Introducing myself and my journal: Me & My Story

About Me:
Takondwa Kaliwo is a Rural Development Specialist currently working with an Organization called Story Workshop as a Project Manager. Her main responsibilities include developing and implementing programs aimed at facilitating Social Change for Sustainable Development.
She has used several media components to engage communities to make development conscious decisions to improve their lives. These include media components like the radio, video documentaries, newspapers and theatre.
With a degree in Bachelor of Arts humanities with majors in Theatre and minors in English and Sociology, she graduated from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College in 2007 and have for the past four years been working full time in the development sector.
She is a dynamic, creative and innovative professional with extensive experience in Community Mobilisation, Development and Participation
Professional Recognition
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP) Fellow (2010 – Date): The OIYP Fellowship is awarded to young people with demonstrated experience, vision and commitment to working with others in their community to address injustice
Moremi Initiative Fellow (2009 – Date): The Fellowship is awarded to 25 upcoming women leaders and professionals who have proved to be innovative and outstanding in their carriers
Tilitonse Theatre for Development Professionals (2007 – Date): An intellectual programme designed to equip Theatre for Development Practitioner with current theories and practices in theatre theories and practices in theatre.
Taking it Global and Global Youth Coalition against Aids Membership (2007 – Date): An online organisation where young professionals interact to share, explore and initiate professional advancement
Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) Fellow (2012 – Date): The LEAD programme provides qualified individuals exciting opportunities to develop their experience, knowledge and skills and to serve as development practitioners. The practice areas are Democratic Governance, Poverty Reduction and the MDGs, Crisis Prevention and Recovery, Environment & Energy, and the substantive area of HIV/AIDS.
She is motivated by the ability of people who are able to improve their social status when motivated to change their social values and norms by proper sensitization. And therefore believes that the rural communities have all the indigenous knowledge and skills to live successful development oriented lives if rural development experts implement the right programs, with the right strategies and use the proper communication channels.
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My Passions:
Reading

My Challenges:
Impatience

My Vision for the Future:
Women participating in development issues

My Areas of Expertise:
Advocacy