Biography

Martha Pakula is a vibrant and passionate community development professional with a Diploma in Journalism from the Malawi Institute of Journalism and a Certificate in Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), supported by UNICEF. She also holds a Certificate in Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) from UNICEF. Her academic and professional background has equipped her with skills in communication, media production, community engagement, public speaking, data collection, safeguarding, and behaviour change communication.

Martha has extensive experience in producing and co-presenting donor-funded radio programmes focused on social and health issues. During her time at Applied Development Communication and Training Services (ADECOTS), she worked on programmes including Tiyeni Achinyamata, Osayidelera COVID-19, Ndiyambe Ndine Kuthana ndi Malungo, funded by USAID, and Zikutivuta Pati, initially funded by UNICEF and later by IsraAID. She has also worked as a Project Manager and Community Mobiliser, gaining practical experience in project coordination, community mobilisation, stakeholder engagement, facilitation, data collection, and the implementation of community-based initiatives.

Her experience working on donor-funded projects, together with her training in SBCC and PSEA, has strengthened her understanding of how effective communication, safeguarding, and community participation can contribute to sustainable development. Martha is particularly passionate about working with young people and believes that communities can create lasting change when people are empowered to identify their own strengths, opportunities, and solutions.

Driven by this passion, Martha joined CorpsAfrica as a Volunteer to serve underserved communities and contribute to community-led development. She looks forward to using her skills and experience in communication, community mobilisation, project management, and media to empower young people, help them discover and develop their skills, and equip them with practical knowledge for value creation. Through her service, she hopes to support young people and communities in developing sustainable initiatives that address local challenges and contribute to long-term community development.