Growing up in Amonitsute Village in Balaka, Charles Kapalamula lost his father at a young age. At just 14, he took on the responsibility of helping raise his younger siblings.

While many children his age were focused on school alone, Charles was balancing family responsibilities and finding ways to keep hope alive.

Financial challenges distracted his education, but they did not stop his dream. He became a primary school teacher to support his family while continuing his own secondary education at St. Charles Lwanga Community Day Secondary School. 

It was a difficult journey, but one that shaped the resilience he carries today.

That determination earned him a place at MUST, where he studied Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering. 

While at MUST, Charles found more than an education. He found purpose.

Graduating in 2019, he entered a field that was still developing in Malawi. 

Today, he serves as Head of Biomedical Engineering Department at Kamuzu Central Hospital, leading management of critical medical technologies that support patient care and providing technical leadership for biomedical engineering services across the Central Region.

Beyond the hospital, Charles works with the Ministry of Health and international partners to strengthen Malawi's healthcare system.

He is also founder of Vintage Tech Hub, a consultancy that helps health facilities improve safety and reliability of medical equipment.

Reflecting on his journey, Charles says MUST taught him to see every challenge as an opportunity.

"MUST taught me to think critically, solve problems systematically and believe that every engineering challenge has a solution."

From a young boy carrying family responsibilities in rural Balaka to becoming a leader in biomedical engineering, his story is a powerful reminder that resilience, education and determination can transform lives.

He is truly one of MUST's Fruits of Excellence.