The first time I interacted with now-former United States ambassador to Malawi David Young was on September 23 2023.
I recall on this particular day, we all danced and sang our lungs out. We partook of the local food that was part of nutrition demonstrations.
Women demonstrated what they had learnt from their adult literacy classes. Children as young as three years recited verses from the bible. Cameras flashed incessantly just to ensure that they didn’t miss any part of this momentous occasion.
This is what characterised the mood at Mchokera Primary School, which is located at Mkwinda Village in Traditional Authority Chiseka in Lilongwe.
Ordinarily, this was not an event that would grab any news headlines as we didn’t bring any gifts to the communities. But what made the event memorable was the presence of this high-profile guest – Ambassador Young.
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He joined us as we celebrated with the communities the five years of existence for one Christian charity organisation—Angathe, which is making a difference in the lives of people in the area through its various interventions.
Besides, it was the symbolism behind the occasion which made it even more momentous; that it is possible for people of different backgrounds to mobilise their resources towards supporting the marginalised without expecting foreign donor support.
And this is exactly the ‘gospel’ that this American envoy preached on this particular day.
Young took time to tip the community members who included local chiefs on how they could promote the spirit of self-reliance among themselves.
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In some instances, he spiced up his message with some Chichewa, probably to ensure that everyone who was present got his message.
In his thinly veiled message, Young said donors were not the solution to various challenges most people were facing in the country.
He, therefore, stressed the importance of well-meaning Malawians pulling together their resources to support community efforts.
The message was probably for all of us who are slowly but surely developing that mentality of believing that all challenges we face can only be solved through donor support.
You do not earn a good reputation by being perpetually reliant on donors—be it at national or individual level.
In fact, there are individuals out there wallowing in opulence who if they put together their resources, such gestures could make a difference in the lives of marginalised people.
Speaking from his volunteer experience, Young explained how people could use their time and resources for the benefit of those in need.
He stressed the need for us to always be the first to support our brethren in times of need. You wouldn’t call yourself wealthy when your next-door neighbour is languishing with hunger and poverty, would you?
It is, therefore, fair to say that Young touched the hearts of many if the sentiments that have already been expressed about him in the public domain are anything to go by.
I believe we could also probably pick a leaf or two from the excellent stakeholder engagement skills he displayed during the tour of his duty in Malawi.
What was even impressing about this American diplomat was his sincerity and frankness when communicating issues of public interest.
His messages were subtle but well crafted. And he conveyed them effectively in a manner that left no one offended.
He never made promises for the sake of optics but advised those he interacted with on alternative solutions to challenges being faced.
As a high-profile figure, he probably knew that promises could easily damage one’s reputation in the event that such promises are not accomplished.
Truth be told, it is unusual to see a person of his stature—especially a diplomat representing the most powerful country in the world—mixing and mingling with people from all walks of life, ranging from the wananchi to big kahunas.
Furthermore, the American envoy demonstrated that spirit of appreciating the suffering of the marginalised.
In the process, he shared solutions on how to address challenges being faced by Malawians. He also used his influence to advise people from all walks of life on various issues affecting them.
On other hand, his emphasis on the importance of self-reliance is also something we can embrace as a nation.
All we need is to master that attitude of living within our means while at the same time fending off that ‘entitlement mentality’ especially among those holding high public offices. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary if we are to develop as a nation.
Well, simply put, David was a diplomat extraordinaire with excellent Public Relations and communication skills which he used effectively to boost the image and reputation of his country.
