MANAonline
Karonga CDSS seeks assistance with hall and perimeter fence construction
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 10, Mana: Karonga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) is seeking assistance to construct a hall, fence, and provide desks, as the lack of these essential facilities is hindering its ability to provide quality education to its students.
Headteacher Howard Kumwenda told Malawi News Agency on Friday that the school which was established in 1960 is an examination centre but they have to book a hall somewhere else which is costly.
He said during examinations, they spend over K500,000 to book a hall elsewhere and the students have to carry desks on their heads to the venue since the school does not have money to hire a vehicle.
“Together with the community we have managed to raise some funds which we have started constructing a hall estimated to cost K140 million and currently we are at floor level.
“Our school is located right in the middle of Karonga Town and we receive a lot of students who want to enrol so we have been tirelessly advocating for support from local authorities, organizations, and well-wishers,” Kumwenda said.
He said, with the right resources, the school can provide a conducive learning environment for its students as evidenced by its 64 per cent pass rate in last year's Malawi School Certificate of Education results.
Board Chairperson for Karonga CDSS Komani Mzembe said another pressing issue facing the school is the shortage of desks.
"Students are forced to sit on the floor or share desks, making it difficult for them to focus on their studies. The school has over 1500 students but we have few desks available. It's heartbreaking to see our students struggling to learn due to lack of basic facilities," said Mzembe.
"In addition to desks, the school urgently needs two additional school blocks. The current blocks are few with the number of students we have to the point that a teacher barely has space to walk around in the classrooms which is not ideal for teaching," he said.
He said another critical issue facing the school is the lack of a secure fence, saying the school's perimeter is not fenced, making it vulnerable to intruders and roaming cattle.
“This has led to concerns about the students' safety and security. We need a secure fence to protect our students and prevent unauthorized access to the school," Mzembe stressed.
On his part,
Karonga CDSS Students Union President, Vincent Kumwenda said they urgently need assistance to address these pressing issues.
"We are appealing to anyone who can help us to come forward and support our school to ensure that we as students receive the quality education we deserve," Kumwenda pleaded.
The school's management committee estimates that it needs approximately K98 million to finish constructing the hall.
Flying Girls Malawi to launch My Tree My Shed
By Mtisunge Gwedeza
Blantyre, January 10, Mana: A local girl's organization in Blantyre under the banner of Flying Girls Malawi will undertake a tree planting launch called My Tree, My Shed on January 17 at Matope Primary School in Ndirande.
The launch will be done with the main goal of encouraging more tree planting as a strategy for reducing carbon dioxide that is also produced by girls because of burning sanitary pads each and every day.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, the Project Coordinator of My Tree, My Shed, Souvenir Jana said although the project is led by girls, everyone is equally welcome to participate including boys.
“The project will not only involve Flying Girls, but it will also include Matope Primary School learners, people from the society and any other persons who would like to volunteer during the tree planting sessions to give them a chance to learn about the environment,” Jana said.
“On the issue of boys, some of them bully girls on matters concerning menstrual health, these boys lack knowledge on the topic, so involving them in this project together with girls will not only help them learn about tree planting but also menstrual health,” she added.
The Flying Girls Malawi has also partnered with Seoul Enterprise which produces tree seedlings.
In a separate interview, Seoul Enterprise representative, Kamuna Lizakuwa said it is important to teach children the importance of planting and keeping trees while they are young because they will grow with the same attitude towards the environment.
Lizakuwa added that this is not the same with adults, as it becomes something new for them to adopt.
“We produce different seedlings for various tree species and we are excited to partner with the Flying Girls Malawi,” Lizakuwa said.
“Unlike adults, a child is easy to teach and learn, so teaching them the importance of these trees at a young age will help them grow with this mindset, they will be able to know the role that the trees play in their livelihood and plant more trees as they grow,” he stated.
Under the My Tree, My Shed initiative, Flying Girls Malawi plans to plant 1000 trees as a solution to a limited number of classrooms in schools, provide a habitat for animals and create a fresh-aired atmosphere.
Court set to give fresh bail ruling to Machinjiri couple Friday
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, January 9, Mana: Blantyre Central Senior Resident Magistrate, Euphrasia Nazombe Moyo, has reserved her ruling on the fresh bail application made by the accused's defense lawyers to January 10, 2025, regarding 38-year-old Linda Chitala and her 48-year-old husband, McPherson Chitala.
The couple is accused, among other charges, of neglecting to provide food and other basic necessities to Tamandani Chitala, a minor, in violation of Section 165 of the Penal Code. They are also charged under Section 242 of the Penal Code for failing to provide necessary care, including neglecting to take the child to the hospital after she was harmed.
The case has since been adjourned to January 28, 2025.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, Director of Criminal Litigation in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Josephine Kumitengo Gwaza, stated that the hearing failed to commence today because the accused persons appointed legal counsel to represent them, but the legal counsel requested more time to review the files.
"The first accused person had appointed lawyers from Legal Aid, and midway through the hearing, the second accused person also appointed his own lawyer, so we had issues before the actual hearing such that the counsel representing the accused persons asked for more time to go through the files.
"Besides, they also indicated that they wanted to apply for a fresh bail application, which was heard, and what we are waiting for now is the ruling on bail, which will be delivered tomorrow," added Gwaza.
Gwaza mentioned that the prosecution was ready to provide the first key witnesses today from a total of eight witnesses the state is planning to present in the case.
Humphrey Panyanja, Chief Legal Aid Advocate for the Legal Aid Bureau in Blantyre, indicated that the prosecution delayed in serving them with the disclosures, which are the evidence they intended to present.
"We also noted that right in court today, they introduced an amended charge sheet, so we informed them that having served us yesterday, we did not manage to meet our client, Linda Chitala, who is being held at Chichiri Prison, for a proper briefing," said Panyanja.
"So it would not be fair for us to commence trial because we need to prepare our case as well. On the issue of the initial charges, these are technical charges; we also wanted to prepare our defense," added Panyanja.
According to Gwaza, the state has amended the charge sheet for the two accused persons.
Linda Chitala is accused of three offenses, including acts intended to cause grievous harm under section 235(a) of the Penal Code, while McPherson Chitala is accused of two offenses.
Man sentenced seven years for ivory possession
By Max Mahara Medison
Salima, January 9, Mana: Salima First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced Rashid Peter, 33, to a seven-year jail term for being found in possession of three ivories weighing 4.9 kilograms.
According to State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Justice Manolo, Peter was arrested following a tip-off.
Police learned that he was attempting to sell the ivory at Katelera Trading Centre in Salima.
In mitigation, Peter asked for leniency, citing his family obligations.
The State, however, called for a stiffer penalty, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
The magistrate stated that the three ivory found in Peter’s possession meant that multiple elephants, a protected species and critical to the country’s economy through foreign exchange earnings, were killed which is contrary to the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 2017.
First Grade Magistrate, Anthony Banda, agreed with the State’s submission and imposed the seven-year sentence to serve as a deterrent to other potential offenders.
Peter hails from Mgaya Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kambwiri in Salima.
MPUC takes step towards peace, unity with strategic plan
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, December 9, Mana: The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has underscored the importance of the strategic plan and communication strategy in promoting peace building and use of amicable conflict in the society.
Chairperson for MPUC, Impi Bishop Mary Nkosi, said during the launch of the launch in Lilongwe on Thursday that the strategic plan will serve to provide strategic direction for the work of the Commission for the medium term.
"I am, therefore, confident that the implementation of the two strategic documents will strengthen the Commission’s performance, enhance its ability to meet stakeholder expectations, and fulfil its mandate.
“In this regard, I would like to request all stakeholders, including government, development partners, community leaders and other peace building agencies, to give the Commission support in the implementation of its strategic plan and communication strategy, for the realization of national peace and development objectives,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, said the strategic plan will set a clear goal for the Commission to achieve in the next five years as it pursues it's vision of enduring peace and unity for robust political stability and socio-economic prosperity for all.
"I commit that government would provide financial and technical support for the implementation of the two strategic documents. I, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to request the Commission to ensure that all its future planned activities are based on the strategic direction provided through the two strategic documents,” she said.
United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Shadrack Omol, said the communication strategy on the other hand will provide direction to the Commission on how it can manage its communication functions in order to enhance its visibility, reduce tensions and promote peace, strengthen partnerships with existing peace actors, build trust and enhance its credibility.
"I would like to emphasize that our commitment as UN to preventing conflict and building peace in Malawi goes beyond the Peace Commission although it forms a major part of our support. For instance, the UNDP’s current Country Programme Document 2024 – 2029, which is UNDP’s Strategic Plan for the next four years, affirms our commitment to strengthening the Malawi peace building ecosystem,” he said.
As part of the launch of the strategic documents, UNDP donated a vehicle to the Commission.
Blue Eagles secure super league promotion
By Alinafe kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, January 9, Mana: Blue Eagles FC has secured their return to the Super League after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Armour Battalion at the ADL Stadium in Lumbadzi, Lilongwe.
This win marks a significant milestone for the team, who were relegated from the Super League in 2023.
The match saw impressive performances from Paul Master, Lanken Mwale, Maxwell Gustavo and Checkson Alinzi, who all scored goals for Blue Eagles. Lumbani Mkandawire scored a consolation penalty for Armour Battalion.
In an interview Blue Eagles Captain, Shuemaka Kuwali, has assured the supporters that the team will continue doing well and will always make the supporters happy.
"We will continue performing well as we have done in the Chipiku Premier League division and this promotion to the TNM super league will make us work hard in order to end at a good position in the 2025 TNM super league season," said Kuwali.
He added that their supporters should expect a lot from them since they will always perform well to make them happy and also show that they are a better team.
Interestingly, Blue Eagles' return to the Super League comes after they topped the Chipiku Stores Central Region Football League's Premier Division with 14 points. This achievement demonstrates the team's determination and hard work.
Blue Eagles FC also claimed the title of 2024 FDH Cup in the last year's tournament after beating Nyasa Big Bullets.
Green Belt Authority targets 200 hectares for the 2024-25 farming season
By Max Medison
Salima, January 9, Mana: Green Belt Authority has set an ambitious target of covering 200 hectares for maize production in Salima district, expecting to yield 800 metric tonnes of maize, during the 2024-2025 growing season.
The development was revealed on Wednesday, in Salima when the Authority briefed members of the media from the district. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Greenbelt Authority, Frank Chidampamba expressed optimism of high yield because of thorough preparations.
Chidampamba said to meet this target, the Authority has already hired over 200 seasonal workers and intends to increase the number as the season progresses.
“Our goal for this year is to cultivate 200 hectares, with a target yield of 4 tons per hectare. To ensure we meet this objective, we have recruited over 200 seasonal workers already, and we anticipate increasing this number to ensure success,” he said.
He said the maize once harvested will be delivered to the National Food Reserve Agency as a way of improving food security in the country.
The Authority’s Public Relations Officer, Sam Majamanda, praised the ongoing productive partnership between the authority and Salima District Council and the media. He expressed the authority's commitment to strengthening the collaboration and taking it to new heights while continuing to fulfill its mission.
“We appreciate the cooperation between us and Salima District Council, and we are eager to deepen and expand this partnership as we work towards achieving our goals,” Majamanda said.
He said the Authority also regards Salima as one of their core strategic districts due to its easy access to Lake Malawi and hopes to make good use of the available resources in pursuit of its goals.
On his part, Love Community Radio Station Manager Henry Mlelemba commended the good working relationship that exists between the media and the Authority. He said timely sharing of information is the backbone for ensuring an informed community.
"By engaging us on their production plans here in Salima shows how eager the Authority is to inform the public about their continued commitment to be transparent in their operations in the district," he said.
The Chikwawa irrigation scheme located in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza in Salima is one of the Green Belt Authority mega farm projects aimed at promoting food security and economic growth for the country.
MACODA appeals to wheelchairs for kinds of support
By Brighton Thengoliweta Chimsinde
Mchinji, January 9, Mana: Mchinji District Rehabilitation Officer for Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) Master Chingson Kachule has appealed to non-governmental organizations and well-wishers to provide wheelchairs for children with physical disabilities in the district to help in their education.
Kachule made the appeal on Thursday when MACODA district office in collaboration with Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) distributed five wheelchairs to children with physical disabilities.
“The office mobilized the wheelchairs for children from our local working partner, World Vision Malawi (WVM) but they are not enough considering the district population of children which is over 2500 children with physical disabilities. We are appealing for additional support to meet the demand,” Kachule said.
MACODA thanked WVM for helping with the wheelchairs and appealed to other non-governmental organizations and well-wishers to emulate gestures displayed by World Vision Malawi.
Jacqueline Sipuliyano Banda, a widow and mother to Esther George thanked MACODA for the initiative and for considering their children to be on the recipient's list.
“We felt lucky that our children are receiving wheelchairs today. Some of the children are over 10 years old but they have been denied access to education due to lack of mobility facilities.
“Receiving the chairs will help our children who have never gone to school to enrol and start going to school because the chairs will ease mobility,” Banda said.
MAP Regional Supervisor and Physiotherapist Petros Chiyombo advised parents to take care of the wheelchairs.
"I urge the parents to ensure that children attend classes for them to be productive citizens in the future," he said.
Cyclone Chido affects 51 primary schools in Kasungu
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 9, Mana: Authorities at Kasungu District Council have revealed that Cyclone Chido blew off roofs for hundreds of structures in at least 51 primary schools in the district, a development that has affected teaching and learning.
Chairperson for the council’s Education Service Committee, Gift Nyowani Banda made the revelations on Wednesday during a full council meeting convened to present second quarter progress reports to members.
Banda said the cyclone, which stormed the country mid-December, left teachers in several schools homeless as it blew off roofs for their houses, school blocks, kitchens and toilets and left some structures heavily cracked.
In an interview, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima described the disaster as a serious hit to the ministry.
“We are looking into this to make sure we rectify everything. We have been discussing with the ministry officials to make sure we resolve this quickly.
“The cluster on disaster in the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs is on the ground to make sure that we correct the situation as soon as possible noting that it is rainy season,” Wirima said.
She hailed the efforts of some schools which have started making repairs on their own.
“It is unfortunate that most of our learners will either have to squeeze in classrooms and the school leadership will be laboured to look at alternatives ensuring that teaching and learning is taking place.
“Some schools were proactive and did some repairs on their own but many others did not have that chance so we are hitting the ground running so that our learners are not disadvantaged,” the minister said.
Director of Education and Youths for Kasungu, Joseph Chioza said in an interview that the situation is being managed to ensure that there are no disruptions to teaching and learning.
“Indeed many schools in the district were affected in different categories and magnitudes. But I would single out the case at Kadamsana Primary School at Suza to have been very serious where classroom blocks and seven teachers’ houses were blown off.
“If we are talking of seven teacher’s houses blown off, obviously it means we have serious accommodation challenges as schools have now opened,” Chioza said.
To avoid disruptions to teaching and learning, Chioza said new arrangements have been made in that some learners attend classes in the morning while others go in the afternoon.
“In some cases learners of the same class who were initially split into two have been put back in one classroom, and there is a consideration for examination and foundation classes that they should be attending classes in the morning hours and the rest in the afternoon.
“These are disasters. No one is to blame. Some think the structures were not strong but that’s not the case. We just have to manage the situation, fix everything and be alert all the time,” he said.
Apart from destroying infrastructure, Cyclone Chido killed seven people and affected at least 34 741 people in 20 councils.
Mindset Youth Club gives back to the Community
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, January 9, Mana: As a way of empowering health hygiene in schools, Mindset Youth Club, a youth-led organization, has donated a changing room and a urinal block at Chapanama Primary School in Mchinji to ease some of the sanitation challenges that the school is facing.
Speaking on Wednesday during handover ceremony, founder of Mindset Youth Club, Daniel Kamchacha highlighted that the idea came about when the club interacted with the pupils during a few football bonanzas that the club organised for them. The pupils voiced out the challenges the school was facing among them the lack of changing rooms and toilets.
“As a student under MasterCard Foundation we believe in giving back to the community and we believe that youths need to take charge in developing their areas, youths that are energetic make it easier to take care and be responsible for the development they have facilitated,” said Kamchacha.
Kamchacha further explained that the youth giving back to the community using projects like these encourages the children to work hard because they feel more is being provided for them for them to succeed.
In his remarks, Chapanama’s Headteacher, Enoch Kadango appreciated the youth for seeing it fit to help the school saying health hygiene is the most crucial part of education.
“When children are healthy it is easier for them to attend classes rather than when the place lacks facilities such as toilets or blocks, this affects the pupils negatively,” said Kadango.
Sandra Wasili, a standard 8 pupil celebrated over the changing house stating that now girls will have a safe space to take care of themselves during menstruation.
Mindset Youth Club has donated a changing room and urinal block built with funding from MasterCard Foundation to the tune of about 1.8 million Malawi kwacha.
