Maness Chinoko: The enthusiast who beat a system

Maness Chinoko is the first person to pass the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) with a distinction in the department of journalism and media studies since the programme was incepted 10 years go. The best pass any student has ever gotten is a credit. Chinoko has indeed set her record even after shelving her job to pursue te degree. Excerpts:

Who is Maness Chinoko?

I was born on 23rd February, 1980 at Bottom Hospital in Lilongwe to Vincent and Evelyn Chinoko. I am mother to an eight- year- old son Alipomulungu, the love of my life. I am jovial, outgoing, a lover of Danielle Steel’s novels and just a mere Chewa village girl passionate about culture and heritage. I am originally from a village called Mpuza (where Kamuzu Barracks is now located) in the area of Senior Chief Tsabango in Lilongwe. My parents relocated to Salima in the 70s and settled in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwanza in Chinoko Village. I am the last born in a family of seven.

Tell me more your background.

I was raised by my brother, James from a tender age of 12. He assumed the parental role after our father passed away in 1992. My mother worked as a health assistant with Lilongwe City Council and her income was not adequate to sustain a family of eight. We experienced hardship and misery from being raised by a single parent. By the grace of God and the help of James, things eventually worked out.

What motivated you to go back to school and leave your job?

I was spurred by my performance at Mpemba Staff Development Institute (SDI) after attending a three months secretarial management course in 2006, courtesy of State Residences where I was working as a secretary. I excelled with distinctions in subjects deemed difficult such as law and economics. Upon completion, I did a self evaluation and decided to sit for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) to improve my grades and perhaps, go to university. While contemplating, I was transferred from State House to Ministry of Industry and Trade as personal secretary to the minister. The challenges I faced in that office propelled me to nurture my zeal to re-sit for MSCE. I enrolled for a night school at Chejika Private School in Area 18 in Lilongwe in 2008 and got 22 points. These grades made me eligible to sit for the University of Malawi (UNIMA) entrance examinations. I was selected to pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism at the Malawi Polytechnic. However, it had a price to pay – leaving my job! I wanted to upgrade myself so badly that I was prepared to face the consequences so I took an unpaid leave for four years.

How was life back in school?

My life at Poly was both exciting and challenging. I had to mingle with younger people. You can just imagine sleeping in the same room with 21 –year- olds; some even as young as 16. Worse still, being their classmate and expected to behave like them when I am a mother!! It was taxing! I remember the first day in class; the way some students looked at me because I had this motherly stout body! Hehehehe! I just had to put up a brave face and make friends with everyone regardless of who I was or where I was coming from and it worked.

What’s your secret to getting the best grades in college?

I attribute my success to my approach towards school. In as much as it is assumed that college life is free without restrictions, I was always serious with my assignments. Journalism at the Malawi Polytechnic is tough. We nicknamed it “Bachelor of Assignments in Journalism” due to the nature of the programme. We learn in modules and it is all about continuous assessments; therefore if you droop on assignments let alone a module; you miss it. I had to be focused in every module, particularly assignments. In addition, no man is an island. Team work pays. I also believed in identifying myself with colleagues that had the same passion for studies. That way, we helped each other academically. Further during exams, I always made sure I was prepared, composed and calm.

How did you react to being the first person in this programme to pass with a distinction?

To be very honest, when Paul Kamanga, my colleague broke the news to me; I laughed and was shaking because I know him as a joker. But when I received several calls including those from my lecturers, it is when I knew it was real. Then I remembered my parents and longed to share my joy with them. I was like: “Thank you God! For without you, who am I?” Immediately I called all my brothers and my son. I was ecstatic. I did not even have the zeal to celebrate as I was just shaking and tears flowed with happiness. My brother Mike took me out to celebrate that night.

Honestly there is no peculiar feeling. It is just the same humble me; Maness – amayi ake a Alipo. I owe everything to God because He is the one who gave me good health, the wisdom and knowledge.

What is your educational background?

I did my primary at Lilongwe CCAP School. I went to Salima Secondary School in 1994 to 1997. I did a diploma in Secretariat at Mzuzu Technical College from 1999 – 2000. I re-sat for MSCE examinations after working for eight years as a secretary.

And your upbringing?

I was raised by God- fearing parents with strong Christian morals of the CCAP Church. We used to go to our village immediately after closing school to learn culture and “normal” way of life as my father used to call it.

Have you always wanted to be a journalist?

I remember during my primary school days doing top of the class quizzes. The question of what we wanted to be when we grew up used to pop up and I wanted to be a radio announcer. I don’t know, maybe in my innocence I wanted to be a journalist. Throughout my secondary school days, I was a writer but it never occurred to me that I would actually become a journalist. It is just God’s destiny that I have been trained and come to love journalism. With my secretarial background, I wanted to do business administration but since we were the first intake of equitable system, I was directed to a newsroom which I must admit I loved and cherished. I did my third year internship at Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) . So yes dear, you know God is never wrong.

What are you doing now?

I reported back to my employers soon after finishing exams on March 10 2014. I was waiting for my results to start processing for a departmental transfer. At the moment, I am still with the Ministry of Education under teaching service commission where I am serving the commission’s chairperson. My plan is to immediately jump at the next available opportunity for a Master’s Degree in either International Relations or Development Communication. I am also excited to teach, given a chance, at any reputable university because that is the area I feel I can deliver better rather than mainstream media.

Where else have you worked?

I have worked in both the private and public sectors. After completing my secretarial course, I worked for Shire Bus Lines, Zimbabwe High Commission and Universal Industries before joining the government in 2002. I have worked as secretary at State House, Ministries of Trade and Industry; Economic Planning and Development; and Education, Science and Technology.

Any last remarks

I want to urge all women to believe in themselves. Time has come for women to stop demeaning themselves and start doing something useful for themselves. All things are possible only when you believe in yourself and put all your trust in the God Almighty. As for me, the journey has just started and I am prepared to be whisked away with the winds of change wherever my God directs!