Those who knew Clement Chiwaya ’02 as a student recognized that there
Chiwaya: Student to Member of Parliament in Southern Africa
was something special about this young man—that he was destined for something great. He had the desire, drive and determination to accomplish whatever he set his mind to doing. Clement proved that by being elected to the Malawi parliament and within a week of taking office in June 2004, being named Malawi’s first minister of social development and persons with disabilities. Last October, Chiwaya returned to his alma mater to thank those who helped him get through four years of Aquinas and to share what he’s been doing since he left in December 2002. He shared descriptions of the projects that have been completed since he returned home. His small impoverished village now has fresh water from newly dug wells and a new school building for children in the village with the help of West Michigan’s Warm Hearts Foundation. “You’re the ones who have made me what I am today,” Chiwaya told friends during a speech in the Wege Student Center. During his time at school and since his return to his homeland, he has received substantial support from Aquinas, the Dominican Sisters, the Catholic Diocese, as well as other foundations and businesses in West Michigan. From a cabinet minister’s perspective, his work continues at a higher level, setting priorities that include addressing the issues of poverty, AIDS and discrimination against the disabled.
Clement Chiwaya ’02 returned to Aquinas in October 2004 to thank those who have helped him and share stories of his efforts in Malawi
Clement, his wife, Faith, and their daughter, Sandra, now live in the Malawi capital of Lilongwe.
ALUMNI NEWS
32
aquinas magazine
SPRING 2005