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There is Hope works with an incredible group of talented, passionate people who are devoted to the cause. Our vision has always been to train and involve people from the local community and refugees from Dzaleka Camp. We want to see more enthusiastic people develop their skills, helping others and making a difference in the local community.
We aim to increase our paid staff, giving people income and dignity but we also rely on the generous contribution of our volunteers. We want you to see the people behind the work here, the beautiful faces of so many incredibly good people.
Staff
We are a multicultural team of 62 staff members including local professionals from the host nation and international volunteers from the refugee community.
- Cathreen Ndege-Chirwa: Executive Director
- Anock Kapira: Deputy Executive Director
- Doreen Fachi: Programs Manager
- Martin Ngala: Accountant
- Tamanda Kapindu: Administration & Human Resources Coordinator
- Maria Doreen-Chiponde: Manager: Kibébé Limited
- Eunice Nyirenda: Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
- Madalitso Mvula: Communications Coordinator
- Nyengo Kumwenda: Skill Up! Project Coordinator
- Ivy Jere: Vocational Training Coordinator
- Bridget Mponda: Education Coordinator
- Mickson Chunga: Leadership Development Coordinator
- Benito Joshua: Resource Mobilization Officer
- Edward Tembo: Administrative Officer
- Backston Namwendo: Assistant Accountant
Senior Management Team (SMT)
Cathreen Ndege-Chirwa
Masters in Development Studies, Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, Bachelor of Social Science / “I am really passionate about working with vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized communities. I am committed to helping less privileged families discover ways of living dignified lives.”
Anock Kapira
Masters in Development Studies, Post-Graduate Certificate in NGO Management, Bachelor of Education (Humanities) / “Being part of a mission that empowers vulnerable communities is deeply fulfilling. I’m driven by shaping strategies that address immediate needs while fostering long-term change. The challenges are many, but the rewards—witnessing growth, overcoming obstacles, and seeing people rebuild their lives—are even greater.”
Doreen Fachi
Master’s in Business Administration, Bachelor of Applied Information Technology / “Being a member of a team that contributes to the improvement of the villages of Dowa District and the displaced people of Dzaleka inspires me. When a graduate uses the assistance provided by There is Hope to launch a new business or get employment, and they affirm that their lives are growing better since their income has increased, it makes me very happy. I am motivated to serve as God’s vessel for bringing honor to other people.”
Martin Ngala
Bachelor of Social Science in Economics / “Every financial report that I draft, I see more than figures, I see futures being built and dreams being realized through responsible stewardship. Accounting at There Is Hope means managing resources wisely so empowerment and education can continue changing lives.”
Tamanda Kapindu
Master’s in Business Administration (pending), Bachelors in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship / “Witnessing the transformation in the lives of TIH participants, who have gained invaluable skills from our Vocational Training School, fills me with immense pride and inspiration. These skills empower them for life, embodying the essence of B.B. King’s wisdom: ‘The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.’”
Board of Trustees
Chiza Austin Patrick Jere (Board Chair)
Finance Director, Alliance One Tobacco Malawi Limited. Bsoc.(Econ), FCCA, CA(M) MBA(Essex) and ILM(UK) / “I have been on the board since 2020. The mutuality of TIH in integrating Malawians and refugees in offering life skills and artisan apprenticeship is liberating and refreshing. I enjoy empowering vulnerable people and supporting them to get their life back on track-as such, as a society, our progress will only be measured in how we treat the vulnerable members of our society and communities that we live.”
John C. Mastern
Country Ministry Director, Possibilities Africa. MA in Biblical Studies / “I was motivated to serve in this ministry because it helps disadvantaged and displaced people; giving them hope for a better day.”
Lomagazi Mphangela Jere
Principal Legal Officer, Office of Ombudsman / “I have been a board member since 2020. What I find inspiring is that There is Hope does work that impacts and empowers vulnerable communities, a notion that I subscribe to.”
Simalike Tawonga Musyani
Entrepreneur and Managing Director at Loulou Farms, Consultant in Construction Project Management / “I have been a board member since 2018. I am passionate about instilling hope in the refuge and opening up opportunities for the host communities which brings the two communities together. I am inspired by There is Hope’s empowering of the refugee and host communities.”
Innocent Magambi
Founder, There is Hope. Chief Executive Officer, Inua Advocacy / As a refugee from birth, Innocent Magambi survived on emergency food handouts for the first 27 years of his life until he was offered the opportunity of a college education. He then channeled his resources to improving living standards for people living inside and around Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi by founding non-profit There is Hope. Innocent led There is Hope for fifteen years, impacting thousands of refugees and Malawians through educational scholarships, vocational training and job creation.
Peter Gowoka
Administrator, Creek ministries in Malawi under Baptist Theological Seminary of Malawi / “What I find inspiring about There is Hope’s work is that it promotes self reliance to the refugees and the host community by offering education, skills training and income generating opportunities. I am connected to There is Hope in the sense that I subscribe to There is Hope’s goals and objectives.”
Social Enterprise Team / Kibébé
This is the team that supports over 25 artisans lovingly handcrafting eco-inclusive ethical products under the Kibébé brand at Dzaleka refugee camp.
- Maria-Doreen Chiponde – Manager
- Emmanuel Kaludzu – Accounts Officer
- Zindaba Maliro – Operations & Administration Officer
- Renee Marcolus – Marketing Assistant
- Sibongile Chakwawa – Sales Assistant
Vocational Training Team
Our Vocational Training Program is delivered under the leadership of teachers and translators from the refugees and host community.
