It was in 2020 when I first walked through the gates of African Christian College as a new student. I had heard about the holistic transformation that happens there, but despite the excitement, I was anxious about what lay ahead.
I successfully enrolled, and as part of the work-study programme I was assigned to work with the Locavore Farmers Market as a livestock farmer. My main responsibility was managing the piggery and poultry projects. At first, it didn’t seem ideal — I had never pictured myself working with animals. But little did I know, this was the very transformation I needed.
My initial motivation was simple: work to pay for my tuition, graduate, and land a white-collar job. But as I committed myself to the work, something unexpected happened . . . I fell in love with my work.
I began to see what it takes to run a farming business firsthand. Ideas began to take root in my mind: “What if I started something like this back home in Malawi?” Still, I thought it would just be a side hustle alongside a formal job.
Then the world changed.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and life as we knew it came to a halt. We had to pause our in-person classes for almost a year. Fortunately, students continued working on campus.
I’m deeply grateful for the work-study programme at African Christian College. It didn’t just help me afford my education . . . it gave me real-world skills, leadership experience, and a purpose.
Dumsani Chakaza, 2024 Graduate.
This period gave me time to reflect. I began thinking seriously about how I could replicate the farming model I had learned. Though I didn’t have any capital, I made a bold decision: save every penny I could to start a farming business once I returned home.
The situation worsened in 2021. Students returned to our home countries and studied remotely. I wasn’t prepared for this abrupt shift, and returning home brought more challenges. My father had lost his job, and things were tough. We had to make hard decisions to survive.
I shared with my father how we used to raise pigs cost-effectively at Locavore Market. His eyes lit up. It was like a lightbulb moment. He realized that we didn’t need a fancy farm setup to start. We could do more with less.
So, we started small.
Using wood and scrap materials lying around the house, we built a simple farmhouse. We got two pigs from a neighboring farmer who had experience in the business. He was surprised by our business model but believed in its potential. He became a mentor to us.
We began building something special.
Then, I received a call from African Christian College to return and complete my degree on campus. It wasn’t an easy choice, but my dream of graduating had not faded. I entrusted the farm to my capable and inspired father.
After graduation, I returned home to find ten pigs. My father had not only maintained the business, but he had grown it. His dedication was inspiring, and it confirmed to me that this was more than just a family business. It was a community model.
Since then, I have committed myself fully to this work. I realized it’s not just about me — it’s about empowering others. Today, many people in my community have adopted our model. They are raising pigs and chickens in cost-effective and sustainable ways.
This project has provided more than just food and income. It has sparked hope and self-reliance. My next dream is to form a livestock producers’ association where we can produce and sell as a community. This will reduce marketing costs, ensure consistent supply, and amplify our impact.
I also aim to expand into beef and goat production to further diversify and scale the business.
I’m deeply grateful for the work-study programme at African Christian College. It didn’t just help me afford my education . . . it gave me real-world skills, leadership experience, and a purpose. Now, I’m working to tackle youth unemployment in my community by offering mentorship and business support.
Choosing African Christian College was one of the best decisions of my life. It transformed me. Now, I’m using that transformation to uplift others.
I enjoyed hearing this story of growth and self-reliance learned at African Christian College. It also speaks of your commitment to return after Covid to finish the learning process you had begun. God has so many ways to use us and has started a good work in you. Abide in Him.
What a heartwarming and inspiring journey Dumisani. Your attitude to adjusting in tough periods and allowing God to indeed transform you has indeed made a huge difference not only just for you but the community around you. We thank God for your journey and may He continue to bless and increase your territory.