By Ulemu Mbengwani
In 2023, a housemaid was arrested in Lilongwe for stealing her employer’s belongings while they were at church. She had hired a vehicle and started packing assorted items, including furniture, foodstuffs, and electrical appliances, before being intercepted.
While this may sound like an isolated incident, many households have experienced or complained about various forms of misconduct among domestic workers. From groceries that run out at suspiciously fast rates and missing household items to neglect or mistreatment of children, and in some cases, developing inappropriate relationships within the household, these stories are far too common.
One might wonder whether we should stop hiring maids altogether. Absolutely not. That is far from practical. Most middle-income families in Malawi rely on at least one domestic worker. In households where both the husband and wife work, or where the workload is simply too heavy, having a maid is not just convenient, it is often a necessity. The real question, then, is how we can ensure that the people we hire are professional, well-mannered, and trustworthy.
This is precisely the challenge that Blessings Chazemba and Tamandani Kwaipa are addressing through the Edah Institute of Home Management. The duo founded the institution to provide structured and professional training in domestic and community-based care services in Malawi.
Blessings and Tamandani, who describe their backgrounds as complementary, with one bringing expertise in theology, ethics, and leadership, and the other possessing extensive experience in hospitality, child care, and education, are on a mission to bring professionalism, dignity, and hope to an industry that has long operated without formal standards or regulation.
They are driven by the conviction that professionalism and ethical conduct go hand in hand, and that training individuals in both aspects creates a lasting positive impact in homes and society at large.
“Our vision has always been to create an institution where students are not only skilled but also ethical, principled, and compassionate in their work. We ensure that Christian values are woven into all aspects of our programs, instilling a sense of responsibility, integrity, and service in every student,” says Blessings.
“Through our programs, we also aim to elevate domestic and caregiving roles into recognized, respected professions. We believe that every household and institution deserves well-trained, competent personnel, and our graduates reflect the quality and professionalism that we strive to instill,” he added.
Through the Edah Institute of Home Management, they seek to contribute towards addressing multiple challenges in the domestic and caregiving sector, including the lack of formal training, low professional recognition, and limited career pathways. Without proper education, workers often face exploitation, job insecurity, and restricted growth.
Their curriculum has been designed to balance theory and practice. Core subjects include professional ethics, caregiving techniques, home management, first aid, and communication skills. The program also emphasizes Christian values and ethical decision-making, ensuring graduates are not only competent but morally grounded.
Practical learning is central to our approach. Students engage in internships, field assignments, and hands-on training. These experiences allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, gaining confidence and practical problem-solving skills.
“We have partnered with Masuku Lodge and Peter’s Lodge provide students with valuable practical experience in professional and client-centered environments. These institutions serve as field training sites where students apply classroom theory to real-world tasks, from hospitality management to interpersonal service skills,” he says.
“Beyond skill-building, the partnerships foster community engagement and strengthen the relevance of our curriculum. They provide feedback on industry standards and emerging trends, allowing us to adapt and improve our programs. This collaboration also helps students develop professionalism, discipline, and teamwork, which are essential for long-term success,” he added.
According to Blessings, students at the institute gain hands-on experience in controlled, supportive environments where they can experiment, learn, and grow through these partnerships. Many also secure employment through the collaborations, highlighting the practical benefits of the program. He emphasized that it ensures graduates are not only theoretically proficient but also ready to excel in real-world settings, equipped with the ethical standards and professional skills demanded by the industry.
Running a growing institution comes with challenges that test the founders’ resolve and shape the journey of building a professional and impactful organization in the domestic and caregiving sector. These challenges include limited resources, infrastructure constraints, and initial community awareness. To overcome them, the Edah Institute of Home Management has prioritized strategic partnerships, resource optimization, and community outreach programs.
“Our commitment to ethics, quality education, and practical skill-building has been a guiding principle that helps us navigate obstacles. We continuously refine our curriculum, invest in faculty development, and maintain open communication with stakeholders to ensure sustainability and growth,” he says.
“Despite challenges, the success of our graduates, recognition from partner institutions, and community support demonstrate that our approach is effective and impactful. We view challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve our offerings continuously,’ he added.
Looking ahead, the Edah Institute of Home Management plans to expand its academic offerings and introduce advanced certifications to meet evolving industry demands. The institute also aims to establish satellite centers across Malawi, increasing access to professional training in remote areas.
Strengthening local and international partnerships remains a priority, ensuring that students benefit from global best practices. Through these initiatives, the institute seeks to continue raising standards of professionalism, ethics, and service delivery nationwide.
The founders encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to begin with a clear purpose and a strong ethical foundation. They emphasize that success should not be measured solely by profit, but by the positive impact on the community and the values upheld throughout the process. According to them, perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to integrity are essential, while focusing on addressing genuine needs, building credibility, and maintaining excellence in every endeavor lays the groundwork for sustainable and meaningful ventures.
The Edah Institute of Home Management is particularly proud of its graduates, who now excel in their respective fields and serve as ambassadors of professional and ethical home management across Malawi. Establishing strong partnerships, developing a comprehensive, faith-based curriculum, and gaining recognition in the education and care sectors are among other significant milestones for the institute.
“Each of our graduates’ successes reflects the fulfillment of our vision to professionalize domestic and caregiving work while instilling Christian values. These achievements are a testament to their dedication and the strength of the institute’s foundational principles, and we are incredibly proud of the impact they are making across Malawi,” Blessings concluded.
