26/08/2026
๐๐๐จ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ง: ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ถ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ธ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ, ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ท๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐
There is a point in every student's journey when what they learn in the class begins to make sense in the real world. For Chinsinsi Cheketa, that connection has shaped a steadily rising career in communication, media and programme management.
A proud alumnus of the Mzuzu University(MZUNI), Department of Communication Studies, Chinsinsi joined MZUNI in 2022 for upgrading studies and graduated in 2025. By then, however, he was already working in the media, including serving as Director of News and Current Affairs at Umunthu FM, after gaining experience across radio, print and online media.
At MZUNI, he particularly enjoyed courses including Strategic Communication, Project Management, Principles of Management, Crisis Communication, Media Relations, Media and Advocacy, Public Health, Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility, Development Communication Campaigns and Programmes, and Critical Analysis.
For him, the value of these courses went beyond examinations. They helped him see communication as a discipline that connects with management, advocacy, public health, programme implementation, organisational development and community work.
While still studying at MZUNI, Chinsinsi joined NJIRA Impact in 2024, formerly known as the Foundation for Community and Capacity Development (FOCCAD). He started as a Case Support Officer, serving in the role until September 2025.
In October 2025, he became a Social Mobilization Officer, before being appointed Senior Programs Coordinator in January 2026, the position he holds today.
In his current role, he coordinates programme implementation and operations, provides technical expertise and quality assurance, and helps ensure that programmes achieve their intended objectives.
Asked what has helped him progress so quickly, Chinsinsi gives a simple answer: "Hard work plus grace."
He believes every position has been a classroom of its own, preparing him for the next level. His willingness to learn, take responsibility and make the most of opportunities has been central to his growth.
And his learning journey continues.
Chinsinsi has recently been selected to pursue Master of Arts in Health and Behaviour Change Communication at MUBAS, adding another chapter to his professional development.
His message to students is practical: communication is a broad field. Find your area of strength, sharpen your skills, gain practical experience and position yourself so that organisations can clearly see what you can contribute.
From Walemera Secondary School in Nkhotakota, to Mzuzu University, the newsroom and now programme leadership, Chinsinsi Cheketa's journey demonstrates how academic knowledge and professional experience can grow together.
For him, graduation was not the finish line. It was simply another starting point.
