At Atlantic International University we are proud to inform you that one of our graduates, Joyce Banda, has been named the New President of Malawi.

Joyce has completed a program with us in Gender and Development.

Joyce married a man who abused her and stayed married to him for 10 years. She overcame all these difficulties and has become a role model for women in Africa, demonstrating that you can get a job and be independent.

Joyce shared the following comment with us:

“It had become apparent during my first marriage that I suffered abuse because of the lack of economic power on my part.”

We congratulate Joyce for her hard work and dedication that has helped her achieve this important milestone.

The Academic Council and Staff of AIU are proud of her as much as for her efforts as a student as her success that will forever resonate in the hearts and minds of all women in Malawi, Africa and the world, promoting their full development.

The mission of Joyce’s life is:

 “I shall spend my life helping women and youths obtain a social and political power through education and business activities.”

Joyce has served the African Union as a “Goodwill Ambassador for Safe Motherhood” to combat Maternal Mortality in Malawi.

In her career she has also enjoyed the international recognition, by receiving 12 international awards and has become an international speaker in addition to being chosen as “Woman of the Year” in two occasions, 1997 and 1998.

One of her most recent achievements was in Harvard University, where she was invited to speak about some of the innovative methods she utilized to lower the mortality to zero during the time of delivery in some towns and villages in Africa.

Please read her full testimony and you will realize that it is extraordinary:

http://www.aiu.edu/testimonialsnew.asp?ItemID=759&rcid=73&pcid=63&cid=73

AIU is currently working with her to explore how we can participate in higher education actions that benefit the people of Malawi.

From here we send our best wishes to Joyce in the success of her important task.