Spotlight on Takuya: An Uplifting Volunteer Experience

Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is renowned for its friendly communities and rich cultural heritage, providing a strong foundation for socio-economic development initiatives. In this vibrant environment, Takuya, a Canadian volunteer from Vancouver, British Columbia, applies his extensive expertise in computer programming and digital technology solutions to support local efforts to improve opportunities for young people. Collaborating closely with Mzuzu Entrepreneur Hub and WUSC, he introduces innovative tech solutions that empower young people and local entrepreneurs.

With a Master’s degree in Information Science and Technology from the University of Tokyo and a diverse professional background across various continents, Takuya was drawn to volunteer internationally, driven by a desire to address the disparities in technology access worldwide. In his role with Mzuzu E-Hub, he helps integrate technology into local businesses practices, which helps young entrepreneurs scale their operations and reach broader markets. 

Founded in 2017, Mzuzu E-Hub is a Malawian social enterprise established with the aim of building a community of entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions for their communities to foster job creation and poverty eradication in Northern Malawi. As a hub of innovation, it provides essential services like business incubation programs, hands-on technology training, and networking events to help new businesses thrive. For instance, the hub offers co-working spaces with reliable internet and mentorship, helping entrepreneurs develop their startups efficiently. They also provide seed capital financing to help launch emerging enterprises. Regular workshops and training at the hub teach practical skills such as digital marketing and bookkeeping, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors and collaborators. Through these practical supports, Mzuzu E-Hub supports individual and group business owners and strengthens the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

In his volunteer role as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Advisor, Takuya works in collaboration with the Mzuzu E-Hub team to develop tech solutions that are tailored to the local context. His collaborative projects include upgrading the hub’s digital marketing to improve communication and rebuilding their website to make it more user-friendly for non-technical staff. Additionally, he has collaborated with another WUSC volunteer, to improve a mobile application-based e-learning platform known as the Biz Learn App for business incubation for young people in Malawi to improve their business skills.

Furthermore, Takuya has been actively involved in the digital skills training program at Mzuzu E-Hub, focusing on equipping young Malawians with computer programming skills. His role is to support and build on the foundations laid by the local team, providing assessments and recommendations to refine and expand the program. His efforts are designed to amplify the existing capabilities of the hub, significantly enhancing its digital presence and educational offerings.

This effort is particularly crucial considering Malawi’s digital landscape: the median age is 17.2, and over 80% of the population is rural, yet internet penetration is only 27.7% (datareportal, 2024). This reality is in contrast to Canada, where the median age is about 40 and internet penetration reaches 94.3% (datareportal, 2024). These statistics underscore the importance and urgency of improving access to technology in Malawi as it can open up tremendous opportunities for education and economic development for young people.

Takuya’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the team at Mzuzu E-Hub. Litness Chaima, Communication and Engagement Manager at Mzuzu E-Hub, highlights his contributions: “Takuya has been a key member since joining in August 2023. His introduction of the e-newsletter and training on email marketing has been impactful. The email marketing model he introduced is already showing positive internal results.”

The impact of Takuya’s work is also evident among Mzuzu E-Hub trainees. Caroline Vinkhumbo, a participant in the Digital Skills for All “Introduction to Computer Programming” course, shares her experience: “Takuya is very good at explaining things, both in person and online. His advice on working hard and finding time to learn about Python programming has been invaluable. I would love another chance to learn from him.”

An unexpected yet fulfilling aspect of Takuya’s assignment has been connecting with the broader Malawian tech community. Through seminars and workshops, he’s engaged with tech professionals and enthusiasts, deepening his understanding of how technology can address systemic challenges and drive development. 

Reflecting on his experience, Takuya shares an important realization about the nature of sustainable volunteering: “That is the dilemma I hold as an international volunteer. On the one hand, I want to address as many problems as possible in a limited amount of time, and I experientially know how to tackle these problems. On the other hand, I understand it is not sustainable if I attempt to do everything by myself, and hence I have to decide more not-to-dos than to-dos in my volunteer assignment. I’d rather choose an inclusive path where I work with Malawians, resulting in a lot more human-human interactions than I used to practice.”

The personal and professional growth Takuya has experienced during his time in Malawi stands as the most rewarding aspect of his volunteer work. This experience has profoundly influenced his view on global citizenship and development.

To those interested in volunteering, Takuya shares heartfelt advice:  “Volunteering for international development can be one of the simplest yet most unique and powerful experiences you can gain that will significantly contribute to shaping one’s specialty. Ultimately, such an experience unlocks numerous opportunities they have never thought of. Thus, if you are interested in a WUSC volunteer opportunity, especially if you have no prior experience in international development as I did, I can assure you that it’s worth trying. To be honest, I am currently a bit overwhelmed by the abundance of new experiences from the volunteer assignment, but I deeply appreciate the fact and could not be more excited to progress my career from now on”.

Takuya’s story is a strong example of the mutual benefits of international volunteer work, where dedicated volunteers use their skills and expertise in collaboration with a local organization to foster development and empower communities, while learning and growing professionally and personally. This two-way exchange enriches both the volunteer and the community, creating a collaborative environment where knowledge and experiences are shared. Takuya’s continued efforts inspire and highlight the crucial role of technology in creating brighter futures in communities like those in Malawi.