Meet the Research Team

Dr. Sandra Jumbe

Principal Investigator

Health psychologist and health services researcher with a Doctorate from UWE Bristol, United Kingdom. She has worked at Queen Mary University of London within the Wolfson Institute of Population Health since 2016 and is now also a senior lecturer in research at Millennium University in Blantyre Malawi within the School of Social & Health Sciences. She has over 10 years’ experience working in both clinical and academic research settings in primary care and mental health. Sandra is an African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) fellow, funded by the African Academy of Sciences. Within this role, her long-term aspiration is to expand understanding of global mental health and related problems e.g., substance use, by advancing research niched on youth mental health in Africa, as well as training fellow young African scientists. Her health psychology background makes her an expert in behavioural science, enabling her to set the foundations for evidence-based work that can inform development of effective interventions, treatments, and policy decisions to improve human health.

Chinsisi Makwero

Research Officer

Chinsisi is a Social Science graduate with a major in Developmental Studies from IIE MSA, who's driven by a commitment to understanding global development and social complexities. Her main passions lie in sustainable development and social empowerment, focusing on community development, mental health studies, and social development. Currently serving as a Social Media Manager for the project, Chinsisi is enhancing the project's online presence and engaging with the larger audience. She has a strong interest in mental health, particularly among the youth, and greatly believes in the power of social media to connect and inspire.Her goal is to drive positive change through strategic communication and meaningful connections.

Meet our new Recruits!


Tamara Namakungwa

Facilitator

Tamara Esther Namakungwa, is a final-year Social Work student at Millennium University. Currently serving as a member /volunteer for the ongoing project, she deeply passionate about mental health. Tamara believes that what doesn't kill you affects your mental health,it doesn't make you stronger. She is also a proud member of Generosity Network, a youth-led nonprofit organization focused on giving hope and providing support to those in need, aiming for a better Malawi. In her free time, she enjoys playing netball and volleyball, believing that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.

Innocent Chadabwa

Facilitator

Innocent Chadabwa is a dedicated and passionate mental health facilitator with MHLEC. Born on June 17, 2002, in Lilongwe, Malawi, Innocent is a devoted Christian committed to making a positive impact in his community. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Millennium University. Fun fact - he likes listening to music!

Miracle Masala

Facilitator

Miracle is an undergraduate student at Millennium University majoring in Bachelor of science in Finance and Banking. He is passionate in working with youth organizations. Currently he is working with a youth department (FOY) in Zambezi Evangelical Church as a Treasure. His passion base at empowering his fellow youths not to look down on themselves but keeping their heads up and understanding that what matters is a persons mental well-being and also pushing toward being vibrant youths to the nation. Miracle is currently working with the research department at Millennium University towards implementing the MHLeC project in various universities in Malawi as one of the Facilitators. His hobbies are watching football and interacting with fellow youths in his community.

Meet our new Recruits!


Ethan J Mambucha

Facilitator

A student at the Malawi School of Government — Mpemba Campus and former MHLeC participant at the institution. As an advocate for youth-led initiatives in personal growth, Ethan believes that in silence there is power and authenticity — a centre and pivot for the truths that define each individual. Yet, that same silence is often where people hide their deepest fears and victories, which can build mental strain despite all odds. He also reflects on this from a male perspective, a topic he would welcome the opportunity to explore further. Ethan believes that MHLeC has the potential to become an everyday toolkit for improved mental well-being for those who undertake the course, one tertiary institution at a time.

Truth Masamba Njolomole

Facilitator

Truth is currently working as a facilitator on the MHLeC project and is a fourth-year student at Millennium University pursuing a degree in Social Science (Social Work), on track to graduate soon. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in leadership and guidance, communication, counselling, and proficiency in digital administrative tools. He values discipline, compassion, and community, and enjoys reading and keeping up with the news. Aside his academics, playing and watching football are among his favourite pastimes.

Smith Ijalasi

Facilitator

Smith Ijalasi is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Millennium University, serving as a Mental Health Literacy facilitator with the MHLeC project. He enjoys helping people, which is a key factor that motivated him to join MHLeC. He follows current affairs, demonstrates strong leadership skills, and is a devoted Christian.

Mercy Chaphinza

Facilitator

Mercy Chaphinza is a student at Millennium University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2022–2026). Driven by a passion for mental health, she currently works with the MHLeC project as a facilitator. In her spare time, Mercy enjoys watching life-lesson films and listening to music to relax her mind. As a member of the MHLeC team, she hopes to learn and grow, believing that learning never truly ends.


Amante Motshewa

Research Website Administrator

Amante Motshewa is a Computer Science student at Keele University in the UK, exploring a passion for software development and human-centred design. Alongside her studies, having done a work placement in Student Recruitment, she has seen the real impact of sharing knowledge and guidance — recognising that the right information at the right time can genuinely change lives. For her, Computer Science is about using innovation to solve problems, open doors, and improve communities. She is motivated by the belief that, with the right understanding, technology can make education and opportunities more accessible to everyone. Through working on MHLeC’s website, Amante see’s the platform as a gateway to connecting people and spreading mental health awareness - using technology to make a positive difference.

Former Research Members & Associates

Gloria Chirwa

Research Assistant

Social Scientist and aspiring youth development researcher with a background in Sociology and Psychology from University of Malawi and a master's degree in Cooperation and Development from University of Pavia, Italy. Gloria has worked with youth in youth development programmes since the onset of her career and has 8 years experience of working with young people. Her passion for positive youth development drove her to understand more about the challenges that the youth face in attaining positive outcomes in their development through research. Currently, Gloria works at Millennium University in Blantyre, Malawi within the Department of Research. Gloria is a former Board Chairperson of Little Big Prints - a youth organisation in Malawi, and an alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa, among other roles. Gloria’s long-term goal is to be an implementer of evidence-based youth development programmes in Malawi.

Joel Nyali

Research Assistant

Development economist with a bachelor of science from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. He currently works as a research assistant at Millennium University on a mental health literacy project. Joel’s work experience involves working on youth health projects with the aim of improving health outcomes for young people in Malawi. Due to his experiences in youth health programming, Joel aspires to acquire more knowledge on health programming and research with the ultimate goal of becoming a health economist. Joel believes when applied, his health economics research aspirations will improve the Malawian health system and policy.

Beatrice Cynthia Chitalah

Research Assistant

Passionate mental health nurse from the University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing. She currently works with Millennium University in the School of Health and Social Sciences research department as a mental health research assistant. Her previous job in the mental health and psychiatric unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital gave her a passion and desire to contribute to the advancement of mental health care in Malawi and therefore joining the mental health literacy e-curriculum project. She is dedicated to promoting mental well-being, advocating for mental health awareness and actively contributing to the development of evidence-based practices.


Our partners

Our partners are project collaborators with defined roles and are ultimately responsible for supporting and advising on all matters related to the effective development, implementation and success of the research project.

We have a diverse group of partners who are leaders in their fields. They are our collaborators because of their commitment to young people, mental health and their experience and skills, which enable them to provide technical skills and advice on the project’s trajectory. Our partners’ support helps us ensure we make the best use of our funds and continue conducting mental health research and mental health promotion activities in Malawi.