McKay School of Education > News > Moses Khombe
Moses Khombe
Years ago while working in Malawi for Nu Skin’s Vitameal distribution efforts, directing the allocation of food aid to over 70,000 starving children a month in southern Africa, Moses Khombe was offered the chance to come to America to obtain a higher education. For Khombe, receiving a college education is not only a rare privilege but also an opportunity to give back to his home country of Malawi.
Khombe was encouraged by associates to enroll at BYU where he would be able to receive a superb education in a safe environment. In April of 2009 he earned a master’s degree in public administration and is now beginning this fall semester in the EIME Program of the McKay School, with a focus on education policy.
The transition from administration to educational inquiry was motivated by what Khombe sees as misdirected humanitarian efforts in Africa. “We spend billions of dollars in humanitarian aid every year,” he notes. “But the problems still exist. The solution is in educational reform and poverty reduction.” If aid is directed towards improving education policy and standards, future generations of African citizens and leaders will be more capable of bringing about and sustaining changes to solve current problems vexing the continent.
Khombe is dedicated to improving the lives of his fellow Africans. After receiving his PhD he plans on returning to Malawi where he will work for the national government, striving to bring about the changes that have been the focus of his life and studies. “I am fortunate enough to have the chance to receive my education here,” he reflects. “There is so much I can do now for the millions suffering in Africa.” Khombe realizes that in this line of work, the paychecks will be small. But wealth is not his greatest concern; He recognizes that “sacrifice is what great countries like America are built on.”
Khombe, who is 35 years old, also has responsibility for his wife and two young children. His wife, who works as a nurse and midwife in Malawi, plans to bring the rest of the Khombe family to the U.S. within weeks. The family is excited for the upcoming reunion. In the meantime, Khombe enjoys the many natural wonders of Utah such as Zion’s National Park and Bryce Canyon. “It is comforting to see these beautiful places and be reminded of Africa,” he concludes.
6 October 2009