Kumbuka “Dorothy” Namalima holds a degree in water resource management and development from Mzuzu University and a Diploma in irrigation technology from Natural Resources College. She is graduating in August 2025 with an MSc degree in water resource modeling and governance from the University of Malawi. She plans to pursue a PhD in an area related to water and sanitation.

Out of four girls in her family, Namalima is the youngest. 

“There are now just three women left in our family after the deaths of my mother, father, and oldest sister," she said. "My grandmother and my mother's family looked after me until I earned my irrigation technology certificate after my parents died when I was still a small child. By performing piecework over the holidays and occasionally receiving pocket money from my older sister, I was able to cover my tuition and maintenance. I became aware that I still had a lot to learn about water-related concerns after earning my bachelor's degree."

What have you observed about water needs in Malawi?

“I have personally observed that access to potable water is still a serious problem for many Malawians, especially those living in remote areas.”

Why did you want to be involved with this SWRG project?

“I want to be part of the few Malawians who are trying their level best to attain the Sustainable Development Goal that ensures access to safe and clean potable water for all."

What was your goal during the first week?

“My goal working with the Sustainable Water Resources Group is to work with passion and compassion, and to think of others especially those who face difficulties in accessing potable water, because water is life.”

What surprised you early in the project?

“During the first week, I was surprised to learn that some people still drink turbid water in this era, and that some boreholes were drilled near graveyards. During the rainy season, water from these boreholes comes up with oil. People are warned not to drink it until the rains stop. This clearly shows that something is seriously wrong. I was also shocked to learn about the long distances people have to travel just to access water.”

Prince Ted Chipao holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geology with a minor in geography. He calls himself “an enthusiastic Earth scientist with a bias toward geology. He is an associate lecturer in geophysics and petrology in the Department of Geography, Earth Sciences and Environment at the University of Malawi. He also teaches  GIS, remote sensing and other courses. He plans to begin working on a master’s degree in geophysics this year or next.

Chipao said he is the second born in a family of three boys and one girl. He is currently staying with his parents. “My youngest brother is following in my footsteps,” he said. “He'll be enrolling for the BSc in geology in our department.”

What have you observed about water needs in Malawi?

“The need for clean and potable water is a very crucial issue in the country especially in rural areas which comprise a greater part of the country's population. People usually walk long distances to fetch water from wells, boreholes, lakes and rivers. In most cases, the water is not very suitable for drinking or cooking. As an exploration geologist, I have worked in some of those areas on the shores of Lake Malawi where lake water is their only reliable source of water.”

Why did you want to be involved with this SWRG project?

“This is a great opportunity for me to practice what I have been teaching my students, but with real-world experiences. I can confidently teach my students while furthering my knowledge and skills.

“In my previous role as an exploration geologist, I have worked in different communities, and it has always been my pleasure working with people of different backgrounds especially those in rural areas. I am excited to once again work with them.”

What did you learn during the first week?

“I have been curious to learn how to use the geophysical equipment ABEM SAS 4000. When I teach my students I should be able to deliver both the theoretical and practical aspects of geophysics. This first week has made my dream come true.

“This first week has also taught me that it’s possible for us as geoscientists to take part in community outreach to solve some of the socio-economic problems they are facing using scientific approaches.”

What’s something that surprised you?

“As someone who hasn't been in this field for so long, I only knew that geophysics can help us locate different structures underneath the ground but wasn't quite sure how to go about it. To me, it seemed so impossibly difficult and tiresome but this first week has been a surprise because I've seen the fun in it and can't wait to go out in the field.”

Tiyamike Mwathunga recently graduated with distinction from the Malawi University of Science and Technology where where she studied geology. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree in geophysics or engineering geology and become a lecturer and consultant in the field.

What have you observed about water needs in Malawi?

⁠”There are many locations in the country that lack water. Having piped water is a blessing that we sometimes take for granted, but it is a great need in rural communities.”

Why did you want to be involved with this SWRG project?

“⁠I’m very interested in learning more about geophysics. I have only learned the theory of it and have no practical experience. It has also been meaningful to be able to use my skills and knowledge in geology to serve our communities.”

What’s something you learned in the first week?

“⁠I learned the need for an integrated approach in serving communities. It is not enough to just know the science. We also have to relate well with communities and engage with them in order to provide well-balanced solutions to their needs.”

What has surprised you?

“I was surprised by how heavy the equipment is!  It was quite complicated to grasp how the machines worked but with the help of Dr. Larson, we understood it well.”

Levi Soko has a Diploma in land management from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, commonly called LUANAR, and a Bsc in natural resources management, majoring in land and water from the same institution. He is currently working on in master’s degree program in water science management at the University of Malawi and is in his final year of research.

Soko said he is from Lilongwe and is the second born in the family of four boys. He likes playing and watching football, swimming and diving, and travel.

What do you hope to do next in your education or career?

 “If an opportunity comes on my way, I would love to go for a PhD. On the other hand, I am passionate about opening an agricultural firm and being a water project consultant."

What have you observed or experienced about water needs in Malawi?

“Most of the Malawi villages and some urban centers are in greater need of potable water as the majority access water from unclean water sources. This results in outbreaks of waterborne diseases.”

Why did you want to be involved in this SWRG project?

“It is exciting to be part of this project because it makes me feel good being part of the solution to the problems that some villages are encountering. It makes me happy to provide hope to the hopeless. That makes me feel good.”

What did you learn during the first week?

“I learned a lot, one being able to operate the Terrameter.”

What surprised you in the first week?

“How the Terrameter works really surprised me. I never had the opportunity to see its practical operation. All I had was the theory part of it.”