By Janet Masamba

Nkhata Bay, November 13, Mana: Livingstonia Synod AIDS Program (LISAP) on Tuesday commissioned a MK51 million model Community Based Child Care centre (CBCC) to communities at Makhumbo in the area of Traditional Authority Zilakoma in Nkhata-Bay aimed at providing a conducive environment for learning.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Nkhata Bay Director of Health and Social Services Topcy Mdolo who was also the guest of honor applauded LISAP for setting the good pace by constructing a durable infrastructure which will provide good service in a long term.

He said the project is imperative in shaping the development of a child to be a complete future adult who can contribute to the country's development.

"This is a very important project as it is targeting early childhood development.

"Mental and physical development, relationship building with fellow children; all these will be happening here. As they grow, they become sharp compared to those who haven't gone through such structures", he said.

He therefore urged community members to take ownership of the CBCC by making sure that learning and teaching resources are well taken care of, so that the project serves generations.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for LISAP, Gilbert Phiri revealed that the model CBCC has been established to address the problem of learning as previously the area has been using temporary structures.

He asked community members to put in place measures that will enable the structure's sustainability.

"We expect them to come up with clear ownership plan where they should give each other duty rosters. We also expect them to ensure that there is good security here" said Phiri.

On the other hand, Traditional Authority Zilakoma promised to ensure that the structures will be well taken care of by his community members, saying committees on the same had already been formed.

Ted Tadeyo Chauluka, Country Director for Help a Child Malawi, key funder of the project, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continue supporting the government in the early childhood development.

Currently, there are 443 Community Based Child Care centres in Nkhata Bay.