MANAonline
MERP enhancing inclusive education in Malawi
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, October 10, Mana: Ministry of Education has stated that the Malawi Education for Reform Programme (MERP) will help in achieving inclusive education and contribute to Malawi Vision 2063.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, the Public relations officer for the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera, said under the programme classroom blocks are designed to be disability friendly recognizing that almost all the schools have children with disability.
“The classrooms that have been, and will be built are not multi-story, as the ministry recognized this could pose danger and potentially cause accidents to children with disability,” he explained.
Nkuonera stated that most schools have benefited from MERP in one way or another.
“The beneficiaries of the project are grouped into four components. Under the first component, Public School Improvement Grant (PSIG) was distributed to 6000 public primary schools by 2024. Secondly, 1084 primary schools have benefited classroom blocks, 3500 schools have benefited auxiliary teachers, 2605 schools have gained learner mentors, and all 6000 schools have benefitted from the school leadership programme,” he said.
Inclusive education expert, Elizabeth Kamchedzera, told Mana on Thursday that inadequate facilities significantly affect children with disabilities in education.
“There is reduced academic achievement among children with disabilities as they are unable to perform effectively. This leads to increased school dropout rates, low concentration due to decreased self-esteem and confidence and limited participation in educational activities,” she said.
Kamchedzera added that for inclusive education to be a success in Malawi, more accessible infrastructure must be constructed for all learners irrespective of their differences.
“Construction of equipped resource centers in the schools, adequate allocation of funds to the directorate of inclusive education, inclusive curriculum and use of technology in teaching and learning can contribute to inclusive education as well,” she said.
She further emphasized that more teachers must be trained in inclusive education among other areas.
Kamchedzera suggested that Malawi could adopt other practices from other countries, which involve community engagement and partnerships that bring together educators, policymakers and disability advocates to ensure inclusive education in the country.
The $210 million MERP project was launched by the Malawi government in partnership with the World Bank in 2022 and will run until 2026, designed to enhance and improve the country's primary school.
Participants hail CSPWP for job creation in Thyolo
By Catherine Chikopa
Thyolo, October 10, Mana: People working under the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) in Thyolo on Thursday praised the programme for creating much-needed employment set up for them.
A participant from Thangadzi Catchment in Traditional Authority Nsabwe, Loveness James said in an interview that she takes her daily working in the programme as a job.
"Before CSPWP, we were sitting idle at home, not knowing how we would meet our daily needs.
"Now, we are working to restore the environment and, at the same time, earning K1600 per day that helps us live better. I can now buy essentials like food and soap," said James.
Another participant, John Makalani also applauded the programme for helping him expand his business.
"The money I received allowed me to boost my business. I have paid my child’s school fees, renovated my pig house, and bought feed for my pigs. The program has truly changed my life," he said.
At Chimvu Catchment, Jame Mangani, a young man who had struggled to find work due to a lack of formal education, sees CSPWP as a lifeline.
"We used to stay idle because jobs in town were out of reach for us. But now, CSPWP has given us a chance to work for 30 days and earn wages.
“It’s been a huge help, even reducing theft in the community since people now have something to do," said Mangani.
For Mary Kapeni, the program has lifted her out of a life of uncertainty with reliance on piece works from people.
"I used to go around begging for piecework and food. Now, I have a job in CSPWP as well as an income. This has brought dignity back to my life," said Kapeni.
Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources for Thyolo District Council, Mirriam Yona, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program’s impact.
"CSPWP is providing vital jobs for communities, allowing participants to earn wages while restoring the environment.
"These wages are helping households meet their daily needs, pay school fees, and invest in their futures," she said.
She added that with the programme running in 90-day phases, the CSPWP is giving Thyolo residents the tools to rebuild both their environment and their lives.
CADECOM bails out over 400 families facing hunger
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, October 11, Mana: Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) with funding from Caritas Korea, through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi on Thursday disbursed cash to 432 families that were affected by hunger in Traditional Authorities Mulilima, and Katunga in Chikwawa District.
The cash disbursement comes as a response to the negative effects of the El Nino weather patterns that affected many farming families across Malawi.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana), Director of Social Services in the Diocese of Chikwawa, Fr. Mathews Semba said the 432 families in Traditional Authorities Mulilima and Katunga have received K100,000 each and the total budget for the cash transfer was K60 million.
Through Chikwawa District Council, the diocese used the Unified Beneficiary Register (UBR) to identify vulnerable people who did not benefit from other social protection programmes.
Chikwawa District Council, Disaster Risk Management Officer, Charity Machika commended CADECOM for complementing government’s efforts in providing relief to vulnerable households in the current lean season.
Machika therefore, appealed to all beneficiaries to make use of the cash to buy food for their families and other good intentions.
Patricia Diverson from Kajawo Village, Traditional Authority Mulilima appreciated CADECOM’s gesture, saying she would use the money to buy food for her family.
“I am happy with the money that CADECOM has given me. I will feed my five children," added Diverson.
Apart from the cash transfer programme, CADECOM, through Chikwawa District Health Office will also provide fortified Likuni phala to malnourished children in the district.
DIC promises security to bank depositors
By Prisca Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 10, Mana: The Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC) has assured bank depositors money security in case of other eventualities such as when the bank develops a fault.
This was revealed during the official launch of the deposit insurance corporation at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Thursday evening.
The Board Chairperson of Deposit Insurance Corporation Dr. Gabriela Chiutsi said the institution is geared to help money depositors to claim their money back from the insurance if a bank has developed a fault or has been shut down.
“The launch of the Deposit Insurance Corporation in Malawi is a positive development to the bank sector as it will help people to keep money at the bank knowing they have security assurance at the end of the day.
“It will also help people with less than one million Kwacha to claim back their money if the bank has developed a fault or has been shut down since about 93 percent of people fall under this corporation,” said Chiutsi.
Governor of Reserve Bank of Malawi, Wilson Toninga Banda said Discount Insurance Corporation is one of the institutions that has been lacking since time immemorial, and their coming will help in developing financial achievements.
“This is internationally recognised in most of the developed countries such as the United States of America USA, United Kingdom UK and others hence its official operations in Malawi will greatly help banks and its customers to benefit symbiotically,” said Banda.
Banda also added that banks in Malawi are very well capitalised with good performance and quality which will ensure the country benefits profitably.
The World Bank country manager for Malawi, Filas Raad, expressed gratitude towards the Reserve Bank of Malawi for its collaborative support in establishing a deposit insurance corporation through the government by preparing a regal, Regulatory and operational framework.
“DIC is very important for the country as it will help to promote financial stability, financial inclusivity and also promote small depositors to have comfort and relief as their money is well secured in case of any bank emergencies,” he said.
Chakwera arrives in Blantyre with full of energy.
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, October 11 Mana: On his arrival in Blantyre Friday morning, President, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera received a warm welcome from people lined up along the road from Chileka Airport and city streets, eager to see him as he headed to Sanjika palace passing through the Clock Tower,
The President and the First Lady alighted from their presidential vehicle at Clock Tower and started walking with the crowd singing songs of praise and appreciation for his visionary leadership.
At a crossroads along Victoria Avenue, Blantyre CBD, Chakwera performed about 10 pushups, which attracted attention and cheers from those who lined the street and those who followed him from the clock tower.
The president is expected to attend Presidential Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday at Limbe Country Club to raise funds for needy university students.
Gwengwe meets ITC boss
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, October 10, Mana: Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe has stressed the need for a more robust partnership between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Malawi government in addressing food security.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting in Geneva with the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Gwengwe highlighted the potential of technology in combating food insecurity and called for enhanced collaboration and technical expertise to advance the food security agenda.
Gwengwe expressed his gratitude for the ITC's SheTrades programme for empowering female entrepreneurs in the country.
In her remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton commended Malawi for its significant strides in promoting gender equality, by involving women in the Trade Policy Review (TPR).
She said the ITC will collaborate with Malawi Government to further implement the SheTrades initiative through the World Trade Organization (WTO), making it an essential component of Malawi's TPR strategy.
She acknowledged government for advocating for women in public procurement and stressed the importance of establishing sustainable mechanisms to enhance women's access to financial resources.
In addressing food security issues, Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted ITC's active participation in programmes focused on diversification and climate-smart agriculture, citing the Alliance for Action Program as a pivotal initiative.
She underscored the significance of value addition in Malawi's agricultural sector to ensure sustainable growth.
Effective stakeholder Collaboration key to transforming Malawi’s energy sector- PDU
By Lily Kampani
Lilongwe, October 10, Mana: Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Doctor Janet Banda has identified a strong collaborative framework approach as the major component in achieving meaningful milestones in the energy sector.
Banda made the remarks on Thursday in Lilongwe during the main delivery lab meeting to discuss the Integrated Resource Plan and Power Sector Coordination, which are crucial to advancing Malawi’s energy sector.
“As PDU, we will begin to prepare a report that will capture all the discussions, outcomes and proposed solutions from this lab.
We will develop an agreed solution implementation roadmap and detailed work plan which we will be following up on,” said Banda.
She added that PDU will take the lead in monitoring and tracking the implementation of these solutions
Banda expressed confidence that the milestones set during the delivery lab will unlock the future of energy in Malawi.
“I am confident that with continued dedication as has been displayed in this lab, collaboration and support from all the stakeholders will help to achieve the goals outlined in the Malawi 2063 vision,” she stated.
Principal Secretary for Ministry of Energy, Engineer Alfonso Chikuni said effective communication and partnership is necessary to move forward.
“Addressing financial challenges in implementing the IRP is essential, therefore we must collaborate and explore innovative financial solutions to mobilize required capital,” he explained.
Chikono also cited investing in capacity building and training of the workforce as essential to helping negotiate contracts and procurement.
Farmers urged to form cooperatives to unlock market potential
By Salome Gangire
Neno, October 10, Mana: Farmers in Neno District have been advised to form cooperatives as a strategy to secure better markets for their produce and improve their economic stability.
Director of Planning and Development for Neno, Charles Lomoni, gave the advice Wednesday at Kambale Ground in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chekucheku during an Agriculture Fair held under the theme “Agricultural Commercialization: Key to Improved Food, Income and Nutrition Security.”
He said through collective action, farmers can access larger markets and negotiate better prices in larger supermarkets in the country’s cities.
“When farmers work together, they can pool their resources, increase their bargaining power and more effectively penetrate commercial markets. This is the key to unlocking the potential of agricultural commercialization, which will not only improve food security but also enhance household income and nutrition,” Lomoni said.
He advised farmers to also adopt irrigation farming and move away from dependence on rain-fed agriculture for them to be producing throughout the year and benefit economically.
He highlighted that erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change pose a threat to crop yields and economic sustainability hence the need to adopt irrigation farming.
“Diversifying into irrigation and other water-efficient farming techniques is essential if you are to benefit economically from farming,” Lomoni stated.
Lomoni pointed out that agricultural commercialization, when embraced alongside climate-resilient practices, has a ripple effect on rural livelihoods.
He, therefore, called on NGOs to support farmers by providing training and resources to help them establish and manage successful cooperatives as well as introducing climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Council Chairperson for Neno, Joseph Chiphaliwali, asked the farmers to farm on large scale in order to become business-oriented to foster economic growth and food security in the district.
One of the participant from Tikondane Farmers Club, Josephine Kachale, from Bello Village in TADambe lamented lack of a steady market for their produce as a major challenge.
Blantyre DHO calls for advocacy on mental health
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, October 10, Mana: Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) on Thursday commemorated World Mental Health Day with a call to advocacy to prioritizing mental health at workplace where, the health office, says most workers are stressed without proper mechanism to address their condition.
The day, which falls on October 10, was commemorated at Gateway Clinic near Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
Blantyre DHO mental health nursing officers and a Mental Health Specialist, Dr. Precious Makiyi, gave mental health talks under the commemoration theme: It’s time to priorities mental health in the workplace; health workforce is the best workforce.
Makiyi said there is need to create a conducive work environment to ease stress among workers, which leads to depression thereby affecting production.
He emphasized on the need for employers to monitor workload, unfavorable work conditions and poor work relations with other workers.
He observed that stress and depression leads to mental health associated disorders that lead to workers opting for suicide if proper mechanism such as psychosocial support and counseling are not in place.
Makiyi called upon workers to open up whenever they are bothered with issues that can be addressed at workplace other than suffering in isolation and silence.
“Mostly we take care of physical health ignoring mental health. There is a link between physical health and mental health. Mental health affects physical health; there is no health without mental health,” he said.
Gateway Clinic attends to mental health clients from Monday to Friday to assess mental health status and offer counselling.
Makiyi, therefore, called on people in Blantyre to visit the clinic for mental health checkup and referrals to other mental health facilities for further attention.
Mental Health Nursing Officer, Nellie Gobola Bowa, called on employers in various work places to open opportunities for mental health talks, recreational activities and other lighter moments to workers to ease depression and other factors that lead to mental health disorder.
“At least 15 adults in work places are depressed,” she said and called on people in work places to avoid stigmatizing and discriminating against those with mental health issues.
Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, on Wednesday held a press conference in Lilongwe on mental health and observed that mental well-being at work place is often overlooked despite mental health being a critical issue.
World Mental Health Day was observed for the first time in 1992 and Malawi joins the world in observing the day in recent years.
Govt urges community to take ownership of project
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, October 10, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula has appealed to people in Kasungu and Mzimba districts to take ownership of the Climate Resilience In Malawi (CRIM) project in order for them to fully benefit from it.
Mkungula said this on Wednesday when he presided over the launch of the second phase of the CRIM project at Chimaliro Primary School ground in the area of Senior Chief Kaluluma in Kasungu district.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change in conjunction with the United Nations Development Project has launched the second phase of the CRIM project with funding from Flanders government to assist people fighting climate change.
"We urge people to develop a feeling of ownership towards the project and take full responsibility because they are the ones to benefit from it.
"The project is very important to the people and to us as a ministry since it is contributing to our strategies and objectives in conserving and managing natural resources in the country and management of climate change in general," Mkungula said.
Mkungula applauded the Flanders government for funding the project and expressed gratitude to the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) for being a good development partner for Malawi.
He expressed optimism that the second phase of the project will bring about a greater impact.
UNDP Resident Representative in Malawi, Fenella Frost, said besides capacitating communities in resilience against climate change, the second phase of the project will also focus on promoting local entrepreneurship by assisting farmers to have access to markets.
"During the first phase of the project, people managed to cultivate crops using irrigation, constructed ponds for fishery and their products are of good quality. However, it has been a challenge to find markets. That is why we are now geared to deal with this problem in the second phase of the project," Frost said.
Member of Parliament for Kasungu North, Mike Bango, said the first phase of the CRIM project has been beneficial to people in his area especially farmers and he urged the them to utilize the second phase of the project to eradicate hunger in their households.
"There are numerous benefits that the first phase of the project brought about. We have seen people embarking on irrigation agriculture, fishery and more but I still urge them to do more," Bango said.
Flanders government has pumped in 2.5 million Euros for the second phase of the CRIM project.
