Raised on a farm in Zambia, Martinho Da Silva Tembo (Class of 2018, Zambia), a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni, chose to pursue higher education on another continent when he applied to EARTH University. Introduced to the University through the Kucetekela Foundation, which had supported his secondary school studies, he was encouraged to apply based on his agricultural background and leadership potential. With a strong interest in agriculture and an openness to new experiences, Martinho chose an opportunity that would take him far from home and challenge him in unfamiliar ways.
At EARTH University, Martinho’s experience extended well beyond technical agricultural training. One of the most influential components of his studies was the Business Project course, where students are responsible for developing and managing real enterprises. From shaping ideas and securing resources to overseeing operations and evaluating results, this experience required ownership and accountability at every stage. It played a central role in shaping how Martinho approaches problem solving, leadership, and long-term thinking.
During his final year, Martinho further developed these skills while serving as a leader in the Community Development scenario of the Work Experience course. Working directly with community members strengthened his communication skills and reinforced a commitment to contributing to the progress of others. This sense of responsibility became a lasting value that continued to guide his actions after graduation.
Immediately after graduating, Martinho worked as an intern on two dairy farms in Michigan and North Dakota, in the United States. These roles provided hands-on exposure to large scale agricultural operations and reinforced his understanding of production systems, efficiency, and discipline. Following this experience, he secured a fully funded scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition at the University of Manitoba in Canada. In early 2020, however, airports closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it impossible for him to begin the program.
Living in Mexico at the time, Martinho faced an extended period of uncertainty while waiting for authorization to work. With limited options for formal employment, he chose to use his time intentionally. Driven by a long-standing interest in technology, he began teaching himself DevOps engineering through a range of online courses and consistent hands-on practice. His learning focused on cloud infrastructure, automation, and production systems, allowing him to build practical skills through discipline and persistence.
During this waiting period, Martinho decided to also begin teaching others. With time available and a growing technical foundation, he shared his knowledge with people around him. In addition to mentoring fellow EARTH graduates, he has trained more than six DevOps engineers in Mexico. Several of those he supported later secured technical roles, creating stable income and improving financial security for their families. What began as a way to remain purposeful during a constrained period evolved into a meaningful way to multiply impact through skills-based learning. “When you see that you’ve changed someone’s life, that is enough inspiration to continue doing more,” Martinho reflects.
Today, Martinho works as a DevOps Engineer and lives with his family in Merida, Mexico. Through his professional work, he generates income that he actively reinvests in Zambia. He has acquired four farms in his home country and plans to make them self-sufficient, with each operation specializing in different agricultural products. His objective extends beyond financial return to include job creation and long-term stability for families in surrounding communities.
As a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni, Martinho reflects on the impact of investing in education, leadership, and values driven individuals. His journey demonstrates how Mastercard Foundation Scholars can adapt to global challenges, apply skills across sectors, and create opportunities that extend beyond themselves. Looking ahead, he remains committed to building technical and agricultural systems that strengthen communities and expand opportunity in Zambia and beyond.
