At Makeni Ecumenical Centre we not only believe in service to the community, but also in trying to develop our staff. However, we cannot take too much credit for the success of Mr Joseph Silwenga, who recently completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Copperbelt University whilst working with us.
Mr Silwenga has shown the kind of determination to succeed that is clearly needed in a competitive and developed society. After finishing secondary school Mr Silwenga had always planned on further studies, but found his options limited by funding and the difficulty of balancing study with work. Initially he had secured admission at NRDC to pursue a bachelors degree in Agricultural Sciences (a government funded programme of study), but part-time study was not possible.In 2007, whilst working at MEC, Mr Silwenga was admitted at CBU under the then Centre for Life-Long Education (now Directorate of Distance Education) to study what he describes as his dream course, the Bachelor of Business Administration. Completing this five-year programme of study was always going to be a challenge, particularly when one is performing a demanding job at the same time, and Makeni Ecumenical Centre therefore assisted Mr Silwenga with funding and with time off work for studies. However, ultimately success or failure would depend on Mr Silwenga’s efforts, and we are delighted (and proud) to report that he graduated in July 2012 with a Credit.
One would think that after five years of study alongside a demanding job that Mr Silwenga would be ready for a respite, however he already has his sights set on an MBA with a focus on strategy and innovation, development, environmental management or rural innovations.
We congratulate Mr Silwenga on setting such high standards for himself!
