Huawei Trained ICT Students Back In Malawi

from left to right- Margaret Kasonya,
Harold Chimtembo, Thokozani Gumbo,
Watson Mbekeani, Kondwani Lisiya &
Marvyn Tembo

Six young Malawians are back from China after extensive study on telecommunications ICT education with the global leading technology, Huawei, through its program, Telecom Seeds for the Future.

The six students drawn from various academic institutions went to China following the President Peter Mutharika trip in 2015 where among others, he negotiated with the Chinese company to incorporate Malawi ICT students into its Telecom Seeds for the Future program.

“The trip was very productive because we have learned a lot of stuff that have not been established in Malawi universities.” Said DMI University student who is studying Computer Science, Mervin Tembo

“Mostly we learned a lot on networking particularly on 5G which is not available in Malawi as the country has just introduced 4.5G network which means as the country we are really behind. I think we will play a major role in helping.”

Equally, National College of Information Technology (NACIT) diploma female student Thokozani Tanasio Gumbo said they were able to interface advanced equipment’s “most of them are unavailable here in Malawi.”

“This program will help me a lot. Actually it has helped me to upgrade my career and with these skills I will help the country in the ICT technology.”

“I just thank Huawei for this opportunity and the State President Professor Peter Mutharika who approved our applications and for being the one who went to China to discuss with Huawei for the company to extend its program to Malawi students.”

“These students have learnt a lot on ICT technology solutions and some professional things. I do believe now they have learned essential skills about how to make some basic things about invention and about the current developments in the industry.” He said Victor Lee, Account Manager for Huawei in Malawi who accompanied the students to China

“They learned about 5G which is the new trend for the future. And they are Seeds for the Future as the name of the programme, so I do believe they can make a big contribution to this country even to the whole world in the future. I do believe they have experience to share with their friends here so they will affect people around them and they will make big contribution.” He added

He further expressed hope that more students will have a chance to go to China to learn skills in telecommunications ICT adding that the company will work out better ways to make the program more better and meaningful to the country and promised to continue with better ways of making contribution to the country.

Telecom Seeds Future which is a global CSR flagship programme, was initiated by Huawei in 2008 to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote a greater understanding and interest in the ICT sector, and improve and encourage regional building and participation in the digital country.

In the programme Huawei believes that through their education programme opportunities will improve the education environment and allow more young people to get education opportunities by leveraging the full potential of telecommunications technologies. Through Telecom Seeds for the Future initiative, Huawei work with partners on programmes that help nurture talent and transfer ICT knowledge in underserved communities around the World and encourage regional building and participation in the digital community. The China Study Trip of the Telecom Seeds for the Future program offers an excellent opportunity experience the Chinese culture and study ICT knowledge.