By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Water Aid has recognized M’buka Primary School in Lilongwe by awarding them a K600, 000 water token for their exceptional commitment to sanitation and hygiene practices on the premises.

During a ceremony held at M'buka Primary School Maria Soko, a Hygiene Behavior Change Specialist at WaterAid, explained that the organisation initiated a water and sanitation project due to a high enrollment rate that exceeded the available water and sanitation facilities, resulting in compromised hygiene standards.

Soko stated that WaterAid extended support to four schools including M'buka, Chipala, Mloza, and Kabwabwa by providing additional sanitation facilities such as toilets and change rooms for girls, as well as ensuring access to water.

She emphasized that the decision to assist these schools stemmed from their limited financial resources, which hindered their ability to cover water bills for improved sanitation and girls' hygiene.

"As a motivating factor, we conducted a sanitation competition among the four schools to evaluate their adherence to hygiene standards, focusing on areas such as toilet cleanliness, surroundings, and classroom hygiene.

"We are pleased to announce that M'buka emerged as the winner, receiving a K600,000 water token, while the other three schools each received a K300,000 water token," said Soko.

Primary School Advisor for Mvunguti zone, Chrissy Bondo expressed gratitude to WaterAid for enhancing sanitation and hygiene at M'buka, highlighting the school's previous struggles to maintain hygiene due to water scarcity.

"WaterAid has significantly improved sanitation and hygiene at our school by installing more water points, water tanks, quality toilets, and bathrooms for girls. This initiative has contributed to reducing illnesses and dropout rates, particularly among girls," Bondo stated.

Esther Chunga, a standard seven learner at M'buka, praised WaterAid for providing change rooms for girls, noting that it has played a crucial role in keeping girls in school compared to previous challenges they faced.

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, April 24, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya to participate in the International Development Association-12 Summit for Heads of State. The summit, co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, 29^th April.

Upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, President Chakwera was welcomed by the Malawi High Commissioner to Kenya, Callista  Mutharika, Cabinet minister for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage Aisha Jumwa, Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda, Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni, representatives of Malawians living in Kenya, and several Members of Parliament.

The International Development Association (IDA) for Africa Heads of State Summit aims to identify key priorities for financing in Africa and advocate for an ambitious replenishment of IDA resources. These resources are crucial for supporting transformational development objectives across the African region.

President Chakwera's presence at the summit underscores the importance of the event, and he is scheduled to deliver a significant address. His participation follows an invitation extended by Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, in recognition of the World Bank's recent approval of 100 billion Kwacha to support Malawi's efforts in achieving food security.

This assistance comes in response to the President's Declaration of Disaster in 23 districts affected by El Niño weather conditions.

The International Development Association (IDA) plays a pivotal role in supporting low-income countries worldwide through grants and low-interest loans. It aims to invest in the future, enhance livelihoods, and foster the creation of safer, more prosperous communities globally.

During the summit, discussions will focus on various intervention areas, including social support, agriculture, health, and climate shock recovery issues. The expected outcome of the Summit will be the adoption of the Nairobi Communique, outlining key strategies and commitments for advancing development in the region.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, April 28, Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets spoiled Baka City’s day after a 2-1 defeat on Saturday at Kamuzu stadium in the first leg match of TNM super League.

Geoffrey Mwakyembe put the visitors ahead in first thirteen minutes of the game while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defenders failed to clear good balls but later in the 21th minutes of the game, a brilliant equalizer came from Ephraim Kondowe followed by Chawanangwa Carzola Gumbo_in the 43th minutes to make it 2-1 on the last whistle at the disadvantage of Baka City’s part.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, FCB head coach, Calisto Pasuwa expressed gratitude with the win saying it was a good pick considering that they didn't even know how Baka City plays.

He warned the team not to underrate any team and said he told the players to play with caution.

“I am glad that the players managed to pick points on a bad day. The team ran the whole match and Baka City boys came with energy since it was like a motivation to them.” said Pasuwa.

He added that considering that it was a fourth game of the league, FCB still needed to go more on finishing

Baka City Head coach.  Davie Chimwemwe Muyombe said his squad did not perform well due to lack of concentration in the first half of the game and over confidence of the players considering that they were leading the game with a goal.

"We have learned and gained a lot of experience in today's match and It was a very good game which has taught us something’s, we have to build concentration because the game was our side but players didn't take it instead they felt like they had already won the game," said Muyombe.

In other match of Silver Stickers against Mafco FC ended 5-1 in favour of the bankers at Silver Stadium while Creck Sporting against Mzuzu City Hammers game ended 1-2 in favour of Mzuzu City Hammers.

By Evance Chisiano

Mana, April 28, Mana: Chinamwali CCAP congregation in Zomba on Sunday inducted Liny Matemba Mkwinda as Women Guilds chairperson and will be in charge of more than 600 women guild members.

Moderator of Chinamwali CCAP, Rev. James Mingu presided over the induction during a church service and called on Mkwinda to be dedicated in the women ministry to achieve what the Chinamwali Women Guilds also known as Mvano planned to do in her  three years term of office,

“You’re now inducted to serve the Lord by being in charge of the women guild. This is God’s ministry and you are expected to serve the ministry with devotion and dedication. Be a visionary leader and always consult when you are not certain,” the moderator added,

Before the induction Mkwina attended leadership training at Chigodi Women’s Training Centre in Blantyre alongside other chairladies in the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP.

“You should be visionary and be an achiever in whatever you plan and. Let Chinamwali CCAP benefit from your leadership,” Rev Mingu said.

Zomba City Presbytery Women Desk Chairperson, Wezzie Ndawala called on Mkwinda to execute what she learnt at Chigodi Women Training Centre for the benefit of fellow women and entire Chinamwali CCAP congregation.

“Serve the ministry without discrimination.  Accommodate every Mvano member regardless of her age and financial status,” Ndawala who is also in charge of Zomba CCAP Women Guilds added.

In an interview after the induction, Mkwinda said will be dedicated in the ministry and will do according to the will of God.

In her tenure of office she pledged to facilitate the construction of a kitchen at Chinamwali CCAP to facilitate all the church’s catering services.

“I will make sure that Mvano buy a coaster during my tenure of office to ease mobility,” Mkwinda added.

Representative of Zomba City Presbytery, Chingale Presbytery together with a choir from Chingale   and friends and relatives attended Mkwinda’s induction.

Mkwinda has succeeded Jennifer Khanda who served as in charge of Chinamwali CCAP Women’s Guilds from 2016.

By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe , April 28 Mana: President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Sunday left Malawi for the Republic of Kenya to attend the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) Summit which will be held in Nairobi slated for 28^th April 2024.

 In an interview Chakwera hailed World Bank for its consistent support whenever the country goes through challenging times.

He said the World Bank plays a crucial role in advancing Malawi's developmental projects, thus enhancing the country's resilience.

"We are grateful for World Bank and for always being there when we are facing challenges. World Bank is also helping  us make strides in actual development issues that will make Malawi more resilient, and all the development projects for instance irrigation, this  will help this country to produce more and add value," Chakwera said.

The World Bank has donated K100 billion Kwacha to support the country's challenges caused by natural disasters like El Niño. This assistance comes in response to the President's Declaration of Disaster in 23 districts affected by El Niño weather conditions.

President Lazarus Chakwera is expect to address the summit.

President Chakwera's participation follows an invitation extended by President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, in acknowledgment of the World Bank's recent approval of 100 billion Kwacha in support of Malawi's endeavors to achieve food security.

The International Development Association (IDA) is a pivotal arm of the World Bank dedicated to aiding the world's low-income countries. Through grants and low-interest loans, IDA facilitates investments in the future, enhances livelihoods, and fosters the creation of safer, more prosperous communities globally.

The Airplane carrying the Malawi leader departed the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) at 14:00 hours and the President is expected to return home through the same airport on Monday 29th April 2024 at 17:00 hours.

by Ousman Manda

Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Rotaract Club of Lilongwe, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Luanar, organised a Market Clean-up Day at Biwi market to address the issue of environmental degradation and promote community engagement in preserving the environment.

Speaking after the clean-up exercise on Saturday, President of Rotaract Club of Lilongwe, Esther Bonyonga reiterated the importance of environmental conservation in addressing the root causes of environmental degradation.

He said the clean-up efforts has not only addressed environmental concerns but also improved the overall cleanliness and appearance of Biwi market, in enhancing its hygiene and aesthetics.

The President also highlighted that the Market Clean-up Day at Biwi market showcased the Rotaract Club of Lilongwe's dedication to environmental stewardship and community service.

In a separate interview, President of the Rotaract club of Luanar, Makhalo Matola commended the market vendors for helping with the clean-up exercise, saying their involvement was key to making it successful.

"The positive response from the community has really indicated a growing awareness and willingness to contribute to environmental preservation efforts," Matola added.

The market clean-up initiative event was in line with this month's Rotary theme, which is 'Environment Month'.

By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe April 27 MANA: Malawi Tourism Council has urged people in private sector to use Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE) as an opportunity in a year for showcasing their products to the local and international buyers.

Speaking during the 5th edition 2024 MITE celebrated under the theme’ ‘Takulandirani" in Lilongwe, Executive Director for Malawi Tourism Council, Memory Momba Kamthunzi said the event gives an opportunity to all private sectors including domestic tourism.

"As a council we would like to encourage you to say this expo is for us the people in private sector. This is the only opportunity that we have in a year, almost every April we are able to showcase the products. Let us make use of this opportunity," Kamthunzi said.

She added that starting from 2023, they have always been promoting domestic tourism.

Kamthunzi further said the objectives of the event have been achieved this year as more operators across the country have showcased their products, offering to the public and buyers.

"This year we have achieved our objectives, all establishments that showcased their products have been able to interact with the buyers that came through, and there was also a special day open for the public. Alot of people came to appreciate the products that different tourism enterprises offer here in Malawi," she said.

In a separate interview, Creative Director for Queen Tenge, Linda Zamaere said the event played a great role in increasing collaboration and brand awareness.

". For business people it is always good to be part of a special event because this enables us to network with other companies and other participants. This has also increased collaboration and brand awareness and a big patronage at our shops,” Zamaere said.

She further appreciated the growth of fashion industry in Malawi, saying for several years people did not see fashion as a career.

Products, marketing and Communications Manager for Sunbird Tourism, Widdey Nsona said it was a great opportunity to network and meet different potential clients.

"Those who missed the event, next year they should definitely come. It is a great opportunity to make new connections and network with buyers and different potential clients," Nsona said.

Malawi International Tourism Expo is held every year in every April. This year it was held from 25th to 27th April with the theme "Takulandirani"

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, April 28, Mana: Business operators around Ntambanyama market in Thyolo district have high hopes that the construction of market structure under Governance to Enabled Service Delivery (GESD) World Bank funded programme will boost their profits as the structure will give capacity for sellers to serve customers with all varieties of goods.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency on Saturday, Chairperson for the market, Wyson Unyolo said the new market structure has been built in a modern way because it has various sections that can accommodate all types of business.

“This market once opened will serve many people for example, communities from Semu, Chimbeta, Njobu and Mpeni villages with varieties of businesses like vegetables among others.” He said.

Unyolo added that currently people are selling their merchandise along the road exposing both vendors and customer to accidents that can happen along the road.

He however pleaded with the district council to fast track the opening of the market for people to start benefiting.

One of the fruit sellers from Traditional Authority (TA) Changata Mary Mokowa hailed the council for constructing the modern market which will provide them with safe space for business.

"Currently, my business does not realize more profits because when weather conditions are harsh, I am forced to leave the place because there is no shed to protect me," said Mokowa.

On his part, Barbershop operator Maxwell Mulinde said he anticipate his daily earnings to rise from K5, 000 to K8, 000.

Village Headman Semu from TA Khwethemule said the new market sets a milestone to wealth creation among people in his community.

"We are very grateful to government for giving us this market and as community leaders, we will ensure that there are strong measures that will protect the structure, “he said.

The newly constructed Ntambanyama market is among the GESD major developments such as school blocks, rehabilitation of irrigation schemes among others that are being done in Thyolo district.