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Dedza teachers sing praises of MERP Project
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, November 23, Mana: Primary school head teachers in Dedza have praised the Malawi Education Reform Program (MERP) for transforming learning environments for learners.
Speaking Friday when officials from Ministry of Education toured the district to appreciate progress, Kapalamula Primary School Head Teacher Tabitha Sukasuka said the training she underwent through MERP has transformed her leadership skills.
She said together with her deputy they ably motivate teachers by appreciating their work, work closely with community and reduce school dropout.
“Some learners had dropped out due to school fees. The school committee had agreed to support such learners with school uniform using School Improvement Grant. Over 20 learners have benefited so far,” she said.
She also hailed MERP’s construction of a two classroom block at the school which has an enrolment of about 1,600 learners coming to school in shifts due to lack of adequate classroom space.
Milonde 1 Primary School Head Teacher, Godfrey Kulemeka, said before the training he had little knowledge on administrative issues like capturing and keeping records.
“For instance, previously we did not capture learners with physical disabilities and other difficulties in the learning process.
“However, following the training we know how best to identify these learners and incorporate them in the lessons and other school activities so that we move together,” he said.
Secretary for Education, Mangani Katundu, said the ministry is working tirelessly to improve speed at which the project is being implemented to surpass targets for its deliverable on school leadership training and building classroom blocks.
“Out of 10,200 teachers that we were supposed to train by the end of the program next year, I am happy to report that over 10,300 have been trained,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with retention at Kapalamula Primary School where from the beginning of this term all learners are coming to school.
He said progress on construction of the classroom block at the institution, which started on September 29, 2024, is almost complete noting things are going the right direction.
He said change in procurement process now requires schools to buy constriction materials in groups as opposed to individual schools thereby acquiring higher quality material at reduced cost, as schools are now able to buy direct from the factories.
Deputy Director for the Department of Teacher Education and Development, Rose Kalizang’oma, said the project involved development of modules, which looked into documentation of all school activities, inclusive culture, climate change and supervision of projects.
She said the training sessions, which commenced in 2022 run for 10 days yielding 17 batches of trainees to date.
She added that besides head teachers, the training sessions also targeted female section heads adding that those teachers who benefited from Malawi Education Sector Improvement Project are left out.
She observed that a few schools have lagged behind in implementation of the knowledge gained and that plans are underway to fix the challenge from January next year.
“Some schools need more knowledge on implementation of their plan to be in line with their mission and goal. The other thing is acknowledging of low performing students and the gifted ones. So we want to hit hard on that,” she said.
Teveta launches Schneider Electrical Lab at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 23, Mana: Director of Quality Assurance at Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET), Patrick Mputen, has described the newly launched laboratory at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute in Lilongwe as a step in the right direction saying it will provide students with hands on experience and exposure to the latest technologies in electrical engineering.
Speaking Friday during the launch of Schneider Electrical Lab at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute, Mputen said the skills and knowledge that students will acquire in the lab will not only benefit them individually but also contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
“I urge you to take full advantage of this fantastic resource. The skills and knowledge you acquire in this lab will open doors to new opportunities and careers. Remember that technical education is not only about acquiring skills, but also developing problem solving abilities, critical thinking, and creativity,” he said.
Vice Principal for Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute, Precious Chilupsya, said it is a rare opportunity that the institute is a beneficiary of the initiative.
“I wish to implore our industry experts to take advantage of the training equipment being commissioned today by giving us your workers to be trained on the technology that we have. Also, come and share your expertise in the technology being launched today so that we could supply the industry with electrical graduates that will hit the ground running,” he said.
A student at the Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute, lrene Chimgoga, said the donation will help them gain confidence since they will be provided with hands on experience.
Pinnacle Financial Services opens in Mzuzu
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, November 22, Mana: Pinnacle Financial Services, one of money lending institutions, has appealed to financial institutions in the country to take advantage of the numerous digital financial services in order to achieve financial inclusion in the country.
Speaking Friday during the company’s launch of its Mzuzu Branch, Pinnacle Financial Services Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Kamwendo, noted that with the digital financial service tools, people can be easily reached.
“The presence of digital financial services has made it possible for more people to have access to financial services.
“At the same time because of these tools, financial service providers are able to access data of prospective customers easily making it possible to reach more people than when information was stored manually,” said Kamwendo.
According to Kamwendo, the company’s decision to open a branch in the city is in response to increased demand for their services in the northern region.
Acting Principal Education Officer for Mzuzu, Severia Chalira, said the coming of the financial institution in the city will help increase access to financial services.
“Mzuzu City is fast growing and the population making the demand for financial services is also high.
“The coming of Pinnacle Financial Services will give the people a chance to choose a service provider that best aligns to their financial needs,” she said.
Present at the launch were stakeholders from different institutions including government officials.
Chitipa Police in resource mobilization drive
By Andrew Gondwe
Chitipa, November 22, Mana: Chitipa Police has asked well-wishers to contribute resources it requires to tighten security in the district during the festive season.
Officer-In-Charge for Chitipa Police, Joshua Mazengela, made the call Thursday during a resource mobilization meeting the station organized with district stakeholders.
Mazengela said the district has been registering high numbers of crime during festive season, which he said prompted the station to call for stakeholders to work hand in hand with the police to curb the malpractice.
He assured the stakeholders that police work day and night to ensure that residents and property are well secured in the district.
"However, we lack some resources that can complement efforts of tightening security in the district," Mazengela said.
He, therefore, requested the stakeholders and well-wishers to assist the law enforcers with the needed resources, which can help them in patrol.
Chairperson for Security Resources Mobilization Committee who is also Secretary for Chitipa Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Network, Fidelis Kambalame, welcomed the initiative of engaging district stakeholders in resource mobilization drive as one way of reducing crime in the district during Christmas and New Year festivities.
Kambalame said it is the responsibility of everyone when it comes to security issues, saying that nobody can make development in an area where there is poor security.
“Let’s join hands in providing resources such as money or fuel for patrolling. This can assist in strengthening security in the district,” Kambalame appealed.
Chairperson for Kabaza Motorcycle Operators in Chitipa, Reuben Silanga, said tightening security in the district is paramount to every citizen.
‘Go down to work’ - Chimwendo
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, November 22, Mana: Leader of the House in Parliament, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to go into their communities and work for the people.
Banda made the call Thursday during the parliament session outside the chamber, which took place at Dedza stadium.
According to Banda, the MPs are allocated resources for various projects in their communities hence the need for them to make better use of such resources.
“Let’s go down to work. For newcomers, you never know how painful it is to be outside parliament. If you wish to retain the seat you hold now, you need to deliver. Let’s make the best use of the K200 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) among other development baskets,” he said.
He said through the same CDF, others have built police stations while others have managed to build bridges, among others.
Dedza South MP, Ishmael Ndaila Onani, hailed Parliament for taking the deliberations closer to the people describing it a great achievement.
“Let’s be servant leaders,” he said.
UNIMA holds media open day
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 22, Mana: University of Malawi (UNIMA), formerly Chancellor College, on Friday hosted a media open day to interact with media and showcase some of the courses being offered at the institution.
Apart from the displays, the university took the media to all departments, hostels, the library and other structures for them to have first-hand information.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for UNIMA, Sunduzwayo Madise, said the event was organized for the press to understand progress and contributions the university has made as well as challenges it is facing.
Madise said the college is the oldest of all colleges in the country and has contributed a lot to the academic circles.
"You may wish to know that there hasn't been much in terms of infrastructural development and this is hindering progress and growth.
"For example, our current student population is 12,500 yet we have 1,200 spaces for accommodation. In addition, our classes and library are not enough and this is even affecting our timetable," he said.
Despite the numerous challenges, Madise said the university is investing in a number of projects to ensure it remains the Centre of excellence.
UNIMA is planning to construct five more hostels each accommodating 700 students, buying e-books to ensure students have easy access to revenue material. It is also planning to constructing more theatre rooms.
"We are also planning to increase our enrollment so that the total student population should be 15,000 in the next few years," said Madise.
Apart from the media open day, the University also conducted theatre celebrations.
Over the weekend, the college will hold an alumni day for all those who went through the college to rejoin and rekindle their old memories.
Ministry of Gender takes action on GBV
By Watipa Nyalugwe
Lilongwe, November 22, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to ending gender based violence (GBV) in the country by ensuring a safe space for women and girls.
Speaking during a press briefing on 16 Days of Activism Against GBV at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Friday, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, emphasized the importance of national unity in combating GBV
She called upon all Malawians to work together to eradicate violence.
“President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has allocated resources to support efforts to end GBV through effective programming and community engagement,” she said.
The minister has since expressed hope that this year’s activities will inspire greater collaboration to create safer communities for women and girls across Malawi.
World Vision Advocacy Campaign and Safeguarding Manager, Lizzie Lombe, stressed on the devastating effects of GBV on families, particularly children.
“When women are abused, they often suffer from mental health challenges that impact their ability to care for their children. This can lead to issues like malnutrition among children as mothers struggle to fulfill their roles due to trauma,” Lombe explained.
16 Days of Activism Against GBV is an international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. It serves as a platform for advocacy, awareness and action against all forms of GBV.
This year’s launch of the campaign will take place at Mphasa Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Traditional Authority Nkumba in Phalombe District.
It is expected that First Lady Monica Chakwera will grace the event as the guest of honour.
MACRA intensifies cybersecurity awareness
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, November 22, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has intensified cyber security awareness engagements with various stakeholders across the country in a bid to popularize some of its laws.
Speaking Thursday when the Authority engaged youth who are undergoing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Ungweru Organization in Mzuzu, MACRA Consumer Press Officer, Brave Kaira, said internet has become a catalyst for conducting businesses hence the need to ensure its accessibility.
He said apart from several disadvantages of utilizing cyber space, the facilities have underlying threats amongst most users who are not aware of the laws and regulations governing the industry.
“Due to lack of knowledge of the regulations and laws most consumers fall victim to social engineering, spread of misinformation, fake news, fraud and electronic transactions among other cybercrimes, hence this engagement,” said Kaira.
He added that it is everyone’s role to ensure cyber security at all costs for a safe cyber space as everything is going digital.
“Here are some tips which you can apply to prevent you from falling to cyber-crimes. Some of these include use of strong passwords for your digital media platform accounts, always communicate with people you know, think before sharing any post and verify links before clicking,” he said.
One of the students at Ungweru Organization, Wingstone Gozalimo, commended MACRA for the intervention, saying it will go a long way in ensuring that people, mostly youth, use internet effectively and responsibly.
On Friday, the Authority engaged religious leaders, social media influencers and community leaders drawn from Mzuzu on a similar exercise with the aim of reaching more people with cyber awareness, education and information on the dangers of misusing cyber space.
Speaking when he opened the meeting, MACRA Consumer Affairs Manager, Hatchson Mkwapatira, said the Authority cannot reach out to all people, hence interacting with the selected consumers and stakeholders.
“Our intention is to ensure that every consumer is aware of laws and regulations of cyber space and penalties of being found on the wrong side of the law.
“We intend to have cyber inspectors and the office is already created. We are waiting for Parliament to endorse Cyber Inspectors Law,” said Mkwapatira.
The inspectors will be responsible enforcement of the laws and regulations.
Ensuring food security: behind the scenes of maize distribution across Malawi
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, November 22, Mana: In a quiet corner of Malawi’s agricultural landscape, a critical operation is underway to secure food for millions of people at risk of hunger.
On Friday, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), in collaboration with train operators, began ferrying maize from the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Kanengo, Lilongwe to various regions of the country.
This step is part of an ongoing effort to combat food insecurity and provide relief to communities struggling during the 2024/2025 lean season.
The atmosphere at the Liwonde Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) warehouse is one of quiet urgency, as workers and officials from both DoDMA and NFRA coordinate logistics of getting maize to the people who need it most.
DoDMA Deputy Director for Disaster Response, Fyawupi Mwafongo, reflected on the significance of this moment.
“This is not just about maize; it’s about giving hope. For many families, this maize will mean the difference between having a meal and going hungry,” he said.
The consignment being transported is part of a larger initiative to address the needs of 5.7 million people who are at risk of hunger due to droughts, economic challenges, and other factors.
According to Mwafongo, the first batch of 4,000 metric tons is already in route, with 2,500 metric tons successfully transported by both road and rail.
“This is part of our commitment to ensuring that food reaches those who need it most, and we are using every resource at our disposal to make that happen,” he added.
For many households, the maize distribution is a lifeline.
“At the household level, we’ve committed to reaching over 1.1 million families so far, but this is just the beginning. We’re working tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind,” Mwafongo explained.
NFRA Operations Director, Cosmas Peleka, echoed Mwafongo’s sentiments saying NFRA has already procured 83,000 metric tons of maize to be distributed across the country.
So far, over 16,000 metric tons have been dispatched to DoDMA, with another 5,874 metric tons released to ADMARC to help stabilize prices.
Peleka spoke passionately about the importance of their work: “Every bag of maize we send out is a bag of hope for someone in need.”
As trains rumble down the tracks, headed to towns and villages where food is scarce, the faces of those working behind the scenes tell a story of determination. The men and women involved in this operation from the train operators to the warehouse staff are working long hours, knowing the critical role they play in feeding the nation.
For them, it’s more than just a job; it’s a mission. It’s about ensuring that even in the toughest times, Malawi’s most vulnerable citizens won’t go to bed hungry.
Highly anticipated match between Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets expected
By Wishes Matchaya
Lilongwe, November 22, Mana: The match between the TNM Super League giants, Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets which will take place on November 23, 2024 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, will likely get people’s attention as supporters are expecting a first defeat in the TNM Super League for Silver Strikers.
This comes as team supporters from both sides are eagerly waiting to see the different outcome of the match especially to the Silver Strikers side, the only team that has not faced any defeat having played 25 matches in TNM Super League.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have faced three defeats in 25 played matches and Silver Strikers was the first team to defeat FCB Bullets in the first round of TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium.
Thus, football lovers are expecting a lot from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to take a revenge on Saturday’s match.
Silver Strikers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will be an interesting match as many spectators expect the first defeat of the league leaders.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) a well-known sports analyst, Kim Kamau, said this will be one of the biggest matches so far as the teams which are competing for the cup as Silver Strikers is number one while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets is number three on the log table.
“It will be a tough and an interesting match, looking at the positions of both teams. Silver Strikers have an upper hand once they win tomorrow’s match as they will get more closer to the league title unlike their opponents.
“Following the remaining matches, Silver Strikers have an advantage of winning the race compared to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. Despite Silver Strikers’ defeat in Airtel Top 8 Cup on November 9, this is a different match in which we expect three results; draw, win, and lose,” said Kamau.
Kamau has, therefore, argued supporters to come to Silver Stadium in large numbers and on time to watch the match while maintaining discipline with whatever result.
He appealed to teams to accept the outcome.
