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Government aims for 100 percent coverage of school feeding programme
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 24, Mana: Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima says government has planned to roll out the Primary School Feeding Programme in all schools by 2030 to further improve positive education indicators.
Wirima made the remarks at Chithiba Primary School in Kasungu on Tuesday when a delegation from Mary’s Meals International visited the school to appreciate the progress of the feeding programme.
She said: “School feeding is one of the priority programmes for contributing to attainment of educational outcomes, as well as improving health and nutrition status of our learners as indicated in the National Education Sector Plan.
“The Ministry of Education has placed the school meals programme as one of its priorities, as reflected through the five strands for foundational learning, which commit to increase school feeding coverage from 35 percent of all public primary schools, to 100 percent by 2030.”
Wirima said while the country continues to achieve good results in terms of learner enrolment, it still faces challenges in terms of other access indicators, such as learner attendance and dropout.
“However, in primary schools where school feeding programme is present, we have observed not only increased attendance of learners to classes but also reduced school dropout rates,” she said.
Chief Programmes Officer for Mary’s Meals International, Graeme Little, said it was exciting that the initiative which started with 200 pupils in Blantyre in 2002, has grown to feeding over a million pupils in Malawi alone.
He said: “Everything we have seen here is exciting. The programme is strong, and the community is supporting it. The sad reality is that we still have a gap in that we still have many pupils who go to schools that do not have the feeding programme.
“The other challenge recently has been the rising of food costs. However, we remain committed telling the story of what we have seen here which will also help us to raise resources. Our priority is to keep the promise to the children.”
In his remarks, Senior Chief Kaomba thanked Mary's Meals International for the meals programme, saying the initiative has helped to keep pupils in school.
With support from Mary’s Meals International, government is implementing the school feeding programme in at least 931 primary schools in 24 districts using a model that promotes procurement of locally produced corn and soy blend.
Consortium to implement a nutrition and hygiene project in Mangochi
By Shaffie Bakali
Mangochi, January 22, Mana; A consortium of Nutrition International Malawi, Water Aid and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES) is set to jointly implement a five-year capacity-building project in Mangochi to improve nutrition and hygiene of marginalized people that include women, adolescent girls and under five children.
The project which is called Increased Gains in Nutrition by Integration, Education, Evaluation and Empowerment (IGNIT 3) will also be implemented in other four other districts namely; Blantyre, Mzimba North, Lilongwe and Mchinji with funding from Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
Introducing the project to the District Executive Committee (DEC) in Mangochi, Project Director for Nutrition International Malawi, Janet Guta said the project was expected to benefit 200 000 women, adolescent girls and under five children in the five districts.
"We are jointly implementing the project to benefit marginalized people in the country and one of the districts is Mangochi.
‘‘Almost 200 000 people will benefit from the project whilst the total number for each district including Mangochi will be determined by formative research to be conducted within the first year of the project in order to achieve child survival," she added.
Guta said that the project will target hard to reach areas that are far from health facilities and even those near the facilities but with negative attitude about nutritional products.
She added that considering the rise of diarrhea cases especially rainy season, the project will be distributing Zinc and Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) to communities.
In her remarks, Hygiene Behavior Change Specialist for Water Aid, Maria Soko said that the project will also rehabilitate water and sanitation systems and waste management facilities in two health care facilities in Mangochi.
She also said that the project is to address maternal issues that are on the rise in the country especially in Mangochi district where adolescent girls are becoming mothers at a faster pace.
District Information Officer for Mangochi, Bishop Witmos who is also member of District Social Mobilization Committee (DSMC)commended the consortium for the project, saying it has come at a right time, to address waterborne diseases through the hygiene behavior change.
‘‘The coming in of this project is a plus for us because it will help to boost our strength for community awareness and sensitization in the fight for good nutrition and hygiene in the district,’’ added Witmos.
CCAP BT Synod launches special strategy to repay K2. billion loan
Glory Msowoya
Blantyre, January, 22, Mana: In a proactive effort to fortify its financial position, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod has launched a special appeal strategy to its congregations to raise funds dedicated to ensuring economic stability of the church.
Synod Moderator, Rev. Dr. Humphreys Zgambo presided over the launch on Sunday at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Blantyre with the call to all its faithful to actively participate in the fundraising campaign, contributing to the mission of CCAP Blantyre Synod.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency after the launch, General Secretary for CCAP Blantyre Synod Rev. Anderson Juma, said has a debt of K2 billion obtained from commercial banks, lending institutions and individuals for some of its developmental activities.
Rev. Juma said the newly launched strategy was meant to address the current situation.
He assured members that a minimum contribution of K10,000 by each church member across the Blantyre Synod per year will be utilized for the intended purpose and he emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the strategy backed by systematic auditing.
“As the church embarks on this financial journey, we extend a heartfelt plea to all Christians to actively participate in cushioning the current situation, through unity and shared responsibility the Synod envisions a future where its financial endeavors thrive for the greater good,” said Juma.
Chairperson for the Special Appeal Strategy Team, Rev. Reynolds Mmangisa expressed desire to see the church cease dependence on pledges and instead focus on sustainable ways and means of generating income.
“The goal is to reduce reliance on member pledges and ensure sustainable funding for the Church's operations. As part of this initiative, Christians are encouraged to contribute to the Synod special appeal and ensure sustainable funding for the Church's operations,” said Mmangisa.
Notable landmarks, Zomba Plateau Lodge, Naming’azi Conference Centre, cement making blocks, Naming’azi Bottled Water, and Grace Bandawe Conference Centre, all require funds for renovation to meet high standards,” he said.
Session Clerk at Michiru CCAP, Lexa Chiipa commended the Synod for the timely strategy, saying this will help to solve some of the Synod’s financial challenges.
Environmental experts commend public works programme
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, January 22, Mana: Renowned Environmental experts in the country Maloto Chimkombero and Mathews Malata have commended the World Bank-funded Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works programme, for encouraging farmers to adopt modern agriculture techniques in the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency-MANA on Monday, they both shared views on the programme stating it brings a positive impact as far as environmental conservation issues are concerned.
Chimkombero has since encouraged, community members to continue participating in the programme as he said is improving livelihoods through income-generating activities while also helping to restore degraded land.
"The programme has successfully met its objectives to make a positive impact on the lives of the people involved, and those that are not participating should do so, for the country to benefit a lot," Said Chimkombero
Meanwhile, Malata, said community contribution to the programme has helped to improve the survival rate of trees citing that people have held themselves responsible for taking care of the trees in their catchment areas.
Some of the beneficiaries in the lakeshore district of Nkhotakota have since commended the programme as they said it is addressing challenges related to climate change in the district.
Beneficiaries in the programme are encouraged to participate in the programme's sub-activities like tree planting, gully reclamation, and construction of swales just to mention a few.
The multi-billion Kwacha Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is being implemented by the National Local Governance Finance Committee with funding from the World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU, and Norway.
MAN ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING PUBLIC OFFICER IN NKHOTAKOTA.
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, January 22, Mana: Police in Nkhotakota are keeping in custody a 34-year-old man, identified as Steve Manda for impersonating a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer in the district.
Deputy public relations officer for Nkhotakota police, Chisomo Chuma said the suspect on the night of Thursday was demanding money and beer from people around the Nkhotakota trading Centre on the pretext that he had the power to do so.
Chuma said some people got suspicious of his acts which prompted them to tip off police officers about the strange suspect.
Following the receipt of the information, the police arrested Steve and took him to the police station for questioning.
"At the police station, Steve voluntarily admitted having victimized people and that he is not a Malawi Defence Force Officer leading to his arrest". Said Chuma
According to Chuma, the suspect will be taken to court soon to answer the charge of impersonating a public officer.
Police in the district have urged community members to report such matters to police to take part in reducing crimes in their areas.
Steve Manda hails from Muwanga Village, in the area of Traditional Authority Mwamlowe in Rumphi district.
300 extension workers trained in addressing nutrition in emergency
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, January 26, Mana: 300 extension workers from Thyolo have been trained on how they can handle issues of nutrition during emergencies in the district.
Speaking Thursday on the sidelines of a two-day training, Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDS Officer for Thyolo, Kondwani Luwe, said the main objective of the training was to equip extension workers with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in addressing nutrition issues.
"Thyolo has, in the past, been affected by several disasters of different natures such as Cholera and floods. As such, the national nutrition cluster, in collaboration with several district actors, developed a Nutrition in Emergency training package to orient Thyolo District Nutrition Clusters in emergency response," said Luwe
Luwe said the district has taken a proactive step by operationalizing the training session to technically train extension workers.
“So, specifically the training wants to make extension workers to understand the nutritional needs of populations affected by emergencies as well as learn effective assessment tools for rapid nutrition analysis.
"Further, we want to develop their skills in planning and implementing nutrition interventions in emergency situations while enhancing coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in emergency nutrition response in the district,” he said.
Community Development Assistant under Nanseta Area, Thokozani Sumba, hailed the training saying it has deepened their understanding on what to do in times of emergencies in the areas they are working.
"The training has been an eye opener on what to do with people who take refuge in camps during emergencies such as floods. This will help to ensure that their nutrition is not compromised.
"We will be able to effectively assess if a child is malnourished or not because we have been given the technical knowledge of how to examine them as well as how to use the tools," said Sumba.
Area Disaster Risk Management Committee Chairperson from Traditional Authority (TA) Nanseta, Alex Sumani, said previously they used to experience a lot of challenges during emergencies like floods since they lacked proper knowledge to deal with such situations.
"With the knowledge given, we can respond quickly by intervening at the local level as we wait for district council team to arrive.
"We have been taught the importance of making sure that under five children, lactating mothers, elderly people as well as people with disabilities are given attention because of their vulnerability in times of emergencies," said Sumani.
Experts tout agricultural diversification
By Robert Katuli
Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Experts at the 10th Eminent Speaker series event, held on Thursday in Lilongwe, searched for answers on why there is little to show on the country’s agricultural diversification drive when a lot of research has shown that this is a catalyst for growing the economy.
Speaking in an interview at the end of the event at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), Director General for National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Thomas Munthali, said focus is what is needed now to act on what is already known about the importance of diversification.
“In Malawi 2063, we’ve got a pillar of how we inclusively create wealth. And that one of the key pillars is agricultural productivity and commercialization,” said Munthali, relating to agricultural diversification which, in part, involves transforming traditional agriculture into a dynamic and commercial sector.
He said there are initiatives in place to transform the agricultural sector towards diversification, observing the initiatives just need to be scaled up and accelerated.
“But we have big hope because if you look at the mega farms, it is showing that we are moving towards diversification.
“If we can hold hands and continue what is already showing, we can advance a lot,” added Munthali.
Mwapata Institute Executive Director, William Chadza, concurred with Munthali adding that despite other gray areas, there is always big hope of learning about what is working in agricultural sector and what is not, the challenges being faced and their solutions.
“There are a number of reasons why we are in such a situation. One of them being how we priorities the resources which we have. We are not looking at it from a holistic point, so we need to look at how we spread and allocate those resources,” Chadza said.
On priorities, key speaker at the event, Professor Sosten Chiotha, who is Regional Director at the Leadership for Environment and Development in Southern and Eastern Africa (Lead), said in an interview that other natural resources also need to be considered when talking of agricultural development.
“Agriculture is directly linked to natural resources; therefore, we need to take the two together in our developments. The natural resource base will provide the water, the soil fertility,” said Chiotha.
He emphasized on the need to diversify the country's economy so that pressure on the agriculture sector is reduced.
Apart from the keynote speech by Professor Chiotha, the event, whose theme was ‘Enhancing agricultural growth and diversification’, also featured a panel discussion, among others.
NPC, alongside Mwapata Institute and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, organized the event that brought together key players from government, development partners, the academia and other institutions.
Floresta launches a five-year forest restoration program along Lwafwa River
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, January 26, Mana: A faith based non-governmental organization, Floresta, in partnership with Plant with Purpose has launched a five-year Watershed Restoration Programme with the goal of restoring forest cover on over 7,000 hectors of land along Lwafwa River in Nkhata Bay.
Speaking Thursday during the launch of the programme, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Michael Usi commended Floresta for joining other non-state actors in complementing the government’s efforts to restoring the environment through tree planting.
"When President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera talks about Malawi 2063, he has repeatedly called for inclusion in developing the country. That’s what the President has been encouraging us to do. I am very happy that today we have a very good example of what ought to be done.
This is a typical example of a good relationship that exists between the state and non-state actors. It is very encouraging that non-governmental organizations are participating in initiatives to prevent environmental degradation,” Usi said.
The minister also commended Floresta saying what they are doing is exactly in line with what the ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change advocates and he believes that it will be a model that others will emulate.
He expressed concern over continued tendency of wanton cutting down of trees for timber, charcoal making and agriculture activities, among others.
"I would like to appeal to communities to corroborate with government in preserving the environment because if we destroy it, it will destroy us in return," he said.
He expressed optimism that the battle to preserve the environment will be adopted by many since the impacts of climate change are being felt countrywide.
Board Chairperson for Floresta, Judith Kamoto said they decided to plant trees in Nkhata Bay to conserve Lake Malawi feeder rivers and contribute to the 4.5 million hectares of land which is in the Malawi’s Restoration Strategy.
“This is a hilly area and the most of the trees have been cut down. This means soil will be washed away into the river, taking it to the lake which is not good for ecosystem. We, therefore, want to restore this stretch of degraded land,” Kamoto said.
She said the project will go a long way in strengthening community capacity in addressing effects of climate change, enhance resilience of the households to mitigate socioeconomic shocks and improve relationship between people and God.
District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa was excited with introduction of the programme, saying it will contribute towards the reduction deforestation the district.
He, therefore, assured the organization of Khatam Bay District Council’s support throughout the project’s period and after for sustainability.
NGO hailed for environmental restoration efforts in Chiradzulu
By Emily Kaliwo
Chiradzulu, January 23, Mana: Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Chiradzulu District, Dennis Zingeni, has hailed One Acre Fund for its efforts in ensuring that environment is conserved in the district.
Zingeni made the remarks at Ndata Community Based Childcare Centre (CBCC) in Traditional Authority (TA) Sandiraki recently where One Acre Fund distributed tree seedlings to farmers to plant during this year’s tree planting season.
He said while government is implementing programmes to restore environment, it is pleasing to see non-governmental organizations (NGO) such as One Acre Fund complementing government’s efforts in mobilizing communities to take keen interest in issues of afforestation, environment and climate change.
Zingeni, therefore, urged beneficiaries to take good care of the tree seedlings so that they achieve the intended purpose considering that the NGO has spent a lot of money for the benefit of people in Chiradzulu.
“You should also plant fruit trees around your respective homes for food in your families and to boost your income after selling the fruits,” Zingeni said.
One of the beneficiaries, Lufina Matabwa said with the tree seedlings, they will be able to restore environment which has been degraded.
“What is required of us is to manage the trees as recommended,” she said.
Chiradzulu One Acre Fund Government Relations Officer, Bertha Namelo, said the NGO came up with the intervention as it has also heavily been affected by the destruction of the environment which has resulted in farmers getting low yields due to lack of soil fertility.
"The tree seedlings which we are distributing today have the possibility to restore the environment and boost farmers’ income after selling trees. The objective is to ensure that farmers are benefiting through environmental restoration,” said Namelo.
TA Sandiraki thanked One Acre Fund for choosing her area and promised the organization that she will mobilize her subjects to look after the seedlings to ensure high survival rate.
About 12,436 tree seedlings have been distributed, which includes Msangu, Mtangatanga and Kesha wa Milimo, to 493 farmers in Ngalawesa Village.
The NGO expects to distribute over 432, 000 tree seedlings in Chiradzulu during the 2024 tree planting season.
COWLHA set to address needs of children with HIV in Chiradzulu
By Chilungamo Missi
Chiradzulu, January 23, Mana: Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLHA) is geared to address the needs of children living with HIV in Chiradzulu through a newly approved council project dubbed Bringing Kids Living with HIV to Care.
COWLHA Programmes Manager, Harry Madukani made the remarks on Tuesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting where he introduced the new project.
Madukani said the two-year project targets under 14 children saying, for a long time, HIV response for the age group has been neglected.
The project has four components, the first of which is testing.
“We will be going into the communities using mentor mothers and community health workers to identify and test the children for HIV,” said Madukani.
He said once tested positive, children will be referred to health facilities so that they can be put into care and ensure that those that are on treatment do not default.
The project will also support pregnant and lactating mothers.
Apart from Chiradzulu, the project will be implemented in Thyolo and Nkhata Bay districts which have been selected based on the highest percentage of pediatric HIV infections.
“As of June 2023 Directorate of HIV, STI and viral Hepatitis in Chiradzulu registered 1,832 kids under 14 years,” said Madukani.
Chiradzulu District Hospital Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Coordinator, Carol Chipanda, underscored the importance of the project in the district saying Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to reach the youth through youth friendly services in the district where HIV testing and counseling services, among others, are offered.
Chiradzulu District Principal Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Officer, Loveness Chikumba, said the project will be impactful in the district because the organization, in collaboration with the council, has previously implemented successful activities on community AIDS groups.
COWLHA will implement the project in the district through Foundation for Community Support Organization which is based in Traditional Authority (TA) Mpama in the district.
