MANAonline
TCM licenses over 65,000 teachers
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, October 1, Mana; The Ministry of Education has disclosed that the Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM) has licensed over 65,0000 teachers out of 100,000 registered ones as at September 30, 2024.
Public Relations Officer(PRO) for the Ministry, Mphatso Nkuonera revealed this on Tuesday in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana).
Nkuonera said the teachers licensing has been one of the crucial tasks to be undertaken since the inception of the Teachers Council of Malawi (TCM).
He further revealed the extension of the deadline for the registration and licencing of the teacher’s to 31st December, 2024, stressing that beyond the date, non-registered teachers will not be regarded as teachers,
"The decision to extend the dates has been reached at since the ministry could not manage to register all the teachers who had managed to apply for the licenses during the initial phase which ended in September” he said.
Nkuonera thanked teachers for complying with the law by ensuring that they have the license, observing the initiative will help in guarding the teaching profession.
"We just want to emphasize that the Teachers Council of Malawi was established by the Education Act of 2013 to oversee the registration, licensing and upholding the teaching standards in Malawi, therefore issues of teachers licensing is very important and fall under TCM's mandate," Nkuonera said.
Steve Sherrah, an education expert said the registration of 65,000 teachers signifies the teachers understanding and appreciation of the importance of the initiative.
“This is important because it will enable the Ministry of Education to know who is teaching in the country's classrooms, it will also ensure that only recognised and qualified teachers are allowed to teach” he said.
He said the initiative will also harmonise education standards and the quality of teaching across the public and private sectors of the teaching profession, as well as streamline the career path and progression through continuous professional development.
However, Sherrah appealed to TCM to work on the registration system further by ironing out technical issues that some teachers have complained about.
“Some teachers are still waiting to have their licenses issued months after they registered, the council also needs to move with speed on aligning continuous professional development with license renewal, promotions, and incentives for teachers,” he said.
British High Commissioner dines with Karonga journalists
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 2, Mana: The British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie on Tuesday treated Karonga-based journalists to a dinner held at Kapirimtende Sunrise Beach Resort in the district.
Ritchie hosted the Karonga-based scribes to the dinner after visiting Karonga District Council offices, Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church Bishop's house, Kayelekera Uranium Mine and Paramount Chief Kyungu's residence earlier in the day.
During the dinner, Ritchie interacted with the Karonga media personnel on several topics ranging from politics, climate change, press freedom, tourism, international relations and the forthcoming general election in 2024.
Adams Wundaninge, Chairperson for Karonga Press Club hailed the visit by the British High Commissioner describing her as a champion of press freedom in Malawi.
"As we are gearing up towards next year’s general election, there is a need to build the capacity of journalists to avoid misinformation and disinformation which seeks to undermine the truth and partners like the British government should step in," Wundaninge said.
He added, “Journalists have a critical role in promoting transparency, democracy and human rights which is why high-profile individuals like the British High Commissioner must be instrumental in ensuring there is press freedom in the country”.
Women urged to leverage numerical strength for empowerment
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, October 2, Mana: Dedza District Council Director of Administration, Dr. Chris Salaniponi has challenged women to capitalize on their numerical advantage to achieve political leadership positions and break down barriers in various spheres.
He made the remarks Tuesday during a Women’s Assembly conducted by Women’s Legal Resources Centre (Worelc) in partnership with Oxfam and with funding from European Union to empower women to smoothly vie for political positions in the 2025 general election.
Currently, the disparity in the district's parliamentary representation is striking with eight male parliamentarians and only two female councilors out of 16.
“In a democratic society, numbers are key to success. Statistics show that we have more females in Malawi. It is sad to note that women are always being oppressed yet they command the numerical strength,” Dr. Salanipoi said.
He said lack of adequate food, water scarcity, and social injustice are among critical challenges that disproportionately impact women and can effectively be addressed by empowering more women to take up leadership roles.
A participant from Kasumbu Women Forum in the area of TA Kasumbu, Linda Mabwera said social and cultural barriers such as intimidation and demeaning comments from both men and fellow women discourage women from engaging in politics.
She emphasized the importance of women supporting each other and abandoning jealousy for the greater good of the nation.
Mabwera praised Worlec’s ‘Demokalse Yokomela Aliyense’ intervention for providing a platform for women to openly discuss their challenges and concerns which when addressed can encourage more women to participate in politics.
“By addressing these challenges, women can unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact in leadership positions,” she said.
Among the participants were from Area and Village Development Committee members and leaders from different community structures from all the eight Traditional Authorities in the district.
NYCOM launches youth empowerment grants
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, October 2, Mana: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Rex Chapota said the youth have significant role to play access their economic opportunities in the country.
He said this Tuesday at Mkumba ground at Senior Chief Bwanyambi’s area when NYCOM launched a K100 million youth empowerment grant under the Youth Participation and Empowerment Programme with funding from government to scale up businesses among young people for economic empowerment.
He added that unemployment was worrisome among young people in the country such that most of the unemployed young people in the rural areas.
Chapota expressed hope that the grants under Youth Participation and Employment Programme would create businesses that would reduce the unemployment among young people in the country.
“NYCOM through government’s budget support has launched this cooperative grant to enable young people to start their own businesses but also scale up businesses,
“This is in support of the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy which government was advocating and implementing,” he added.
Established youth cooperatives were asked to apply for grants to boosting their businesses, according to NYCOM.
“We are looking at cooperatives that are already in any business or investments and that they are looking for funds to help them improve their businesses such as processing agricultural produces,” Chapota added.
He said that the NYCM has put measures to ensure that the grants are being utilized accordingly to serve its intended purpose.
Executive Director for Mbumundu Cooperative, Yohane Kampira expressed gratitude to NYCOM for giving his group K5 million grant.
He said that the grant would help the cooperative to grow soya beans on a larger scale and be processed into soya milk, soya pieces and other products.
One of the cooperative member, Rita Chapasuka, 22, described the initiative as a plus to young people saying young people especially women at Bwananyambi area had nothing, prompting them to engage in risky behaviors.
NYCOM is a statutory body established under the Act of Parliament; National Youth Council of Malawi Act No. 22 of 1996.
CHAKWERA MEETS USAID
By Arkangel Tembo, Washington DC,USA
Washington DC, USA, September 02, Mana: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo has emphasized the necessity for ongoing collaboration between Malawi and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the country's development efforts.
Tembo Made these remarks on Tuesday following a meeting between President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and a USAID delegation, led by the Prosper coordinator for Africa, British Robinson, at USAID's Headquarters in Washington DC, USA.
Tembo expressed gratitude for USAID's continued contributions towards Malawi's journey to self-reliance, particularly in agriculture, energy, human rights, investments, and other pivotal sectors of development.
"USAID plays a pivotal role in the American Government by significantly aiding the national development of the country," said Tembo.
Tembo commended President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for taking this significant step in bolstering and fortifying relations between the two parties.
Tembo also highlighted that the meeting shed light on crucial development issues such as energy, investment, food security, and road infrastructure through the Millennium Challenge Compact 2, as well as strategies to enhance further the ties between Malawi and the United States of America.
She emphasized that a primary focus area was Mining Investment, a critical component of the Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy championed by the President to revitalize the country's economy.
"We firmly believe that Malawi can benefit greatly from the expertise and technical support of our American counterparts, particularly in bolstering our mining industry,” she stated.
The Minister stated that USAID had pledged promising opportunities in the mining sector and other key development areas for Malawi.
Furthermore, Tembo disclosed that British Robinson, USAID's Prosper Africa Coordinator, has assured President Chakwera of the institution's commitment to continued collaborative efforts with Malawi in fostering conditions conducive to building a self-reliant nation across various development sectors.
President Chakwera's meeting with the USAID delegation underscores the government's unwavering dedication to advancing the country's development agenda.
This crucial meeting follows President Chakwera's attendance at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Higher Students Board approves K29.4 billion budget
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, October 1, Mana: Higher Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) has released a provisional list of loans for higher education students for the 2024/2025 academic year, which is pegged at K 29.4 billion.
Making the announcement at a press conference in Mangochi on Tuesday, Chairperson for the Loans and Grants Disbursement Committee, Dr. Henry Chingaipe said that out of the total budget, K28 billion was for students in eight public universities, covering tuition fees and upkeep, while K I.3 billion is for students in 21 private universities.
He said that the Board received 29, 813 loans application from students in 29 public and private higher education institutions, and out of that 28,883 applicants met the eligibility criteria.
“Upon rigorous assessment of the applications, 28,883 applicants met the eligibility criteria, representing 96.9 percent of the loan applicants, and it is a 10.8 percent increase from the number of students that were given loans in the 2023/2024 academic year.
“Of the total number 18,840 are male, and 10,043 are female, representing a gender gap of 30.2 percent,” the Chairperson said.
Chingaipe appreciated the commitment and funding by government, saying that out of the K 29 billion, government has allocated a total of K 24 Billion to the Loan Fund in the 2024/2025 National Budget to support the needy and deserving students.
“The Board appreciates the continued commitment and funding from the government in the efforts to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich in accessing higher education in Malawi,” he said.
The Board has provisionally approved a list of applicants under Skills for a Vibrant Economy project, of 944 applicants from seven accredited institutions.
Contribution of the Skills for Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project face to face for this year is 575,000.
“We would like to thank the World Bank for providing resources under the skills for vibrant economy project, through the HESLGB loan fund to support students from first year (2023/2024) for the duration of their study program in the areas of education, health industry, information and technology for this year,” Chingaipe said.
He said that the list of names of approved students would be available in universities, as well as at the Board’s online page.
NEEF is a developmental tool- Vice President Usi
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 1, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Bizwick Usi has described the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) as a poverty-alleviating tool that needs to be disassociated with politics.
Dr Usi said this on Tuesday during a consultative meeting organized by NEEF for community leaders in Blantyre.
"Let us all support NEEF for the sake of our people. NEEF is there to deal away with poverty by enabling citizens to generate income and wealth regardless of their political status," he said.
The Vice President said nobody should associate the loan facility with politics adding anyone should benefit from it.
"Politics can be intense but for the sake of dealing away with poverty in Malawi, let us leave politics aside and concentrate on how to fight the poverty among our people, " he said.
Dr Usi therefore called on NEEF to be considerate when demanding collateral in dispensing the loans so that everyone should have access.
"These loans should be accessed by all Malawians including those in great poverty. Some people are in dire poverty and if we are too strict with collateral we are not helping them,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyetseni said to accommodate the poor, they have introduced a package called ‘Vuukani’ loan which is for those who do not have assets for getting a loan.
“It’s a product for people who lack assets like houses, farms or household items to use as collateral but are business-minded. These have to be in groups and get a loan as a group,” he said.
Councillor for Soche Ward, Jeremiah Jumbe commended NEEF for its work saying their operations are non-partisan as witnessed by so many people getting loans.
“I would like to testify that NEEF is not selective in its operations. I am a councilor of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) but I got a K10 million loan together with my group of Mpemba Vendors,” he said.
Stakeholders ask for safer homes for GBV survivors in Chitipa
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, October 1, Mana: Stakeholders in Chitipa District have asked the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare to consider construction of safer homes for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors in the district.
YouthNet and Counselling (YONECO) District Manager for Chitipa, Dunreck Pande, made the call Tuesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting organized to disseminate the National Male Engagement Strategy (NMES), which is funded by UNAIDS.
Pande said that GBV survivors are subjected to other abuses in the absence of district safer homes.
“As a district we need safer homes for GBV survivors so that they can be in a safer place,” Pande appealed.
Director responsible for Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Alice Mkandawire, pointed out that safer homes are important not only in Chitipa District but the country as a whole.
Mkandawire said safer homes are a big issue in every district of the country and the government alone cannot afford to construct them in every district.
“As stakeholders you can mobilise support from community, partners, and even district councils to come up with safer homes for Gender Based Violence survivors,” Mkandawire said.
She then appealed to the stakeholders to unite and do something for the GBV survivors in Chitipa district.
The government of Malawi formulated the strategy aimed at promoting involvement of men and boys in ending GBV and reducing HIV/AIDS, increasing uptake of sexual reproductive health rights services and promoting gender equality among women, men, girls and boys.
Deputy SPC calls for collective efforts to achieve Malawi 2063
By Elia Chibwe and Sellah Chunda
Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet who is also head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Dr. Janet Banda has emphasized on the need for enhanced collaboration in the implementation of Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP)-1 to achieve Malawi 2063 goals.
Speaking during the official opening of the Pillar and Enabler Coordination Groups (PECG) meetings, Tuesday in Lilongwe, Banda assured the gathering that Malawi's vision is within reach but it only needs commitment and collective efforts to make it into reality.
"I want to remind all of us that the Malawi we envision is within reach, but needs our collective efforts, commitment and collaboration to make it reality. Let us fully embrace the platform that PECGs offer, break away from siloed approaches, and work together toward the successful implementation of the MIP-1.
"This is where the PECG framework comes in. By bringing together stakeholders with shared interests. Working together to break the siloes ensures that we can support one another where weaknesses exist. Our mission is collective; we include the government and private sector, non-government organizations, academia among others," she said.
The deputy SPC also hailed the European Union, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for their technical and financial support in the efforts.
Director General of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Thomas Munthali, said the collective efforts have played a great role in progressing despite that the country has passed through various challenges.
"2063 was subsequently launched in November 2021 to graduate the country to a low middle economy by 2030 and meet most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Implementation of the one to date has been a mixture of challenges and progress amidst of challenges.
"The 2023/2024 annual progress report highlights the achievement made so far and also outlines areas for improvement under the agricultural productivity and commercialization pillar the country has registered progress in irrigation, mechanization and livestock production," Munthali said.
Director of Administration in the department of Economic Planning and Development, under the Ministry of Finance, Malango Botomani, acknowledged the strides made towards the agenda but also highlighted areas needing improvement.
“We have made significant progress in certain areas, though we are aware that some pillars are lagging behind. Our progress is slower in those areas, but overall, we are making notable strides in achieving the MIP-1 agenda,” Botomani said.
She further emphasized that the meeting with key stakeholders, including the Public Engagement for Comprehensive Governance Systems (PECGS), aimed to ensure that all pillars and enablers of the MIP-1 are successfully implemented.
Chief of Party for USAID, Dr. Francis Oggo Okelb expressed optimism about the progress.
"The data presented today highlights areas of hope, but it also assists to identify areas that require more attention. The commitment from the National Planning Commission to raise awareness and improve access to information is essential for driving better change,” Okelb said
The Malawi 2063 is Malawi's long-term development vision, launched to guide the country towards becoming an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation by 2063.
The MIP-1 represents the first 10-year plan aimed at realizing the vision through strategic investments and initiatives in key sectors like agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization.
Chakwera assures IMF and World Bank of sound fiscal policies
By Arkangel Tembo, Washington DC, USA
Washington DC, October 1, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank that Malawi will remain on track to ensure that it's economy is flourishing.
President Chakwera was speaking during a high-level meeting with Managing Director of IMF Ms. Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Managing Director for Operations Ms. Anna Bjerde, in Washington DC United States of America.
"It was imperative for President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to meet leaders of the two banks to assure them of his commitment to turn around Malawi's economy for the betterment of its citizenry." Minister of Finance Chithyola Banda said.
After attending the United Nations General Assembly-UNGA, President Chakwera arrived in Washington DC to have a one on one talk with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
According to Chithyola Banda who accompanied the President among other government officials, high on the agenda was to brief the IMF on the progress of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) as well as what Malawi is doing on the issue of debt restructuring.
He said the President has hailed the IMF for its support to Malawi when it was needed most.
Chithyola Banda said the President also held a meeting with World Bank Managing Director for Operations Ms. Anna Bjerde, at World Bank Headquarters solely to appreciate the bank's support to Malawi in many areas of Development.
He cited the support towards Social Cash Transfer and the energy sector to which the bank is implementing in Malawi through the JCM solar power.
Chithyola Banda said the World Bank has also commended Dr Chakwera for being the Champion of mobilizing financial support to many African countries.
President Chakwera is in Washington DC after attending the United Nations General Assembly -UNGA in New York a few days ago where he addressed the Assembly on many issues affecting Malawi and other developing countries, which include climate change and debt.
