Behind every Theatre for Development (TfD) performance under the Tiyambe Project are individuals who have grown from community drama club members into skilled master trainers. Their work continues to support dialogue and promote gender equality in the tea and macadamia estates of Mulanje and Thyolo.
Two of these individuals, Brian Manyamba from Mulanje and Mathews Kuluwe from Thyolo, reflect the journey and impact of the project—not only within communities, but also in their own personal development.
Brian Manyamba joined the project in 2022 as a drama club member from Ruo Estate. Through dedication and commitment, he became a Master Trainer in 2023. Today, he plays a key role in building the capacity of community members, equipping them with skills to facilitate dialogue and drive development in their own communities.
“What I enjoy most is strengthening the capacity of community members to lead change and support development where they live,” Brian shares.
Similarly, Mathews Kuluwe began his journey in 2022 as a member of the Naasonia Drama Club at Naasonia Estate. In 2023, he stepped into the role of Master Trainer for Thyolo. Through his work, he engages with diverse stakeholders, building connections that extend beyond his immediate community.
“This role has given me the opportunity to meet and interact with different stakeholders, something that would have been difficult without the project,” says Mathews.
Together, Brian and Mathews represent the transformative impact of the Tiyambe Project, showing how young people can grow from performers into facilitators of change. Their journeys highlight how ArtGlo continues to support leadership, dialogue, and collective action in tea and macadamia-growing communities in Mulanje and Thyolo.
Learn more about the Tiyambe Project under our Gender Justice programme.
