The story of Austin
The following is a letter written by Austin Kambalame who graduated in B Sc - Irrigation Engineering. Fochta is very proud to support many vulnerable children who, like him, has graduated and later lead a very meaningful life as well as being able to contribute to their society. This of course has been achieved through generous donations like you.
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Hello Claude
I and my family are doing fine. We have two children, Mzindo (4), a boy and Effie (2) a girl. My wife has recently been employed by the government here in Machinga as a primary school teacher teaching at Katundu Primary School.
My job title is Senior Irrigation Officer and I am based at Machinga Irrigation Services Division. Our office provide leadership in irrigation development in four districts of Mangochi, Zomba, Machinga and Balaka. My main duties include supervision of irrigation scheme construction works, conducting topographic surveys, designing of irrigation infrastructure, training of farmers in operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure and consolidating all kinds of reports from the districts for our submission to Department of Irrigation Head quarters in Lilongwe. The past year, we had irrigation scheme construction works in Machinga, Mangochi and Zomba under some government projects.
During my free time I love playing outdoor games with our kids, especially football, reading them books and I also enjoy cooking local dishes.
My interest now is to study for a Masters degree in Construction Project Management or any Agricultural related masters degree whether class room taught or online. So, these days I have been busy looking for scholarships to apply. Of course, The department of Irrigation nominated me in one Japanese funded scholarship and I have applied just waiting for interview by them.
In conclusion, I cannot even imagine my education journey without Fochta’s support. Through that experience, I have learnt to support others. I carry the spirit of Fochta - that of hope for the hopeless. With my work, it is the same, we bring hope to rural famers by providing irrigation solutions thus safeguarding their crop production that leads to their financial security.
Best regards
Austin.