from University of Edinburgh to solve problems.

5. Where and from when would you be happy to work, and what sort of commitment are you looking for? eg. full time, part time etc.

I am looking for a full time and/or permanent commitment. I have an on-going right to work in the UK.

I complete my studies in August, so I will be ready to take on any full-time commitment from September onwards.

6. Are you open to being introduced to new networks, individuals or organisations in your field?

Yes, I am open to being introduced to new networks even beyond my field. I am open to using my skills in platforms or areas that will benefit the most therefore I do not want to limit myself to only my areas of interest.

7. Do you have any other skills or experience?

I have strong communication and project management skills as I worked as a full communications analyst for an international logistics company in Malawi that has its headquarters in Brazil. I have also strengthened these skills through working with Scotland and Malawi Partnership in this year (2021) first ever online youth festival. I actively contributed to the planning and organisation of the activities showcased and I had the privilege of co-hosting a webinar and podcast on race and equality.