Youth@Lilongwe
x = independently organized TED event

This event occurred on
November 16, 2014
8:00am - 4:00pm CAT
(UTC +2hrs)
Lilongwe, Central Region
Malawi

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Crossroads Hotel
Crossroads Hotel
Lilongwe, Central Region
Malawi
Event type:
Youth (What is this?)
See more ­T­E­Dx­Youth@­Lilongwe events

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.

Kuyenda

‘Kuyenda’ is a five piece band, with Fredrick on drum, Chimz on bass, Racket & Chicco on rhythm lead section, and Sirius as lead vocalist. Formed in 2010 by Rukm Read Nyce from L.A. (USA), who was in Malawi working for the US Embassy. The band has produced a 14 song album, which sits alongside a modern and vibrant children’s story book with illustrations, and lyrics. The music is traditional, with all songs aimed to preserve an aspect of our culture that is dying out. Kuyenda is the resident band at Lilongwe hotel, performing on Friday and Saturdays. They work with the Tilinanu Orphanage Music School and Performance project, and recently performed at Lake of Stars.

Alinafe Botha

Alinafe Botha was born to the third wife of a polygamous family. Her mother had separated from her father during the pregnancy after the prospect of him marrying a fourth wife. Alinafe spent her early years with her grandparents until the death of her biological father at age 4. Her mother remarried and she bore two other girls. Unfortunately the stepfather had contracted HIV/AIDS and did not disclose this to the family, consequently the last child was born with the virus. The mother died in 2008 due to a HIV related illness and with the aid of an ailing grandmother, Alinafe was left to fend for herself and her two siblings. Her uncle took her to town in the promise of paying for her education, but after a year he, along with the rest of family, began pressuring her to marry at the age of twelve. As per their customs, Alinafe’s sisters from the polygamous families had dropped out of school and were married when they were in standard six and seven respectively.

Chisomo Daka

Chisomo Daka is a 21 year old male from Chioko village in Dedza district, Malawi. He completed both his primary and secondary school education in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe, before getting selected into the University of Malawi. Currently, Chisomo is an Education Science Student, majoring in Physics and minoring in Mathematics, at the University Of Malawi, Chancellor College in Zomba. He shall be starting his final year of study on 24th November 2014. Chisomo’s journey of innovations started way back when he was in high school, where he made his first single transistor audio amplifier and a self-made electric motor when he was sixteen years old. During his second year at college, Chisomo joined a research group called e-Communications Research Group (eCRG) in the Physics Dept. led by Dr. Chomora Mikeka and Dr. Stanley Mlatho, and much of his success in research has been properly directed through this research group.

George Kalukusha

George Kalukusha is an earnest singer/songwriter dwelling in the genre of soul/folk. The 21 year old was born in Blantyre; where he spent the first 11 years of his life. He then moved to England where he spent the next half of his life and consequently made an encounter with music. George picked up the guitar and that sufficed for a while however, he felt he had something inside which he wanted to share to the world. This spiritual awakening drove him to singing and writing. He gained the recognition of local media and BBC radio when he independently released his debut single “Bottles”. The single went on to chart top 50 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.

Happy Kavalo

Happy Kavalo, a 20 year old Malawian, living in Area 23, Lilongwe, one of the many sprawling townships in the capital. He completed his secondary education in 2011, though could not continue to college due to academic and financial limitations. He has tried a number of businesses, and is currently running a small peanut butter collective. He recently completed a six month personal development programme with Chance For Change, greatly expanding his enterprise knowledge.

Jaco Jana

Jaco Jana is a Malawian musician, born in 1989. He studied music for a year at Music Crossroads Malawi, expanding his knowledge and interests, now working as a composer and performer, playing the acoustic guitar. Both his parents had died by the time he was 8, meaning he grew up with his sister Kelcia, who died when he was 18. His music speaks about the issues we encounter in our daily lives, offering insightful philosophies relevant across cultures and eras. His music has been featured in two documentaries. Jaco also makes pencil portraits.

Jamie Stuart

Jamie Stuart is co-founder of onebillion, a nonprofit organisation based in London. He’s been building apps that succeed in bringing the fundamental skills of numeracy and literacy to young Malawians. With his background in educational software development, he saw the potential for tablets to transform the way children around the world learn. Jamie has been coming to Malawi for the past 7 years, and wants to see every Malawian child get the fundamental skills they deserve.

Joanna Kachilika

Joanna, aged 30, is part of the Malawi Netball team. Born in Blantyre, she has now travelled the world through her sporting exploits, and acts as an ambassador for UNICEF in Malawi.

Kruger Nyasulu

Maganizo Kruger Nyasulu is a Social Innovator and Co-Founder of Global Hope Mobilization. He comes from a background of Economics and Computer Science. His work towards addressing social challenges dates back to 1999 when he initiated a Primary school environmental club to re-plant and conserve trees around the Ipyana primary school. This initiative was adopted by other surrounding primary schools. In 2009, he co-founded Global Hope Mobilization (GLOHOMO). GLOHOMO’s mission is to create a society free of socio-economic ills, health inequality and maintain a sustainable environment. The organisation now reaches more than one million people through various projects that deal with HIV, PMTCT, climate change, economic empowerment, water sanitation and hygiene.

Mark Bennett

Mark moved to Zambia in 1985 after a background in commercial IT in the UK to work at the main University. During his 12 years in Zambia, Mark established the campus company which was one of the early internet service providers in Africa. Mark founded AfriConnect in the UK, which provided satellite-based internet services to remote areas around Africa. In 2005 he started AfriConnect in Zambia, a high-speed wireless-based ISP, which was later sold to Vodacom. Mark now runs iSchool which he founded to provide comprehensive multi-lingual primary education in Africa, delivered via low-cost tablet computer or phone.

Memory Champiti

Memory Champiti, aged 23, has grown up in Lilongwe. She has passion for youth and women empowerment. Her passion for youth and women empowerment has led her to begin a charity aimed at educating and equipping vulnerable women and children. She believes age is not a determining factor to achievement, but a mere term of distinction This belief has seen most her dreams materialised.

Rachel Edwards

Rachel Edwards (age 16) recently moved from her home country, the United States, to Malawi. Currently, she is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Student at Bishop Mackenzie International School here in Lilongwe. Rachel has a true love for knowledge; after high school graduation, she plans to pursue higher education in the field of molecular biology.

Stephen Chiunjira

Stephen Chiunjira is a founder and Executive Director of Our World International, a waste management non-governmental organisation. The 26 year old is a passionate social entrepreneur, and motivational speaker offering talks on topics such as personal, career and business development. Stephen has a yet to be published book, “You Have What It Takes”. Stephen intends to create a Malawi and world of shared responsibilities, shared opportunities and shared future.

Vitumbiko Kambilonje

Vitumbiko Kambilonje (Vitu) would like to live in a world where African motion pictures are major contenders for prestigious international awards such as the Oscars and BAFTAs, a world where African filmmakers have a prominent role in Hollywood and the film industry in Malawi is able to sustain ambitious filmmakers, actors and actresses across the country. As an aspiring filmmaker and storyteller, Vitumbiko has been featured as a production assistant on the pilot episode of M’Moyo (Life) and helmed the same position of production assistant on Nanzikambe Arts’ original stage play, Dark Cloud. Vitu plans to start production on his first feature film, CHILEKA, early next year after completing the EducationUSA Program. Follow Vitu on Twitter: @Yo_ItsVitu and witness the world’s next master storyteller rise to the top.

Organizing team

John
Cass

Lilongwe, Malawi
Organizer