By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 16, Mana: Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) Executive Director Edward Banda has applauded Good Neighbors Malawi for complementing government’s effort in service delivery through construction of secondary schools in Kasungu District.

Banda was speaking at Sankhula Community Day Secondary School in Kasungu on Friday during an inspection of the international charity’s projects as part of NGORA’s activities in the regulation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

He said: “As NGORA, we are very impressed with the investment that Good Neighbors Malawi is making in the country, specifically what we have seen here in Kasungu today, responding to education needs.

“We have seen very good structures for community day secondary schools. This is commendable work by partners, as you know there is increased demand for education services.”

Banda also hailed the NGO’s efforts in helping farmers to enhance their production and generate more income through agriculture initiatives, village loans and savings groups.

“So the community must build on this support so that the initiatives are sustained. We must integrate sustainability and ownership from the beginning because the support will not be there forever.

“For NGOs, we appeal to them to be honest. They must report what they do and not what they are not doing. Where there are elements of dishonesty, there are penalties attached but that is not our intention. They are government’s partners so we expect them to assist in quality service delivery,” he said.

Country Director for Good Neighbors Malawi, Gyo Jin Joo, said the visits by NGORA are important in that they will enhance collaboration which will ensure that the works of NGOs are aligned with government’s priorities.

“Our work includes provision of individual sponsorship to kids. So we go to those communities where the kids reside and provide schools, hospitals, water and other projects like income generation, advocacy and livelihood.

“We also come in for emergencies when need arises. Ideally we want to see development in these communities. We want to see that the children grow into persons that can contribute towards the development of their communities,” she said. 

Apart from secondary schools, Good Neighbors Malawi has also constructed health Centre’s and libraries and drilled several boreholes in Kasungu through its integrated service delivery approach in the development of a child.