Harnessing Inner Resilience with Dr Mute

By Moono Chungu

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We can confidently say that: around the three University of Lusaka campuses and among our alumni, there are very few (if any at all) who would not know our Dean of Students. Her vibrance, charm, and attention-gripping energy cannot go unnoticed. So, we know that many of her Students will be pleased to learn that Dr Dr. Joan BEULAH MWANZA Mute (previously Mrs. Mute) will be publishing a book titled: ‘Harnessing Inner Resilience: Introspective Snippets from Real Life Experiences’.

This book, which will be unveiled during the 15th Postgraduate Graduation on 25th April 2024, aims to share lessons that Dr Mute has learnt in life. Coincidently, the theme of this Graduation Ceremony is: ‘Fostering Adaptive Transformation and Resilence’, which bears a striking resemblance to the focus of Dr Mute’s book. She says, “When I first heard the theme of the Graduation, which was after I had already picked a title for my book, I thought ‘How divine! This has to be God Himself’.” As a university, we are thoroughly looking forward to the unveiling of the book because through our interactions with Dr Mute, we understand that she has a plethora of lessons to share – especially considering her vast experience as a: Lecturer, Entrepreneur, and Counsellor.

To top it off, and as previously alluded to, Dr Mute will have her PhD conferred on her during the University of Lusaka graduation ceremony… a clear double blessing! Her thesis title is: ‘An Investigation of Key Factors of Risk Reduction Affecting Disaster Resilience Building in Selected Drought Prone Rural Communities of Gwembe District in Zambia.’ This thesis will be available in the University of Lusaka Library.

Dr Mute explains, “When I decided to pursue a PhD, I was informed by those who have gone ahead of me that it is not an easy journey. Still, I decided to elevate myself and join other ranks. The world we are in is very competitive; one should not be content with their current rank. Always look out for opportunities to gain knowledge, but more so – it’s important to add a voice to a particular field of your interest.”

Our soon-to-be PhD Graduate further reveals, “When deciding to write my book, I picked the same concept as my study. I wanted to apply the concept of resilience to our personal lives.” Sharing her personal experiences, she adds, “Behind your story is inspiration and healing for someone.” Take it from one who has interacted with Dr Mute, you cannot risk not reading this book. The Author herself says, “This book will show readers that behind every situation you face, you will be able to identify a silver lining.”

You will be pleased to learn that our Vice Chancellor, Prof Pinalo Chifwanakeni, offered the foreword for this highly anticipated book. After working for the University of Lusaka for fourteen years, she says, “I have interacted with the Vice Chancellor and had the privilege of listening to his personal stories of where he comes from. Today, he has impacted thousands through a university that was founded in 2007. He remains inspirational to many and to me: he is an icon. I felt he was the right person to write the foreword of my book.”

In addition to this book, Dr Mute has passionately contributed her findings on resilience to: Kalemba and Times of Zambia. As we conclude, we thoroughly anticipate the unveiling of her book, the conferment of her PhD, and hear it from us first: we predict an uproar of ululating in the Graduation Hall on 25th April 2024.