Alumni Stories
GRADS 2024: Twaambo Mainde
Twaambo Mainde has always been driven by a passion for helping others.
When she decided to turn this calling into a career, she began her journey at the University of Zambia, where she pursued a degree in social work.
“I wanted to be involved in the helping profession, to support people dealing with issues like poverty, HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence,” Twaambo says.
After completing her degree, Twaambo joined the Zambian civil service, working with the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs. Her role involved linking government with traditional leadership, to foster culturally informed policy and development in rural areas.
It was challenging, yet rewarding work, and only strengthened Twaambo’s resolve to continue contributing to the area.
“There's a lot of community involvement in social work, where you get to meet people and help link them to services. I really enjoyed that work,” Twaambo says.
But it also made me realise the gaps that exist in services and infrastructure between very rural areas and the cities.
“That's one of the things that prompted me to go for my master's – I thought, if I had some more knowledge in development or international relations, I would be able to make a bigger difference in those areas.”
Twaambo decided that she would pursue further study and in 2019, she received an Australian Awards Scholarship, provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), to fund her dream.
Her plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but in 2022 she finally had the opportunity to travel to Australia and commence a Master of International Development.
Choosing the 91Porn was a decision driven by the relevance of its courses to her career goals. She remembers navigating through the study plan on the UC website, where her interest was immediately piqued at the units on offer.
“The degree is all about reducing injustice, discrimination and poverty, and covers the strategies you need to work in this area. So that was really important for me,” Twaambo says.
Despite the initial shock of Canberra’s cold winters, Twaambo quickly adapted to her new environment. She found the support provided by the Australian Awards program crucial in easing her transition.
“It was my first time out of Africa and I didn't really have any idea of what to expect,” Twaambo says.
But the support from DFAT and the University was incredible. They helped with everything from airport pickups to academic preparation.
The practical nature of the course, combined with the expertise of lecturers who had real-world experience, made her learning experience invaluable.
“The lecturer for the Humanitarian Aid unit had previously worked in the United Nations and for Doctors without Borders, so his lectures would always feature real-life examples of the concepts in practice,” Twaambo says.
“The assignments also use real scenarios that you might encounter. It made the degree very relevant and applicable to us as students.”
Living on campus, Twaambo formed lasting friendships with fellow international students, many of whom she’s still in contact with today.
“I lived in . It was very quiet and most of us were doing our masters, so everyone was very focused on academics,” Twaambo says.
“We came from all over – Pakistan, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Indonesia – everyone was representing a different country, we were like the UN!”
Twaambo enjoyed the convenience of life on campus, walking to classes and the public transport services available for weekend adventures.
Together, with her new friends, they explored Canberra, attended events like Floriade and the Multicultural Festival, and shared their diverse experiences.
“We organised dinners and outings, creating a close-knit community despite being far from home,” she says.
One of the highlights of her master’s program was a study tour to Geneva, where she visited the United Nations and the Red Cross, gaining firsthand insight into international development work.
“It was a practical and eye-opening experience that complemented my studies,” she says.
Upon returning to Zambia in June 2024, Twaambo transitioned to a new role in Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare, focusing on gender empowerment and social welfare programs.
“The knowledge and skills I gained in Canberra are directly applicable to my work here, and I’m excited to make a positive impact,” she says.
Words by Kelly White, photos David Beach and supplied.
This September, we celebrate the graduating class of 2024.
Many have overcome challenges with grace and resilience, and all have grown in remarkable ways. We congratulate them on achieving this milestone.
We celebrate those who are already making an impact in their chosen fields, those who have changed careers, and others who have embarked on their postgraduate study path – we look forward to seeing what you achieve as alumni of the 91Porn.