Lwazi Shwala

Community development and social impact professional with experience leading Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems, managing multi-stakeholder programmes, conducting research, and supporting evidence-informed strategy. Experienced in designing M&E frameworks, logic models, indicators, and data systems across mental health, education, youth development and skills development initiatives. Passionate about using evidence to strengthen programmes, inform strategy, and improve outcomes for communities.

Impact Manager - Little Lions Child Coaching

(2024-01)

• Lead the organisation's Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) function across programmes in South Africa and Kenya.
• Designed organisational and programme-level MEL frameworks, logic models, indicators and reporting systems.
• Developed data collection tools and reporting processes that inform programme quality, organisational strategy, government partnerships and donor reporting.
• Train and mentor eight coaches across three implementation sites in MEL processes and data quality.
• Lead research projects and translate evidence into programme improvements, funding proposals and strategic decision-making.

Programme Coordinator - Umphakathi Development

(2023-01 - 2024-12)

• Coordinated youth development and skills programmes involving schools, employers, community organisations and government stakeholders.
• Managed programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, reporting and partner communication.
• Supported fundraising, grant reporting and programme showcase events.

Youth Leadership Educator & M&E Lead - Skateistan

(2022-01 - 2023-12)

• Facilitated educational and psychosocial programmes for adolescents.
• Led monitoring and evaluation activities including surveys, interviews, focus groups and reporting.
• Analysed programme data and presented findings to improve programme delivery.

Research Consultant - Faces Up Uganda

(2023-01 - 2023-12)

Designed a monitoring and evaluation tool to strengthen programme assessment and organisational learning.

Co-founder - Heart for Hope

(2019-01 - 2022-12)

Helping to manage after-school education and social welfare programme for learners in Hillbrow & Berea

• Tutoring
• Collection & fundraising for textbooks, uniforms, & stationery.
• Event organisation
• Liaising with schools regarding admission for kids without schools/who aren't able to afford fees.
• Working with other organisations to implement mentorship programmes.

MSc - Applied Psychology - Middlesex University Mauritius

BSocSci (Hons) - Psychology - University of Cape Town

BA - Psychology & Media Studies - University of Cape Town