Have you ever wondered how knowledge is acquired? Is it only through textbooks, lectures or assignments, or does real learning come when you step out of the classroom and immerse yourself in practical experience? At Tingathe, we firmly believe that the path to meaningful knowledge and leadership is through hands-on engagement. That is why internships are not just a requirement for students—they are an important stepping stone in shaping leaders who will steer Malawi toward sustainable development.
Meet Catherine Ching’ombe, a student from Mzuzu University, who is currently doing her industrial attachment with Tingathe in our Communications Department. Catherine is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and her journey with Tingathe is already proving to be a great experience.
At Tingathe, we believe in shaping leaders who will lead Malawi to development. When asked about her most memorable moments at Tingathe so far, Catherine highlights three experiences. First, she attended the Set It Off Free Women-Led Festival 2025 at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) NRC campus, an event organized by Dusty Orange Projects Et Al (DOPE Malawi), the team behind the Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival, in collaboration with the EU Film Festival. This event allowed her to witness the power of visual storytelling and communication in action. Secondly, she contributed to designing certificates for the third cohort of the Tingathe Eco-Briquettes Project Graduation, a ceremony celebrating the achievements of 193 community members trained in eco-friendly briquette production. Thirdly, she conducted alumni site visits, where she took pictures, assessed the progress of our beneficiaries and connected with people in peri-urban areas of Lilongwe.
These experiences have helped Catherine develop both technical and professional skills. More importantly, they have shaped her perspective on community development and youth empowerment: “I now see community development as something communities must be involved in from start to finish. People often have the spirit, but they sometimes need encouragement and motivation to act. Regarding youth empowerment, I have seen programmes that focus on helping young people stay active and rely on themselves.”
During her internship, Catherine has gained exposure to various aspects of communication, including media production, content creation and community engagement. “The skills I have learned will guide my career and serve as a foundation for contributing to Malawi in any communication-related field,” she explained.
Catherine also shared her impression of Tingathe in three words: “Friendly, warm, and passionate.” This reflects our organisation’s culture, which combines mentorship, support and collaboration to ensure interns learn professional skills and understand the broader impact of their work.
Internships like Catherine’s are essential for turning knowledge into action. They also help interns learn soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving—qualities that are invaluable in any career.
At Tingathe, we are proud to support interns like Catherine, who demonstrate potential, initiative, and a commitment to learning. Through their contributions, they grow personally and professionally and help advance our mission of community development and youth empowerment.
As Catherine continues her attachment, she carries with her a deeper understanding of the importance of motivation, mentorship, and active participation in community development. She is already applying the lessons she has learned, and there is no doubt that she will continue to grow into a skilled professional who can contribute meaningfully to Malawi’s development.