By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, March 25, Mana: Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) in Rumphi has trained 15 National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) volunteers to identify, prevent and respond to violence against women during elections.

The training was conducted on Monday under European Union (EU) funded Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy Project.

NICE Programmes Officer for Rumphi, Albert Mtonga, said the training had enhanced the capacity of their volunteers in ensuring that elections are held in an environment that embraces the interests of all groups including women, youths and persons with disabilities.

He added that their volunteers will take advantage of different gatherings to promote peace and ensure women, youths and persons with disabilities are elected to various positions in the upcoming general election.

One of the participants, Chakufwa Chihana, said the training had equipped him with skills and knowledge which will enable him perform his duties better for the benefit of all groups.

An officer from Rumphi Police, Dales Geoffrey, said police is ready to protect all groups during the electoral processes, including during campaign period, voting and announcement of results.

The country will hold the general elections on September 16 this year to elect state president, Members of Parliament and councilors.

By Patience Harawa

Karonga, March 25, Mana: Karonga district is set to benefit from the second phase of Digital Malawi Acceleration Projects (DMAP) with 15 new sites expected to be connected to internet services.

This will bring the total number of sites connected to internet services in the district to 47, as 32 sites which include schools, agriculture offices, hospitals and other government institutions already benefited in the first phase of the project.

Briefing stakeholders in Karonga district on Monday, ICT Officer in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Jane Kwalimba, said the DMAP’s second phase aims to connect 2,000 schools nationwide through the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN).

Kwalimba said 500 more institutions will be targeted to improve government efficiency and resilience, especially during natural disasters.

“By connecting 2,000 institutions and adding 500 new sites, we’re not only bridging the digital divide, but also empowering communities to thrive in the digital age,” she said.

“This project has the potential to transform the lives of millions, providing access to vital services, promoting digital literacy, and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and social development,” she added.

In his remarks, Assistant Community Development Officer for Karonga District, Simeon Ndhlovu, said as Malawi navigates the digital era, initiatives like DMAP are crucial for fostering a connected and inclusive society.

“This project will enhance public participation in government services because the internet connection is going to be used by citizens to access government services,” he said.

By George Mponda

Karonga, March 25, Mana: The Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) has said the construction of cheap safe houses that can withstand disasters can save lives and improve people’s dignity.

CADECOM's Project Coordinator for the Climate Just Community (CJC) in Karonga, Elijah Banda, said this on Monday during a monitoring tour by officials from Karonga District Council and Civil Society Organizations.

According to Banda, the project, which is being implemented in the area of Senior Chief Wasambo with funding from the Scottish Government through DAI Global UK, aims to reduce the vulnerability of communities in Karonga to disasters like floods and strong winds.

"One of the components of the project is the construction of demonstration safe houses that can withstand disasters. What is unique about these safe houses is that they are being built using cheap and locally available materials," said Banda.

"The use of local materials has not only reduced the cost of construction but also promoted community ownership and participation. The safe houses are being designed using a combination of local materials, such as mud blocks and wood to construct houses that are resistant to strong winds and floods," he added.

He explained that so far, local artisans have constructed four demonstration safe houses in Karonga under the project, adding CADECOM is hoping that communities will emulate this and build their own durable cheap homes.

"The CJC project is also promoting sustainable agriculture practices and disaster risk reduction measures in Karonga. We are working with local communities to promote the use of drought-tolerant crops and agroforestry practices.

“The project is also providing training on disaster risk reduction measures, such as early warning systems and emergency preparedness for disaster clubs in primary schools," said Banda.

On his part, Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi, said the safe houses will not only provide a safe shelter for the beneficiaries but also promote a sense of security and dignity.

"People should adopt the use of cheap and locally available materials and use them to build safe houses that can withstand disasters,” said Magalasi.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, March 25, Mana: Mdeka Mother Care Group (MCG) has managed to advocate for construction of a health shelter and a borehole at Masinde outreach clinic to make under-5 services accessible and provide clean water in the area.

Mdeka MCG, which operates under Mdeka Health Centre in Blantyre rural, was established by Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) to mobilise communities and advocate for under-5 vaccine and immunization.

Speaking on Monday when MHEN visited the MCG to appreciate the work at the place, Mdeka MCG chairperson Chrissy Issah said the group reached out to different people to help the group construct a shelter, considering that people were walking a long distance to get the services in the past.

“Before the establishment of our MCG, vaccines were being distributed under a tree, which was difficult during rainy season. We have managed to advocate for construction of Masinde outreach clinic and a borehole at the facility. Now we are also advocating for construction of shelters at Mtambalika and Grant outreach clinics where we already have bricks,” she said.

She therefore urged MHEN to consider empowering them more, saying they have a huge responsibility.

“We don’t have enough resources because our shelter is serving as a health centre. People come here to receive medicines so we need chairs and protective equipments like masks and gloves,” she added.

Blantyre District Health Office Deputy Director for Expanded Programme on Immunization, Gradys Chithyoka, commended Mdeka MCG, saying it has helped to improve coverage of under-5 vaccine services at Mdeka Health Centre.

“Mdeka was not doing well in terms of vaccine coverage. The area was always being affected by diseases which can be prevented by vaccines. That is why we selected these women to help us to sensitize other people about the importance of vaccine and MHEN came with the training,” she said.

MHEN also visited Tikondane MCG from Bangwe Township which covers three villages namely Wisiki, Nkhuku teni and Ntopwa and has helped to improve Bangwe Health Centre’s under-5 vaccine coverage from around 20 percent to 60 percent now.

MHEN, with financial support from Global Alliance Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) through the Ministry of Health, is implementing a project called Identification of Zero dose children in four districts, namely Mzimba North, Dowa, Mchinji and Blantyre where they established and trained Mother Care Groups.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, March 24, Mana: Dowa Second Grade Magistrate's Court on Monday fined K1 million each, to three people who were convicted for possessing forest produce without a license.

The three are Chimwemwe Gomani of Masunda Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Phambala in Ntcheu, Peter Phiri of Mbiwi Village, T/A Kafuzira in Nkhotakota and Phill Elisa who hails from Lobi Village T/A Kachere in Dedza.

According to Dowa police station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, the court heard from Sub Inspector Edward Chiopsa that the trio were apprehended on March 15, 2025, at Mvera Police roadblock using a Mazda TITAN lorry, registration number LL 10228, driven by Elisa and heading to Lilongwe. 

"During the inspection, officers discovered 28 bags of charcoal concealed in the vehicle, and the suspects failed to produce a license for transporting forest produce, which led to their arrest and the seizure of the vehicle," said Sitima.

Sitima further said that, in court, all three admitted to the charges of possessing forest produce without a licence, and during mitigation, they asked the court for leniency, citing that they were first-time offenders and primary providers for their families.

"The state however urged the court to impose a stiffer penalty, emphasizing the detrimental effects of deforestation, including environmental degradation and reduced rainfall due to unchecked tree-cutting practices.

"Second Grade Magistrate Charity Simwaka upheld the state’s submission and imposed fines of K1 million each or in default, three-year imprisonment with a hard labour sentence. They have since paid the fines," said Sitima.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of all the charcoal bags to Malawi Government through Dowa Forest Office.

However, the motor vehicle was returned to its owner, as investigations showed she was unaware of its use in transporting forest produce.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, March 24, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has assured people of Salima North Constituency that President Dr Lazarus Chakwera remains committed to transform and develop the country despite the economic and social challenges facing many Malawians.

Speaking during a developmental rally on Sunday at Mchepa Primary School ground in the district, Kawale acknowledged the hardships many families are experiencing due to climatic factors but emphasised that government is taking concrete steps to address their concerns.

"Government understands the struggles that many Malawians are going through, especially due to the rising cost of living and food shortages.

“That is why we are putting in place key measures to ensure that no one is left behind in our efforts to develop the nation,” he said.

Among the immediate interventions, Kawale highlighted that on the Social Cash Transfer Program, vulnerable households will continue receiving financial assistance to help them meet their basic needs.

He said on food relief assistance, government will distribute food aid to those severely affected by hunger, ensuring that no family goes without meals.

On maize availability in ADMARC Depots, Kawale said government will ensure that maize should be accessible in all ADMARC depots across the country to curb food shortages.

He said smallholder farmers will be provided with irrigation farm inputs to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

Kawale stressed that these initiatives are part of the government's broader vision to build a resilient agricultural sector and improve livelihoods.

"As a government, we are dedicated to ensure that farmers have necessary resources to cultivate their land throughout the year, regardless of rain patterns. Irrigation farming is key to reduce dependence on unpredictable weather conditions," he added.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament for the constituency, Yonah Kaphamtengo, commended government for implementing various development projects in the area such as roads, water infrastructures, school blocks and health facilities.

He assured President Lazarus Chakwera that people of Salima remain committed to support his vision and will stand by him in the upcoming September 2025 elections.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, March 24, Mana: Deputy Director of Gender Mainstreaming in the Ministry of Gender, Ronald Phiri, has announced that the ministry is taking significant steps to address some of the most pressing social challenges being faced by young girls and women.

He made the statement on Monday during a press briefing organized by the ministry in collaboration with the National Planning Commission (NPC) and IPAS, ahead of the launch of the Contraception, Teen Pregnancy, and School Dropout (CTS) Nexus tool scheduled for March 27 in Lilongwe.

Phiri highlighted that by partnering with key stakeholders including IPAS and various government ministries, the Ministry aims to launch a strategic tool designed to combat child marriage, teen pregnancy, and reproductive health issues.

“At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to integrated coordination, ensuring that different sectors like health, education, and social welfare should work together to protect and empower vulnerable groups,” said Phiri.

He stated that the tool aligns with Malawi’s national framework for 2024–2030 and recognizes that when girls drop out of school due to pregnancy or forced marriage, the country loses valuable human capital essential for development.

“The consequences are severe: increased risks of fistula, cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and economic hardships, all of which burden an already stretched national budget,” he added.

Phiri said that by leveraging resources, skills, and expertise across various sectors, this initiative aims to improve educational outcomes, reproductive health indicators, and overall youth development.

“The goal is clear, to create a healthier, more educated generation of young women who can contribute meaningfully to Malawi’s progress,” he stated.

He indicated through this tool, Malawi is taking another step toward breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability, ensuring that young girls are not only protected but empowered to shape their own futures.

Christopher Kandionamaso, Health Assistance Advisor for IPAS in the Southern Africa region and the focal point for child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and school dropouts in Malawi, stressed that the CTS Nexus is an integrated tool designed to address the challenges faced by Malawian girls, particularly regarding child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and school dropouts, which significantly hinder their socioeconomic development.

He said that as a key stakeholder, IPAS is working closely with the National Planning Commission and various government ministries to ensure effective coordination, implementation, and monitoring of services aligned with the CTS Nexus, aimed at improving the well-being of young girls in Malawi.

In his remarks, NPC Research Manager Dr Andrew Jamali explained that the CTS Nexus Intervention is an integrated approach designed to confront some of the most critical challenges faced by Malawi’s youth.

He stressed that this initiative is essential for realizing Malawi 2063, as it directly addresses issues that could impede the country’s long-term development.

“Malawi 2063 is a youth-driven vision, its success depends on young people being empowered, educated, and healthy. However, high rates of teen pregnancies, limited access to contraception, and school dropouts pose significant barriers. If these challenges persist, the country risks failing to achieve its development goals,” he said.