About us

ABOUT US

Who are we?

The Cove Collective is operating as a nonprofit, non-governmental organization (NGO) in Malawi, registered as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Act, No 15 of 2013.

Our Mission

The Cove Collective is operating as a nonprofit, non-governmental organization (NGO) in Malawi, registered as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Act, No 15 of 2013.

Our Vision

To create, encourage and empower a collaborative network of social players that share knowledge and skills to solve the ever-changing development challenges within our communities.

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WHAT WE BELIEVE

Our Philosophy

The Cove Collective believes in fostering projects that promote sustainable growth in areas of the world experiencing extreme poverty through long-lasting community partnerships. We believe in bringing people together to solve the issues that are relevant to their unique community makeup. The Collective works with the community in a way that best employs the existing expertise of local residents. This promotes ownership and empowerment, both important factors in creating meaningful impact.

Our Purpose

To enhance the quality of life of rural Malawians through engaging in community-driven development projects

OUR TEAM

The people behind The Collective, working alongside the Chitende community to turn shared goals into lasting change.

Tamra Carlson, Co-Founder

Passionate about creating a life designed to intertwine her personal and professional goals simultaneously, Tamra embarked on the social entrepreneurship journey in 2018.

After a decade of working in various non-profit settings, coupled with her unbendable ties to this region of Africa, she created The Cove social enterprise. Embarking on this social venture led her into a powerful partnership which ultimately sparked the formation of The Cove Collective. 

Read more about our story here. Tamra holds a Masters of Social Science from the University of Colorado Denver and is the mother of an incredibly spirited, talented, and globally conscious son, Oliver.

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Zinyengo Kawonga, Co-Founder

Zinyengo, alumnus of Mzuzu University, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources Management and Development.  His experience in working with both international and local Malawians makes him an important asset to The Collective. 

After university in 2016, Zinyengo worked as a teacher in Jenda and also worked as a project officer for a non-profit organization in Ekwendeni. Zinyengo’s enthusiasm for community development led him into a great partnership which ultimately sparked the formation of The Cove Collective.

Zinyengo is originally from Chitipa district and he is currently based in Chilumba within Karonga district of northern Malawi.

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Tamra Calson

Co Funder
Passionate about creating a life designed to intertwine her personal and professional goals simultaneously, Tamra embarked on the social entrepreneurship journey in 2018.
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Zinyengo Kawonga

Co Funder
Zinyengo, alumnus of Mzuzu University, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources Management and Development.
Photo from Tamra(72)

Advisory Board

Structuring in Progress
We are currently in the process of recruiting a diverse array of professionals to join our endeavor. We are looking for both Malawians and westerners with skills ranging from grassroots community development...