About me

My name is Pauline Kalumikiza, Pauline originates from Latin word meaning small, short, poor and no wonder I am short and plump but that does not worry me anymore because I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the creator.

I was born in Mchinji at Guillime Mission hospital around 9 p.m. on Thursday 23rd February, 1984. I was raised up in Mchinji, Mtukwa village T.A Mlonyeni until the age of 6. Between ages 6 to 23 I was raised up in Area 47, Lilongwe where my father has been operating as a business man. My father Geoffrey Kalumikiza and mother Flora Weluzani divorced when I was very young in 1989 so I have grown up in the loving hands of my father and sisters: Ruth, Charity and Doreen.

I started my primary school at Misale Primary School in Mchinji and later standard 2 at Chigoneka FP school and standard 3 and 4 at Ludzi Primary School. I later went to Walani Private School in Lilongwe for standard 5 till standard 6. Thereafter I did my secondary school in two different schools first beginning with the Eton of Africa Kamuzu Academy for form 1 till form 3.

Due to financial hardships, my father had to find an altenative school that offers similar syllabus of International General School Certificate of Education IGCSE O level and A level.

I then moved on to Roosevelt Girls High School, Harare, Zimbabwe and attained the Zimbabwe General School Certificate of Education ZGSCE. Following this I wrote the University entrance exams and I was successful.

I enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in October 2001. During my childhood I had a dream of becoming a lawyer and I did not stop so I applied for law, and in my second year I attempted the law exams, however things did not turn out well for me. I remember my father when he was ill then on his hospital bed saying “Do not lose heart; you can still do it after you complete your first degree.” I felt so ashamed going back to class, I gathered up strength with those few words my dad told me.

I am one of those people that had one of the interesting childhoods. I grew up with an educated and hardworking father who played the role of a mother then I had a step Mum who was kind of loving and is still loving, but you and I know it’s not the same as compared to your biological mother.

I had good times at the Polytechnic and I loved my course. I met new friends Sintha Mkuziwaduka, Julliette Chimwaga, Montfort Misunje Dziko Malunda, Lourine Phiri, Crensensia Kansale and James Harry Chitete.

I thank God for the people like Eunice Banda wife to Sam Banda of the Navigators ministry who gave me the spiritual and emotional support I needed especially during the times I was bitter with relationships in college.

My first employer after Unima was at Trans World Radio in June 2006. I worked as a producer for Climbing Higher, a programme that aims to biblically address youth issues and struggles that young people face. Apart from Climbing Higher I produced the Church Magazine, compiled news and reports, and was a continuity announcer. My life was transformed spiritually, TWR was a warm, caring and welcoming environment and the Director had a heart for his employees.

I grew up in my spiritual life and I took my colleagues as my family. When I was just confirmed as an employee in the 8th month, I began to apply for jobs elsewhere, because of my dissatisfaction with some of the conditions of services. I left TWR in May 2007, I served the station for only 11 months, I didn’t leave a mark but I will always treasure the good moments I had with youths from different backgrounds. It was hard to part with them some of whom had become my friends and could always call me when they have a burning issue.

I am currently working with the Development Broadcasting Unit (DBU), as a producer for Tiombenkota programme. DBU is a semi-autonomous unit based at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) which is a state owned broadcaster. The DBU is now in the process of registering as a local NGO under the name Development Communications Trust (DCT).

Tiombenkota is a reflection programme from the community generated programme Tigwirane Manja,whereby a team of experts and policy makers discuss key issues from the community. The community identifies issues affecting their livelihood. We are working towards HIV AIDS prevention and behaviour change . Tiombenkota targets the Civil Society Organisations, decision makers, policy makers or implementors. My desire is to see some policy changes and right now I am longing to hear that the national HIV/AIDS legislation is passed in parliament, it makes me sad to hear that an HIV positive man raped a young girl in the hope of cleansing their HIV sero- status.

My normal day begins with a morning prayer. I then do some sit-ups and stretches. I sometimes I have breakfast, but I prefer having breakfast at 10 a.m.

Work occupies me between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. I enjoy my work, I get to meet a lot of interesting people from the NGOs and Government. I travel at least once a month to Lilongwe to gather material for Tiombenkota programme. By the way it’s broadcast on Thursday evening at 06:30 P.M. My evenings are spent at home, either watching TVM or reading novels. On Tuedsday evenings I usually go for prayers with my fellow catholics.

Saturday I do general cleaning, do my laundry, go grocery shopping and generally rest. Sundays I attend church and I dedicate the whole day to listening to some inspiring spiritual music, and do open the door for friends. My friends mean a lot to me, I feel good when in their presence. And if there is gospel music show, I do attend if I find company.

My sisters are Ruth, Charity, Doreen, Zione, Wakissa and I have one brother Michael who is in form one at Marist Brothers in Dedza.

I have lots of friends-some of whom are so special and I will always treasure their support. These include Janet Kalampa, Eunice Banda, Julliette Chimwaga Victor Kaonga, Chikondi Hayaya, Rejoice Chikakuda, Jessie Banda, Davie Botie, Montfort Misunje, Chikondi Maguru, Alice Bwetu, Adam Gondwe, Judith Santhe, Wilmore Kasambara and Delvin Khongono.

My hobbies are reading novels, traveling, cooking for friends, and writing poems, though I am not so excited to publish them. I am an editorial member of Together Magazine so if you get a copy, you will sample some of my work. I am happy to see young people realise their dreams.

My next step is to study towards a Masters in Development, because of my keen interest in development work and have the passion to work with the grassroots, dealing with their critical human rights, social concerns and health conditions that negatively affect the marginalised community.

I would be happy if you share your story, pictures with me. Your comments, piece of advice and critique of my work are welcome. Listen to Tiombenkota, a programme that advocates for policy change and behaviour change which airs every Thursday at 6:30 P.M on MBC Radio 1.