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Bringing Ham Radio to Malawi: Don Jones 7Q6M

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by W1DED, Aug 29, 2025.

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  1. W1DED

    W1DED Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page


    In this episode of Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio, Kevin Thomas W1DED travels (virtually) to Malawi to hear the remarkable story of Don Jones 7Q6M (K6ZO). From his base at the Embangweni Mission Hospital, Don has spent years operating on HF, mentoring young operators, and helping grow a national amateur radio community in Malawi.

    We talk about the challenges of building a station where parts and power are scarce, how the Malawi Project became a pipeline for new operators, and how the Jeffrey Dahn Memorial Foundation now carries forward the mission of training African youth in electronics and radio. Along the way, you’ll hear how partnerships with groups like W3HAC and Yasme Foundation, plus support from the broader amateur radio community, have made a lasting impact.

    Amateur radio isn’t just about contacts—it’s about transforming lives. Don’s story shows how a signal from rural Africa can inspire the next generation of operators worldwide.
    Q5_45_7Q6M_Thumb 2.jpg
     
    F4LPH, M9UAP, WJ3F and 6 others like this.
  2. PU2LQX

    PU2LQX Ham Member QRZ Page

    Malawi, alguns ótimos contatos FT8: 8P, 7UJ, 7EHM e 7ºTRIM MUGHOGHO. Satisfação plena, 73's ao Grupo, '.'
    malawi.png
     
    W1DED likes this.
  3. KC2OSR

    KC2OSR Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Don has done amazing things.
    My club New Providence Amateur Radio Club donated over 140 lbs of tools meters and soldering stations, I also sent medical texts from respiratory therapy school
    Don did a wonderful program via zoom for NJDXA and NPARC. Keep up the good work! 73,
    Sam KC2OSR
     
    W5TWO, W1DED, KC4GMY and 1 other person like this.
  4. WA6VZN

    WA6VZN XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Wow, amazing job with the young operators! Is there a process to help fund your project?
    Tom WA6VZN
     
    W1DED and PU2LQX like this.
  5. 7Q8AC

    7Q8AC Ham Member QRZ Page

    Y
    Hi Tom, Visit https://dahnfoundation.org/donate/
     
    W1DED and KC4GMY like this.
  6. 7Q8AC

    7Q8AC Ham Member QRZ Page

    Hi Sam 73 Arnold 7Q8AC
     
    W1DED likes this.
  7. 7Q8AC

    7Q8AC Ham Member QRZ Page

  8. WA6VZN

    WA6VZN XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Thanks - donation on the way...you are building the future of our Youth and of Amateur Radio.
    73, Tom WA6VZN
     
    W1DED likes this.
  9. G8LIY

    G8LIY Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Great Work...
    I have Don, 7Q6M on 17M /15M / 12M in the Log
    Also have: 7Q5RU, 7Q6UJ, 7Q7CT, 7Q7JN, 7Q7EMH, 7Q8P in the Log, Various Bands/Modes

    73 ~ Dave ~ G8LIY
     
    K6ZO and W1DED like this.
  10. K4NCC

    K4NCC Premium Subscriber QRZ Page


    I MADE MY FIRST CONTACT WITH 7Q6UJ ON AUG 6TH 2025 ON FT8.
    EXCELLENT QSO.
    THANKS
    K4NCC
    pre (KR4ECC)
     
    K6ZO likes this.
  11. WM7X

    WM7X Ham Member QRZ Page

    Thanks Don, for the fine work you are doing, both as an educator as well as a Volunteer Examiner. The WM7X test team appreciates the privilege of testing your students so regularly. Visit us at https://WM7X.net
     
    KI7SI and K6ZO like this.
  12. AE0HQ

    AE0HQ Ham Member QRZ Page

    @7Q8P It was nice to hear you on 20M FT8 - I hope to work you sometime!
     
  13. K2WH

    K2WH Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Worked him a number of times on 5 different bands.

    A cut from my log.

    7Q6M.JPG
     
    AE0HQ likes this.
  14. NJ3T

    NJ3T Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Looking back, I found I was able to work 7Q7EMH, 7Q7CT, 7Q6M, 7Q7UJ, 7Q4AM, 7Q5BM. ON 10M, 12M, 17M, 20M, AND 30M.
    Starting in 2022 through 2025. It's nice to see young people carrying the torch for the hobby. Thank you Don!
     

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