New Beginning in Lilongwe
Trip Start
Jan 13, 2009
1
11
Trip End
Mar 20, 2009
Lilongwe,
Malawi
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Nearly one week ago, I stepped off the plane of Lilongwe Airport to begin the research program of a lifetime! For the next two months I will be living and working in Malawi as part of the International Development Internship Program at Seattle University in collaboration with LifeNets. Thank you, LifeNets, for this opportunity!
LifeNets has real research needs in the region. Scholarships are given to students attending high school and college but little is known about the academic curriculum and the prospects for employment after graduation. Most of my research will aim to learn more about scholarship recipients, the challenges they face, they're goals and likelihood to get a job.
Below is an outline of my research agenda:
1. Case studies on scholarship recipients
A. Background: family, school, debt
B. Field of study
C. Similar program availability in Malawi
D. Program curriculum
E. Past LifeNets assistance
F. Problems faced
G. Future support needed from LifeNets
H. Employment opportunities after graduation
I. Expected pay after graduation at new job
J. Projected ability to give back or serve LifeNets
2. Interviews with teachers and academic professionals
3. Interviews with employers and aspiring business people
4. Employment opportunity analysis
In addition to helping LifeNets learn more about the development of scholarship recipients, they asked me to teach elementary and intermediate business skills to LifeNets Livelihood Development Grant recipients. Lessons will include customized accounting, finance and marketing information to benefit small business owners. We want to make sure that the grocery store clerk or local honey seller knows his or her profit after a hard day's work!
I am thrilled to aid LifeNets in this capacity. Check here to see updated information on the research process. I'll try to keep personal anecdotes to a minimum. However, I hope that seldom revelations can help us reflect on what it means to live in the West and appreciate the open door of opportunity we enjoy.
Check back soon!
Comments
Hi from Seattle
Earl and Gail send warm greetings. So happy you arrived safely. We look forward to hearing all about your trip, and anticipate hearing good things and happy stories. Why leave out the personal stuff ? Thats what makes much of life so interesting. Maybe you can help us see the daily lives and struggles of people over there in a more realistic way.
Be well, our prayers are with you, and God is with you whereever you go. Gail and Earl
Thanks for the updates!
Thanks for keeping us updated on your service in Malawi. We look forward to hearing more about the program and how it can become better.
With great respect
Hi Christina, we are all so proud of what you are doing! You simply are an amazing dear lady and we pray that the good Lord will bless you and keep you safe, and greatly prosper your journey. You are a diamond of His.
Depth
Christina, I read your blog and must admit I had NO idea how deeply you are affecting the lives of people where you are! Vocations and education are every bit as important as mosquito netting, and require so much more involvement than just bringing a one time gift. Good for you! Go get em! Awesome!
Dad Peine
Christina, as chairman of LifeNets board of directors, I want to thank for your care and concern for others. The information you are gathering will be of termendous help to LifNets. We will be much better able to serve the people in Malawi. I know you will succeed. How could a cute blond daughter of a man who has such high praise for her fail. I wish you good health and success in your adventure. Tom Peine
Hello from Whidbey Island!
It is so wonderful to read your update!!! You are in our prayers and thoughts each day :>...Victoria
hi
Hi Christina
I am following your blog from Sweden. It is encouraging to read and hear of the things going on there and the positive role you are having in people's lives. BTW you write a good blog. I hope my children get to have the sort of experience you are having and I am thrilled for you.
take care and keep safe
Paul Spenser
ucg member sweden
Inspiring!
Hey, Christina! Wow! You are such a motivated, caring, sweet girl! Berk and I wish you the best.
Love and prayers,
Carmella (and Berk) Weis
Great Blog!
C-- Thanks for keeping up updated on your travels. I hope all is going well. It seems like the time has past so quickly. I can't wait to hear about your 'final' findings after you come home. Take care!
Tanya & Ray W.