First Certification Instills Career Confidence
Growing up in Zambia, Chisha Mambwe had no knowledge of, or exposure to, the IT profession. In high school, her academic interests were English, science, civics, religious education and “a bit of mathematics.” After graduating, she pursued different interests volunteering, working as a salumist, and she considered a career in business administration.
Her career track took a life-altering turn when she was offered the opportunity to join the Living Open Source Foundation, class of 2024. LOS is an NGO based in Lusaka, Zambia, working to empower individuals and foster inclusive communities through open source technology that is supported by Linux Foundation Education.
Personal Drive and Growth
While not initially clear about her professional track, Chisha has always been intellectually curious, motivated to learn new things, and interested in helping people. “After completing high school, I didn’t go to college, instead I volunteered to do charity work in my community and church, which helped me build leadership and communication skills,” she said.
She became interested in IT in the fall of 2024 when she joined the Living Open Source University program. “That opportunity opened the door for me to explore the IT field,” Chisha said. “I began with zero IT experience and learned everything from scratch.”
Living Open Source University provided her with a one-year course in open source technology which culminated in her earning her first IT certification, the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA). “It was a chance to gain valuable knowledge at no cost, and it was the first IT program ever presented to me,” said Chisha.
For preparation, she studied using books and video courses, and received support in her student group from experts who created mock exams, which helped prepare her for the real exam. The impact has been significant. “Training and certification have made it easier for me to speak to others about IT, and I can now manage digital tasks with confidence,” Chisha said. “It showed me that even without a formal background, I could learn, grow, and succeed in the field.”
Future Outlook
Today, Chisha is not only a student at Living Open Source Foundation but also an employee, working daily with computers and Linux systems in her role as an administrative assistant. Her future professional goals are to become a team leader and contribute to her community, particularly the less privileged and the younger generation. “I want to keep gaining knowledge in IT so that I can both apply it myself and share it with others,” she said. “I also aim to earn more certifications along the way.”
For others who also may not have had access to IT programs or equipment, Chisha advises, “IT is not only for a select few, anyone can do it with desire and consistency, even without a background. In today’s world, technology touches almost every part of our lives, so it is important to stay informed and develop skills in areas that drive growth and innovation.”
Chisha Mambwe
Administrative Assistant
Living Open Source Foundation
