MANAonline
Madam Chakwera advocates for quality education for the girl child'
By Lisa Malango
Newyork, September 24, MANA: First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera has said that education obstacles pose a significant threat to the future of Malawi's youth, as merely 17 percent have access to secondary education, due to factors such as poverty, long distances to schools, and inadequate infrastructure.
She made the remarks during a summit of the global platform for First ladies and gentlemen at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, USA.
Madame Chakwera drew attention to the critical risks that teenage pregnancies and child marriages present to the prospects of young girls, with alarming statistics revealing that 29 percent of girls aged 15-19 are pregnant or have already given birth, and 42 percent are married before reaching 18 years old, stating that these circumstances lead to school dropouts and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
The First Lady stated that youth unemployment intensifies poverty and inequality in Malawi, as many lack the requisite skills for the job market, thereby impeding economic participation and growth.
“Enhancing the quality of education is paramount in overcoming these challenges by improving adolescent health, reducing incidences of child marriages, and fostering youth participation in the economy," Madame Chakwera said
Additionally, Madame Chakwera highlighted the initiatives of the Shaping Our Future Foundation in Malawi, which focuses on advancing girls' education, empowering women economically, and advocating for sexual and reproductive health to effectively address these pressing issues.
She mentioned that the Foundation's efforts have already benefitted over 2,000 girls to remain in school and facilitated 25 girls attending public universities.
Chakwera stressed the necessity for more initiatives to prevent school dropouts, such as expanding national scholarship programmes and establishing hostels in rural areas to provide secure accommodation for girls.
Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of enhancing health services and access to sexual and reproductive health services, in conjunction with economic empowerment programmes for women, to deter child marriages and encourage the retention of girls in school.
She also pointed out the significance of investing in skills training and agricultural innovation for the youth, supported by the President's initiative on environmentally sustainable large-scale farms, which will create opportunities in agribusiness saying this will require additional support in the form of matching grants and loans.
Madam Chakwera advocates for quality education for the girl child'
By Lisa Malango
Newyork, September 24, MANA: First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera has said that education obstacles pose a significant threat to the future of Malawi's youth, as merely 17 percent have access to secondary education, due to factors such as poverty, long distances to schools, and inadequate infrastructure.
She made the remarks during a summit of the global platform for First ladies and gentlemen at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, USA.
Madame Chakwera drew attention to the critical risks that teenage pregnancies and child marriages present to the prospects of young girls, with alarming statistics revealing that 29 percent of girls aged 15-19 are pregnant or have already given birth, and 42 percent are married before reaching 18 years old, stating that these circumstances lead to school dropouts and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
The First Lady stated that youth unemployment intensifies poverty and inequality in Malawi, as many lack the requisite skills for the job market, thereby impeding economic participation and growth.
“Enhancing the quality of education is paramount in overcoming these challenges by improving adolescent health, reducing incidences of child marriages, and fostering youth participation in the economy," Madame Chakwera said
Additionally, Madame Chakwera highlighted the initiatives of the Shaping Our Future Foundation in Malawi, which focuses on advancing girls' education, empowering women economically, and advocating for sexual and reproductive health to effectively address these pressing issues.
She mentioned that the Foundation's efforts have already benefitted over 2,000 girls to remain in school and facilitated 25 girls attending public universities.
Chakwera stressed the necessity for more initiatives to prevent school dropouts, such as expanding national scholarship programmes and establishing hostels in rural areas to provide secure accommodation for girls.
Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of enhancing health services and access to sexual and reproductive health services, in conjunction with economic empowerment programmes for women, to deter child marriages and encourage the retention of girls in school.
She also pointed out the significance of investing in skills training and agricultural innovation for the youth, supported by the President's initiative on environmentally sustainable large-scale farms, which will create opportunities in agribusiness saying this will require additional support in the form of matching grants and loans.
Don’t use Chilima Death as Campaign tool - MCP
By George Mponda & Felix Katemula
Karonga, September 24, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Saturday expressed its disappointment with other political parties in the country which are using the death of late Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others in a plane crash as a campaign tool.
Secretary General for Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Richard Chimwendo Banda, made the remarks at a rally the party organized at Baka Primary School ground in Karonga.
“It is sad and very unfortunate that some political parties like DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) and UTM have taken the issue of the plane crash as a campaign tool by among other things going around spreading false information of that tragic accident.
“As a party we are asking for respect to the bereaved family and urging other parties to focus on issue-based campaign,” Chimwendo said.
Chimwendo while citing numerous developments that are taking place in the north, asked people to vote for MCP in the forth coming general elections slated for September 2025 saying the party is implementing development projects in all regions of the country.
“We have upgraded the water supply system for Karonga, rehabilitated irrigation schemes and more importantly we are rehabilitating the Chiweta M1 road to facilitate business and transportation of goods” he said.
MCP’s Regional Chairperson for North North, Kezzie Msukwa, said MCP remains open and welcoming to all people who want to join the party.
“We are welcoming you all to join us as we are developing this country. Those from DPP, AFORD [Alliance for Democracy] that have joined us today have seen what MCP as a ruling party is doing,” he said.
The rally which was also graced by Grezedar Jeffrey, Jessie Kabwila and other senior MCP members saw numerous members of various parties such as the People’s Party (PP), AFORD and DPP defecting from their parties and joining MCP.
Notable among them were Provisional Governor for PP, Harry Mwanyembe and DPP Governor for Karonga North, Pemba Moyo.
Dan Lu who has just joined MCP some few weeks ago and Skeffa Chimoto spiced up the rally with music.
Dowa police arrest two for theft
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, September 24, Mana: Police in Dowa Police have arrested two men in connection with theft of various items, including motorcycles, plasma TVs, and subwoofers stolen from Dzaleka Refugee Camp.
Dowa police Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, has identified the two as Joseph Gaveni aged 28 and Madandaulo Lyton aged 32.
'On June 7 this year, a complaint was lodged by Nyabenge Silitio aged 43, who discovered that his motorcycle, valued at approximately K900,000 had been stolen from his property by thieves who had gained entry by drilling through a fence.
"Subsequent police investigations led to the arrest of the two and recovery of items like three Lifan motorcycles, plasma TVs, subwoofers, and Tecno cellphones, with a total estimated value of K6.2 million," said Sitima.
She added that two of the recovered motorcycles have already been identified by their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, police in Dowa have urged people who had reported their items missing to visit Dowa police station for identification purposes.
Sitima said the suspects, who both hail from Namadzunda village, Traditional Authority Msakambewa in Dowa district, will soon appear in court to face charges of burglary and theft.
"This successful operation underscores Dowa Police's commitment to maintaining security and protecting property within the district," she said.
Peace and Unity Commission applauds MCP, DPP
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, September 24, Mana: Malawi Peace and Unity Commission Chairperson, Commissioner Mary Nkosi has hailed Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for holding peaceful political rallies at Ekwendeni and Mzuzu respectively.
Nkosi made the remarks Monday in Lilongwe, when the Commission was instituting a district peace and unity committee for Lilongwe district which will be responsible for bringing peace and unity before, during and after any conflict.
“Let me congratulate these political parties, it is a very good example and we want all other political parties and other districts across the country to emulate what has taken place in the north. This is what the country and the Commission needs.
“We want to inculcate the spirit of peace and unity in the country, even when two opposing parties are having political rallies in the same area, it shouldn’t be an issue leading to violence. So we congratulate these two political parties,” she said.
Commenting on the matter, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila said unity is one of the pillars of the party as stated in its Chakwera Super Hi-5.
“We are happy that every Malawian is able to see that this is happening under the leadership of MCP, a clearly testimony that we are a democratic party in the country,” she said.
Kabwila then assured people in the country that what has happen in the North, will continue in all regions and districts for the benefit of all Malawians and the growth of democracy in the country.
On his part, Democrat Progressive Party (DPP) Publicity Secretary Shadreck Namalomba thanked both MCP and DPP supporters for showing maturity in politics.
“We are a democratic party and we will continue to be democratic where ever we will go to conduct our political rallies, so that Malawians should be free to choose leaders of their choice in the 2025 tripartite elections,” he said.
The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission was constituted by President Lazarus Chakwera in 2023 with an aim of fostering Peace and Unity in the country.
The Commission, will be establishing district Peace and Unity Committees in all districts and Traditional Authority level across the country.
Kabaza road accidents a public health crisis, says Deputy Minister of Health
By Christina Mkutumula
Lilongwe, September 23, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi has said statistics of Kabaza road traffic accidents are alarming adding that road traffic injuries, especially from motorcycle accidents, present a public health crisis that touches every aspect of the nation including the health system, families and the economy.
Data of motorcycle accidents for 2022-2023 shows that 1,800 people died from injuries sustained from kabaza accidents.
“These are not just numbers behind each statistic, but a story of pain, loss, struggle particularly among young men aged between 15-59 most of whom are bread winners in the families.
“The ripple effect of these injuries extend beyond the immediate trauma, leaving long lasting socio economic scars on both families and community,” she said.
The Deputy Minister who was speaking in area 25, Nsungwi in Lilongwe on Monday at a Kabaza safety awareness campaign function, also commended the Malawi Orthopedic Association (MOA) for tirelessly working to raise awareness and promote safer practices within the Kabaza community.
She further explained that in responding to the crisis, her ministry will adopt a multifaceted approach to tackle road traffic injuries, such as investing in training and capacity building for healthcare workers particularly in emergency medicine, trauma and orthopaedic care.
A key achievement that the ministry has done together with its partners is to construct Lions Hospital which is a major milestone in bringing trauma and orthopaedic services closer to home.
“Previously, we had to refer patients abroad for treatment but now Lions hospital offer sophisticated diagnostic equipment, including MRI and CT scan along with specialized staff. This development marks a significant step forward for Malawi,” she said.
Speaking at the same function British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Richie, said 10 percent of GDP is lost due to road traffic accidents and added that laws concerning road traffic should always be adhered to at all times.
In her remarks President of the Malawi Orthopaedic Association (MOA) Maureen Sabao said there is a huge burden of road accidents in the country with 49 percent percent of road accidents in the country being from Motorcycles.
“I can give an example of Lions Hospital, we have a bed capacity of 65 but right now we are operating on 135 bed capacity which means it is a huge problem, and this goes to all central hospitals as they also admit patients involved in road accidents,” she said.
She said those admitted at the hospital are many and one patient can have multiple fractures which means that if they are admitted they are using resources that could have been covered by five people. She said such fractures take time to heal to a period of not more than two to three months.
“Thus, if a person was working then he will not work for that period and economically that person is suffering and as a country we are using a lot of health budget,” she said.
One of the survivors of motorcycle accidents, James Kandulu advised fellow motorcycle operators to trade careful when on the roads, saying his life completely changed when he was involved in a road traffic accident. He was involved in a road traffic accident in April, 2021 and had cuts and lost a leg and a hand.
The Kabaza safety awareness campaign was done under the theme: Ride safe, Ride alive: walking towards safety.
Taxi Drivers Chairperson appeals for calm after driver’s tragic death
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, September 23, Mana: Eastern Region Taxi Drivers Chairperson, Harry Manjawira, has pleaded with fellow taxi drivers to remain calm as tempers were high among taxi drivers and the public following death of Zakeyu Matekenya who was shot by police in Zomba on Sunday at a police road block.
He made the plea on Monday at Zomba Central Hospital Mortuary as taxi drivers were collecting remains of Matekenya at Zomba mortuary where the drivers gathered in their large numbers.
“It is my plea to fellow drivers to stay calm during this trying time, as we understand that this is not the end of our relationship with the police. There are more challenges ahead and we will still need their support,” Manjawira added.
He also mentioned that the police had covered all the expenses for the funeral of late Matekenya.
Eastern Region Police, Public Relations Officer, Patrick Musa, stated that the police are ensuring peace in the district following the development.
Late Matekenya will be laid to rest Tuesday in his home village in Phalombe, leaving behind a wife and a child.
Meanwhile, peace has returned in Zomba City following protests by the taxi drivers over death of Matekenya.
Missing Unima’s student found dead
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, September 23, Mana: University of Malawi (UNIMA) Students Representative Council, President, Thanks Eliya has confirmed death of Vincent Nyirenda, a final year, Education Chemistry student who went missing Friday last week.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), on Monday, Eliya confirmed that Nyirenda was found dead at Chipiloni area in the City of Zomba after some days of missing.
“We were tipped about a body that was discovered at Chipiloni area. When we went there we discovered that it was Nyirenda,” he added.
He said the “body of Nyirenda was dismembered either naturally or unnaturally”.
Currently police are on their way to Chipiloni for more investigations
Zambia High Commissioner commends Malawi for utilizing irrigation farming
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, September 23, Mana: Zambia High Commissioner to Malawi, retired Lieutenant Colonel Panji Kaunda, has lauded the Malawian government for utilizing its natural water resources to combat hunger and poverty through irrigation farming.
Kaunda made the remarks over the weekend during a visit to Natama Irrigation Scheme under Traditional Authority Msema in Chiradzulu District.
He said he was impressed with how the irrigation scheme is benefiting many households and improving their livelihoods.
"The aim of this visit was to learn how Malawi has been alleviating poverty and from the testimonies we have heard from the farmers, there is no hunger and poverty among the households at this scheme.
"They are able to take their children to school and even purchase motorbikes for themselves. This means poverty is being alleviated," he said.
The High Commissioner then hailed government for promoting small-scale irrigation schemes, saying such projects directly empower households.
"In Zambia, we have many big rivers but no such schemes like we are seeing here in Malawi. We need to bring technical experts to learn from this so that we can emulate to help our people.
"As Africans, we have the land and waters to produce food for ourselves, so why should we be importing from other continents?" he questioned, while emphasizing the need for other countries to adopt what Malawi is doing.
However, Kaunda noted that many farmers were using chemical manure and therefore urged them to adopt organic manure, saying such fertilizers could damage soil quality.
"We have seen some farmers burning crop residues that could otherwise be used to improve soil fertility. The agriculture department must emphasize organic methods," he advised.
Chiradzulu District Council Irrigation Engineer, Julia Qoto, expressed gratitude for the High Commissioner's visit, saying it will encourage the farmers.
"He has also offered valuable advice, which we hope our farmers will implement to enhance irrigation farming at the scheme," Qoto said.
Senior Chief Msema echoed the sentiments, said the irrigation scheme has been instrumental in promoting food security and education in his area as farmers utilizing the scheme can now provide for their families and affords to send their children to school.
Waliwoni Biliwita, Chairperson of the Natama Irrigation Scheme, stated that the initiative supports 73 households, including 38 women, 32 men, and three youths.
"Last year together we realized about K17 million from the sales of our produce but we were only 45 households who planted. This time around we are hoping of harvesting more as the number of farmers has increased to 73," he said.
Natama Irrigation Scheme was first constructed in 2006 by World Vision Malawi and later renovated by Save the Children. In 2015, the scheme was destroyed by floods but was rebuilt and expanded from four to 25 hectares in 2019 under the government’s World Bank-funded Malawi Drought Resilience and Recovery Programme (MDRRP).
Partners for the North moves to support Euthini Secondary School
By Moses Nyirenda
Lilongwe, September 23, Mana: A newly established company, Partners for the North has embarked on a fundraising initiative aimed at raising funds to buy mattresses for Euthini Secondary School in Mzimba district.
Business Development Manager for the company, Masida Jere, said as a company they decided to embark on the fundraising drive after being concerned with the condition of the mattresses that are being used by students at Euthini Secondary School.
“We are fundraising for 500 mattresses for Euthini Secondary School after we saw that the mattresses that are currently being used at the school are in bad state,” Jere said.
He added that they also decided to support Euthini Secondary School with the mattresses in order to motivate students at the school to work hard in class and excel with their education.
He further appealed to the public to support the fundraising drive by either donating a mattress or providing monetary support.
“We are appealing to the general public to support our initiative by helping us to mobilize 3-inch mattresses this can be done by dropping mattresses at our Ekwendeni operations office or sending cash to our account,” he said.
He also said that after supporting Euthini Secondary School Partners for the North envisions to reach out other schools in the country that are in need of support.
In a separate interview, Ministry of Education spokesperson, Mphatso Nkuonera, commended Partners for the North for organizing the fundraising drive to support Euthini Secondary School.
“The Ministry of Education always appreciates the efforts made by its partners including well wishers and also individuals who support us in various ways including construction of school blocks as well as donation of teaching and learning materials.
“Now with the Partners for the North mobilizing resources to support Euthini Secondary School, it is very commendable because government alone cannot 100 percent manage to implement all its plans,” Nkuonera said.
He also called upon other well wishers including organizations and companies to also support Ministry Education in addressing the challenges that are being faced in the country’s public school.
