Masauko Chipembere - Becoming a Global Citizen




Polytechnic School was recently visited by Malawian-American singer-songwriter, political activist and Poly alum Masauko Chipembere. He was born in Los Angeles to Malawian politicians Henry Masauko Blasius Chipembere and Catherine Mary Ajizinga Chipembere, who played large roles in the fight for Malawian independence against colonial rule. While at Poly, Masauko Chipembere discussed his father's experiences during and after independence, the treatment of women in Malawi, and the potential benefits of permaculture in Malawi. One thing that stood out to me, though, was his explanation of the role of global citizens.

"Put joy in everything you do, because if you don't, you won't find it" - Catherine Chipembere

Before anything else, Masauko Chipembere highlighted how global citizens must be passionate about their work. As he put it, as soon as you solve one problem, another shows up, to the extent that only those who are truly engaged in and enthusiastic about their work could find long-lasting success. Secondly, Chipembere emphasized the value of consistency in practicing global stewardship - while it is crucial to focus one's efforts on creating lasting change, it is all the more important to be a recurring presence in a community; after all, it is by gaining a community's trust that a global scholar will be able to enact the greatest change.

Ultimately, Chipembere's message of cross-cultural compassion, enthusiasm, and understanding serves as a good basis for anyone attempting to model sustainable global citizenship.

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