Our Story

---

Professor Ellen Chirwa is a Malawian Registered Nurse Midwife and graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she earned her PhD in Nursing in 2007. She has been teaching at Kamuzu University of Health Science (formally Kamuzu College of Nursing) since1990. Ellen is a cofounder of IPE and she believes that all girls, regardless of their financial status, should have the chance to pursue their dreams, learn new things, and grow into influential members of their communities. We invest in a better and more just future for everyone when we help underprivileged girls with their education. Girls' education is a strategic investment as well as a moral obligation. The advantages are extensive and varied. A girl who has an education is more likely to live a healthy life, support economic growth, and effect positive change in her society. Since educated women are more likely to find better jobs and give their families a stable environment, education becomes a potent catalyst for ending the cycle of poverty.

 My work in IPE is inspired by IPE board members, IPE supported students, my father, and my experience working as a nurse in refugee camps.  I was amazed at the strong life spirit of refugees living in the harshest of environments and how much learning meant to them as they trained to provide health care in the camp setting.  Promoting education for all seemed like a crucial way to add stability to peoples' lives and society regardless of circumstances.   Dr. Chirwa's passion for girls’ education when we started our support, and the ongoing dedication of all board members is moving.    One of our early graduates, now an engineer, directly impacts health, working with medical technology in a hospital in Malawi. In my role, I manage activity associated with our 501c3 status, collaborate with Dr. Chirwa and other board members in fostering our mission, support board members in their roles, and facilitate communication.  I am retired from my role as a clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing. 

I met the co-founder, Karen Solheim, as a St. Anthony College of Nursing student, when she presented IPE's mission for the Student Nursing Organization in 2007. I was inspired by Karen's passion, the purpose of IPE and accountability of the organization with partnership among American and Malawian Board Members and after graduation, I joined the Board as Secretary. My role involves helping bring awareness to IPE activities, process and student impact through IPE newsletters, website, as well as fundraising activities. On my professional journey over the years as a former Airline Pilot, Critical Care Nurse, Medical Device Clinical Leader and currently, Clinical Marketing Manager for life saving medical devices, I have taken great pleasure in supporting IPE, watching it grow and being part of the transformation of so many Malawian students we've supported. I am honored to work with such dedicated Board members, who possess the passion, vision and wisdom to provide a platform for Malawian children to pursue their dreams.

I became involved with IPE in 2012, and had the opportunity to visit Malawi in 2013, which was a wonderful experience, visiting with students, their families, their schools, and our African partners.

As treasurer, I work with IPE Board members to create an annual budget from projected/requested spending proposals developed by IPE board members in Africa.  They are in direct contact with the students who need financial support for their schooling.  I also review spending proposals for each new school term as well as reviewing receipts provided for each completed school term.

I retired from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2019, after working many years as an electrical engineer; for the FAA, Allen Aircraft Radio (AAR), and Motorola.  These days I am taking care of my 103 year old father. 

My name is Geofrey Jika, BACOME IPE representative.

My role with IPE is to: 

1. Guide BACOMA on how to select students based on IPE Criteria
2. Provide information on how students were selected to the entire board
3. Send annual budgets for BACOMA to the board
4. Distribute funds within stipulated period
5. Send both financial and narrative reports to the president
6. Follow and report on the progress of each student and provide mentorship 
7. Other duties assigned by the entire board

As a member of the board I was motivated by many factors.

Firstly, it was my compassion and empathy. The students who are the beneficiaries for the IPE support are vulnerable.  Some are orphans while others their parents cannot manage to provide necessary support. After witnessing the hardship these students are passing through I had a strong desire to help and provide support.

Secondly, my personal experiences. My childhood has passed through difficult situations. I remember when I was at secondary school I spent two terms without attending classes due to school fees challenges. I realized that some students are passing through the same scenario and I need to help them.

Last but one, Sense of responsibility. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to step up and care for students who are in need of school fees support.

Lastly, I wanted to make a difference. By contributing my time and knowledge towards IPE I feel students and Malawi as a country will not be the same in the near future.

In conclusion of my introduction, the IPE has positively impacted students and BACOMA in general. Today BACOMA is known as a church which support church members holistically. Students lives have changed. Some have secured different jobs and are supporting their parents and family members.

Ellen and Karen were wonderful mentors to me when I was a doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Chicago from 2003-2009. I am delighted to have been involved with IPE since its founding in 2008 as webmaster. My professional interest is in midwifery, particularly in the area of non-medical support by birth attendants and interprofessional collaboration. After returning to Japan, I have been working in the field of education and research on the health of women and girls. 

I look forward to visiting Malawi someday.