From Beneficiary to Leader: Nyuma’s Journey with the Likoma Conservation Foundation

Some people arrive on Likoma Island and never truly leave it. Even when their roles change, the island stays woven into who they are. Nyuma Manda is one of those people.

Today, she is the Programs Manager for the Likoma Conservation Foundation (LCF). But long before the title and the responsibility, she was someone paying attention to the work happening around her and the lives it touched.

“My name is Nyuma Manda, and I am the Programs Manager for Likoma Conservation Foundation,” she says. “I come from Kasungu District in the central region of Malawi.”

Her path to Likoma was shaped by service. First, as a teacher. Then, as a nurse and midwife. Always in roles that placed people at the centre of the work.

A Life Rooted in Care and Education

Before entering the nursing profession, Nyuma worked as a primary school teacher in Kasungu. She later trained as a Nursing and Midwifery Officer and now serves as the Hospital Matron at St Peter’s Mission Hospital on Likoma Island.

“Professionally, I am a Nursing and Midwifery Officer,” she explains. “Before joining the nursing profession, I worked as a primary school teacher in Kasungu.”

Teaching classrooms and hospital wards may look different, but both require patience, trust, and consistency. These experiences shaped the way Nyuma approaches leadership and community development.

“These diverse experiences have shaped me into a dedicated educator, leader, and coordinator of programs.”

Meeting the Likoma Conservation Foundation

Nyuma first learned about the Likoma Conservation Foundation in 2018 when she arrived on Likoma Island. At the time, she was coordinating hospital and community programmes that focused on health, nutrition, and early childhood development.

“I was inspired by the Foundation’s community development initiatives, which had noticeable positive impacts on the lives of islanders,” she says.

The Clean Likoma Project and the Reforestation Project were among the initiatives that stood out early on. Tree seedlings were planted for the future. Cleaner spaces. Healthier environments.

Over time, she became aware of the full reach of LCF’s work.

“I later realised that LCF also supports the hospital with essential resources and contributes to the education sector from early childhood development to university level.”

A Moment of Support That Changed Everything

While working full-time at the hospital, Nyuma enrolled in a Master’s programme in Nursing and Midwifery Education. Continuing her studies alongside professional responsibilities was a challenge, particularly financially.

“I have personally benefited from LCF’s generosity,” she says. “The Foundation supported 50% of my tuition fees for two years during my Master’s program in Nursing and Midwifery Education.”

That support made it possible for her to remain on the island while studying. She has since completed her programme and now awaits her external examination and thesis defence.

“I am now awaiting my external examination and thesis defence, and I look forward to graduating soon.”

Coming Full Circle

Nyuma’s appointment as Programs Manager represents a full-circle moment. She now oversees the very programmes that once supported her academic journey and professional growth.

During her time on Likoma Island, she has coordinated numerous hospital and community initiatives that have contributed to the health and well-being of residents. One such programme was the Investing in Early Years of Childhood Program, which focused on nutrition.

“Through this program, we implemented various activities that improved the nutritional status and economic empowerment of many households.”

Across the island, the impact of the Likoma Conservation Foundation is visible. Students have completed studies at colleges and universities through LCF sponsorship. Fruit and wood trees planted through afforestation initiatives now provide shade, food, and environmental benefits. Government forests have expanded through the provision of tree seedlings.

“At the health facility, improvements in infrastructure and resources have helped reduce infections and enhance the overall health of the island community.”

Looking Ahead, Together

As a new Programs Manager, Nyuma places strong value on collaboration.

“I am excited about the strong collaboration I have already experienced with both my supervisors and junior staff,” she says. “This teamwork reflects the unity and commitment within LCF.”

Her focus remains on sustaining existing projects, introducing innovative ideas, and improving lives through community-centred development.

“I look forward to continued cooperation with all stakeholders as we work together to sustain existing projects, introduce innovative ideas, and improve the lives of islanders.”

Why Nyuma’s Story Matters

Nyuma’s journey reflects the heart of the Likoma Conservation Foundation and the wider Green Safaris ethos. Conservation here is not only about protecting landscapes, but about investing in people who belong to them.

For guests staying at Kaya Mawa, her story is part of the impact their visit supports. Each stay contributes to education, healthcare, and environmental restoration on Likoma Island.

Sometimes, the most powerful outcomes come when opportunity returns as leadership.