Message from Executive Director Zione Chimpeni
I first joined FOCHTA a few months after its inception, in 2003, and worked as a volunteer in both its finance and programs departments. In the field I assisted in monitoring programs, planning and report writing. Soon thereafter I became a full-time staff member.
Before joining FOCHTA, I had worked with several organizations where I developed a passion for assisting the underprivileged, in spite of my limited income. While working for FOCHTA, my interest in helping orphans, especially, grew. I have experienced the loss of family members, and know that helping the needy brings much joy.
It also brings me joy to see FOCHTA’S achievements over the years, helping to produce educated young people – ranging from welders to doctors. Add to this list hundreds of children who, against the odds, finished secondary school.
Now with the newly completed Vocational Training Centre, more young people will learn trade skills and become self-reliant.
I was born in 1972, the ninth child in a family of 10. Our father raised us after our mother’s premature death. I did my schooling in Blantyre, and subsequently did several courses in accounting and financial management, as well as gaining knowledge through online courses such as Early Childhood Development, Journalism and Project Management. In 1994 I obtained my Certificate in Accounting with a credit and continued by later obtaining a diploma in accountancy.
I have two boys, Curtis who is 18 and Maziko-Crifton.