MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Department Of National Parks And Wildlife (DNPW)
Unit: Research, Planning and Veterinary Services
Sub-Unit: Information Management
Student Name: Mathews Tembo
Student ID: 2104036895
Position: IT Intern
Week 1: 13th January - 17th January 2025
During my first week, I worked closely with the System Analyst, who provided comprehensive
guidance on the department's IT infrastructure and operational systems. The orientation session
was instrumental in building a solid understanding of the department’s networking architecture,
server configurations, and system integration processes for key systems such as Human
Resources and Accounting. This foundational knowledge enabled me to contribute effectively to
the week’s hands-on tasks.
I actively participated in enhancing network functionality in the Accounts Department by
identifying and resolving connectivity issues . This ensured consistent access to critical resources
within the department. A significant achievement during this week was configuring a shared
wireless printer, which allowed seamless usage across the department.
Several software installations were carried out to improve system performance and reliability.
This included installing updated accounting tools and operating systems in the Human Resource
Department and Network connectivity in the Registry Department.
Data security and recovery were prioritized throughout the week. I conducted system backups to
safeguard critical information and implemented data recovery procedures where necessary.
Login issues to the outlook, an email system in the Registry office were resolved by resetting
cache memory for the browsers and updating security protocols. Collaborating with the System
Analyst, I proposed a number of tools that can be used to activate system and Office packages .
The week’s activities resulted in several key achievements. Network connectivity and resource
accessibility were significantly improved, while hardware performance was optimized to support
departmental operations, and critical systems were updated to enhance efficiency. These
outcomes positively impacted the operational effectiveness of both the Accounts and Human
Resources departments.
From a learning perspective, I gained practical knowledge in networking, system integration, and
hardware maintenance. I also developed hands-on experience in troubleshooting network issues
and configuring enterprise-level software. Additionally, I improved my skills in data recovery,
backup procedures, and cybersecurity policy assessment.
Challenges were encountered during the week, including unexpected network interference,
which required in-depth troubleshooting and configuration adjustments. Outdated hardware and
software in certain departments posed additional challenges, demanding extra time and resources
for upgrades and optimizations. However, these obstacles were effectively managed through
collaborative efforts with the System Analyst.
Looking ahead, I aim to build on this foundation by continuing to support IT operations,
focusing on system backups, addressing network challenges, and enhancing software installation
processes to meet organizational objectives.
Supervisor’s Signature: _________________________
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Department Of National Parks And Wildlife (DNPW)
Unit: Research, Planning and Veterinary Services
Sub-Unit: Information Management
Student Name: Mathews Tembo
Student ID: 2104036895
Position: IT Intern
Week 2: 20th January - 24th January 2025
During this week, I worked alongside the System Analyst on critical tasks aimed at improving
the functionality and accessibility of IT systems within the Human Resources and Accounting
departments. Our primary focus was on software installations, system configurations, and
resolving existing challenges to enhance overall operational efficiency.
A significant portion of the week was dedicated to installing and configuring SAP software for
both the Human Resources and Accounting departments. This process enabled the departments
to streamline their data management and workflows. Additionally, I installed Microsoft Office
Suite across various workstations to equip staff members with the essential tools needed for
productivity. Another important task was configuring the government email system on
departmental computers, ensuring secure and efficient communication via Outlook.
While performing these tasks, I encountered challenges that required troubleshooting and
innovative solutions. Many of the machines had outdated software, which caused compatibility
issues and required significant time to update before the installation of new tools. Some
computers were also infected with malicious software, necessitating a thorough removal process
and additional security measures to protect against future threats. Furthermore, network
connectivity issues in certain areas disrupted installations, delaying the completion of tasks.
Through these experiences, I gained valuable insights and practical knowledge in IT system
management. I enhance my skills in enterprise-level software installation and configuration,
particularly with applications such as SAP. Additionally, I deepened my understanding of
handling software compatibility issues and implementing effective cybersecurity practices. The
network troubleshooting challenges also provided an opportunity to refine my ability to resolve
connectivity issues in complex environments.
Despite the challenges, the week’s efforts resulted in significant progress. Staff members in the
Human Resources and Accounting departments now have access to updated and secure tools that
are essential for their daily operations. Moving forward, I plan to focus on optimizing system
performance, conducting proactive maintenance, and ensuring the stability of IT systems to
support organizational objectives effectively.
Supervisor’s Signature: _________________________
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Department Of National Parks And Wildlife (DNPW)
Unit: Research, Planning and Veterinary Services
Sub-Unit: Information Management
Student Name: Mathews Tembo
Student ID: 2104036895
Position: IT Intern
Week 3 : 21st January - 27th January 2025
During the fourth week, I engaged in more collaborative work sessions with colleagues from
OnTech Solutions Ltd, a company subcontracted to configure the institution’s phone system.
This collaboration provided me with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced
system configurations, particularly in server setup and network integration for VoIP services. A
significant focus was on configuring FreePBX, an open-source communication platform, where I
successfully cloned GitHub repositories and participated in system deployment.
A key highlight of the week was working closely with the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of
OnTech Solutions Ltd. During this engagement, I contributed to brainstorming and
troubleshooting system errors encountered during the FreePBX installation process. Through this
experience, I acquired advanced problem-solving skills, refined my ability to analyze complex
system configurations, and further developed my leadership and teamwork capabilities.
Later in the week, I attended a highly successful technology event hosted by ZICTA. This event
provided a platform for networking with IT professionals, gaining industry insights, and
expanding my knowledge of emerging technologies in the field. My participation in discussions
and technical demonstrations further enhanced both my technical and leadership competencies.
Despite the valuable experiences and skills gained, several challenges were encountered. Server
configuration and FreePBX installation presented multiple technical difficulties, requiring
extensive troubleshooting and testing to ensure system stability. Network inconsistencies also
posed obstacles during phone system integration, impacting smooth operations and delaying
installations.
To mitigate these challenges in the future, I recommend implementing a well-structured network
architecture to ensure seamless system integration and reduce technical shortfalls. Proper
documentation and standardized configuration procedures should also be emphasized to improve
efficiency and troubleshooting processes.
Moving forward, I aim to apply the knowledge gained from these experiences to enhance my
technical expertise further. I will continue collaborating with industry professionals and refining
my leadership skills to contribute effectively to IT projects and infrastructure development.
Supervisor’s Signature: _________________________
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Department Of National Parks And Wildlife (DNPW)
Unit: Research, Planning and Veterinary Services
Sub-Unit: Information Management
Student Name: Mathews Tembo
Student ID: 2104036895
Position: IT Intern
Week 3 : 3rd January 2025 - 7 February 2025
In the first week of February, my technical journey continued as I worked closely with the team
from OnTech Solutions Ltd. We focused on the physical installation of handsets (phones) across
all departments of the institution, ensuring each device was configured to fetch dynamic IP
addresses from the network. This task required hands-on involvement in connecting and testing
each phone, ensuring seamless communication between the devices and the network
infrastructure.
Additionally, I played a key role in the auditing process, helping the team assess and label all
installed handsets. This audit ensured that the number of phones matched the institution's
inventory and also streamlined the organization of the devices for future management and
troubleshooting.
Beyond the physical installations, I was introduced to more advanced technical work. I had the
opportunity to access the FreePBX database, where I fetched data on all registered phones and
extensions, including directories, directly through the institution’s network. This task
significantly enhanced my programming skills as I utilized coding and database manipulation
techniques to interact with the system. My experience with database queries and system
integration deepened, providing me with a stronger understanding of backend operations and
their connection to hardware systems.
Later in the week, I was privileged to attend an orientation session organized by the CEO of
OnTech Solutions Ltd. This session provided an in-depth overview of the phone system,
including the physical inspection of servers and handsets. We discussed how these systems
improve communication within institutions, ultimately impacting key decision-making
processes. The session broadened my understanding of the critical role that communication
systems play in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making in institutions.
Despite the successes, several challenges emerged throughout the week. A few phones did not
initially connect to the network, requiring troubleshooting and adjustments to the system
configurations. There were also installation challenges, where certain devices needed additional
configuration steps to ensure they were properly linked to the network. Additionally, the short
timeline for completing the programming tasks placed considerable pressure on the team, as the
complexity of the work exceeded initial expectations.
In order to mitigate these challenges in future projects, I recommend a more thorough pre-
installation testing process to ensure that devices are ready for integration with the network.
Additionally, a more structured timeline for programming tasks would help alleviate time
constraints and improve the overall quality of work completed.
Moving forward, I will continue to enhance my technical expertise, focusing on system
integrations and programming, while also working on developing my troubleshooting skills to
address potential issues with network devices more efficiently.
Supervisor’s Signature: _________________________
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Department Of National Parks And Wildlife (DNPW)
Unit: Research, Planning and Veterinary Services
Sub-Unit: Information Management
Student Name: Mathews Tembo
Student ID: 2104036895
Position: IT Intern
Week 2: 10th February 2025 -14th February 2025
In the second week of February, I continued to collaborate closely with the Systems Analyst to
implement further modifications to the institution’s phone system. I was responsible for
allocating permissions to various offices, enabling designated departments to make external calls
while restricting others. This was crucial in maintaining cost-effective communication channels
within the institution. Additionally, I configured both inbound and outbound routes, ensuring that
the phone system met the institution's operational needs. I also modified extension numbers to
align with the updated departmental structure, streamlining communication and making it more
efficient for users.
In collaboration with OnTech Solutions Ltd, I worked remotely via AnyDesk to perform a
comprehensive backup of the phone system. This backup was part of the preparation for Incident
Recovery Strategies to ensure that the institution's communication system could be quickly
restored in the event of a disaster. This experience gave me valuable exposure to remote system
management and taught me the importance of implementing a robust backup strategy for critical
systems.
My role this week also involved monitoring the functionality of the phones across different
departments. I was tasked with troubleshooting any issues that arose, ensuring that phones were
operational and communication was uninterrupted. This required me to think critically and apply
problem-solving skills to resolve issues such as poor call quality, connectivity problems, or
incorrect settings on the devices.
Later in the week, I was honored with a leadership role by the Senior Systems Analyst, where I
was tasked with orienting all the secretaries in the institution on how to use the phone system to
establish proper communication. This was a significant opportunity for me to develop my
leadership and communication skills. I provided step-by-step instructions on using the phones
effectively and addressed any questions or concerns from the secretaries, ensuring that they felt
confident in using the system for their day-to-day tasks.
Despite the progress made, there were several challenges that I encountered. Power outages and
network failures disrupted our virtual working sessions, which made it difficult to maintain a
stable connection during troubleshooting or configuration tasks. Additionally, there were
occasional misunderstandings with end users regarding the proper use of the phone system.
Some users experienced difficulty navigating the system, leading to delays in resolving issues. I
worked closely with the end users to clarify instructions and ensure they understood how to
make the best use of the phones.
Furthermore, I facilitated the technical aspects for the Human Resource Officer to join a virtual
meeting via the computer. The officer initially encountered challenges in accessing and
participating in the meeting due to connectivity issues. I had to troubleshoot and provide support
to ensure that the officer could successfully join the session, ensuring effective communication
across departments.
Moving forward, I recommend that the institution invest in better power backup solutions and
improve network infrastructure to minimize disruptions during critical tasks. Additionally, it
would be beneficial to conduct further user training sessions to reduce misunderstandings and
enhance user proficiency with the phone system.
This week’s experience has greatly contributed to both my technical and leadership skills, and I
look forward to taking on more responsibilities in future projects.
Supervisor’s Signature: ________________________
