Miriam: Your future is bright, go claim it!

3 minute read

Q&A with Miriam, Managing Director of Digital Bridge Ltd and Digital Literacy Teacher

Miriam, a businesswoman and teacher supported in her education by CAMFED, spoke to Isaac Manda, Communications and Advocacy Manager at CAMFED Malawi, about her passion for technology and what it takes to run a successful ICT business.

Isaac: What was your life like growing up?

Miriam: My journey wasn’t easy. I grew up in a village in rural Nkhatabay in a family of six children. Although my father was a teacher, he struggled to raise school fees for all of us. I secured a place at a secondary boarding school but there were times when I lacked basic school supplies like shoes, notebooks, soap, uniforms and bedding.

CAMFED stepped in to support me in Form 2, but what really kept me going was not only the financial support, but the encouragement from our Teacher Mentor, all the way until I graduated in 2015.

Isaac:  Tell us about your career journey

Miriam:  After school, I went to pursue nursing at Mzuzu University, but I didn’t feel challenged enough so I changed programs the following year to study ICT. I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology. 

Soon after graduation, I volunteered as a CAMFED Learner Guide, returning to my school to mentor students and help them reach their goals. Aside from that, I spent much of my free time teaching young women how to use word processors and other common software at our resource center. Three months later, I had a successful interview at an international school and was hired as an ICT teacher.

Along the way, I served as District Chairperson for the CAMFED Association — the network of women leaders educated with CAMFED support – leading planning, budgeting, and reporting for community projects. I later interned as a Network Engineer at TechNix Malawi, an ICT service provider, then worked as a remote Software Engineer.

Today, I teach Digital Literacy and Computing in a school in Blantyre, while running my own registered company, Digital Bridge Ltd, a registered information technology solutions provider. I recently graduated with a University Certificate in Education from the University of Malawi, strengthening my ability to design and deliver effective teaching.  

Isaac:  What do you love most about your work?

Miriam: The variety and impact of my work really excites me! I help businesses and individuals build their online presence by providing website development, graphic design, video editing, social media management, and computer supply services. Seeing a client’s brand grow online because of my work is deeply satisfying.

As a teacher, I love watching young learners discover the power of technology for the first time. The combination of entrepreneurship and education allows me to solve real problems while inspiring the next generation of digital innovators. Every day is different, and every project is a new opportunity to create value.

Isaac:  How do you balance your role as a teacher and your business responsibilities?

Miriam:  Balancing both is not always easy, but it is possible with discipline, planning, and prioritisation. I dedicate my evenings, weekends, and school holidays to my business, and use digital tools to stay organised like calendar scheduling, task management apps, and clear communication with clients. It is tiring some days, but I love both roles. When you love what you do, balance becomes easier to find.

Isaac:  How does it feel to be financially independent?

Miriam: It feels liberating! I can pay my own bills, support my family, invest in my business, and even help others. It gives me the confidence to dream bigger—because I know I have the power to turn those dreams into reality through my own hard work. 

Isaac:  How do you give back to your community?

Miriam: At the school where I work, I mentor young learners, especially girls, in digital literacy, encouraging them to pursue technology careers. Through the CAMFED Association, I stay connected to scholars within the city of Mzuzu, offering career guidance and study tips.

Isaac: What would you say to a girl thinking of a career in technology?

Miriam: I would say you are capable of far more than you can imagine. Education is your greatest asset. Stay in school, even when it feels hard. Seek out mentors and programs that will support you. Do not let anyone tell you that technology, business, or leadership is “for boys.”

I started as a young girl in rural Malawi, and today I run my own tech company while teaching young learners, and I have just graduated with my education certificate. You can do the same and even more.

Your future is bright, go claim it!