Team Member Spotlight
Lamba Fikoloma, M & E Officer
with People’s Action Forum
Meet Lamba! He joined Shanta/PAF earlier in 2025 as our Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. He works closely with Khai, Shanta’s Global Program Manager, as well as Janet, Zambia’s Program Manager, to ensure proper tracking, assessment, and evaluation of programs in Zambia. We are so pleased to have him on our team!
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what you did before joining Shanta Village Partners/PAF?
A: Before joining Shanta Village Partners/PAF, I worked extensively in the public health and development sectors, focusing on Project management, Monitoring and Evaluation. I hold a degree in Development Studies and Public Administration from the University of Zambia, which laid the groundwork for my passion for data-driven health interventions. I have had the privilege of contributing to initiatives funded by CDC, PEPFAR, and USAID, particularly in HIV prevention, cervical cancer screening, and community-based GIS mapping. My roles with the Southern Provincial Health Office and Avención Limited involved coordinating data-driven interventions, mentoring health facility staff, and leading capacity-building efforts. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in evidence-based programming and a deep appreciation for the power of data to drive meaningful change.
Q: What drew you to join Shanta Village Partners/PAF and our mission?
A: What truly resonated with me was the organization’s commitment to holistic, community-driven development. I was drawn to the way Shanta Village Partners/PAF integrates local voices into program design and implementation. It is not just about delivering services; it is about empowering communities to shape their own futures, which aligns perfectly with my values and professional experience.
Q: What’s something unique about our approach compared to other organizations?
A: Having worked for several organizations, I find Shanta’s emphasis on sustainability and local ownership as the most unique and exciting aspect. Many organizations focus on short-term outcomes, but Shanta Village Partners/PAF invests in long-term capacity building. Whether it’s training Village development teams or community banks and development projects, the goal is always to leave communities stronger and more self-reliant. I have to say this is not just a talk, it is a reality on the ground that Shanta/PAF is unwilling to compromise on.
Q: As the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, you get to see the impact of our programs. Do you have a favorite project or program area? Why?
A: I have several favorite projects, but perhaps one that stands out is the Leadership program. Personally, I believe that everything rises or falls on leadership. I have seen firsthand how, when people are empowered with knowledge and skills, they become custodians of the development they seek; they begin to influence and motivate others into a mindset shift. This is my favorite program area simply because it is the backbone of every other project, and it is the key to ensuring sustainability. Anything that we build without proper leadership will break down soon, which would take us back to the initial status, if not worse. For example, in Mpasu, in an effort to ensure program success for the Community Bank, I see the VDT Chairperson walk the talk as He calls for meetings to encourage prompt loan repayments even without the presence of PAF staff.
Q: What does a typical workday look like for you in the field? What does a typical workday look like for you in the field?
A: No two days are the same, but they often involve coordinating data collection, conducting site visits, and analyzing program performance. But mostly, I am focused on developing tools that can be used for data collection and data management. I have also been engaging with different program officers to ensure our monitoring tools are aligned with project goals. It’s a dynamic mix of technical work and human connection.
Q: Has working with rural communities taught you anything unexpected or changed the way you see development work?
A: A common phrase at the Zambian office is that, ‘as you do development work, it also develops you’. That has been a reality while working with Shanta/ PAF. I have learnt that development is not just about resources, it is about relationships. Rural communities often have deep-rooted knowledge and resilience that can be overlooked. Working closely with them has reshaped my understanding of what meaningful progress looks like: it’s collaborative, respectful, and rooted in local context.
Q: What’s one thing you wish every donor could see or experience firsthand?
A: Apart from the smiles and joy of completed projects, I would love every donor to see community engagement and participation in the projects being implemented. The beautiful sight of old men and young women joining hands by participating actively in the projects. For example, during infrastructure projects, how the community members will show up early morning and be of practical help if it’s clearing the way or mixing concrete or carrying heavy steel, whatever is needed of them, they do.
Q: And when you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
A: I enjoy reading about global development trends, mentoring young professionals, and spending time with family. I am intrigued by growth, which leads me to spend most of my time doing agriculture, and every now and then, I engage in various mission works in various rural areas. Apart from these, I am a dedicated Chelsea football club fan as I enjoy soccer.