MANAonline
ECD crucial for improving the literacy of elementary learners
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 21, Mana: Principal Education Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council Mcvinly Dennis Kamata has reiterated the need for education stakeholders to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) education saying it is vital in improving literacy levels for learners in elementary classes.
Kamata was speaking Friday when the Department of ECD under Synod of Livingstonia presented a final project report of K350 million 'School Readiness Initiative' which was implemented from 2020 to June 2024 to the Nkhata Bay District Executive Committee.
According to Kamata the project which among others aimed at securing a good start and entry into primary school for vulnerable children has improved literacy for beneficiary schools.
"When learners graduate from ECD centres, they are well prepared and able to understand lessons at primary school with ease," Kamata said.
ECD Project Coordinator in the Synod of Livingstonia, Evance Mwale said that the initiative had registered improved coordination amongst various players in ECD and primary schools.
between the project and local stakeholders and awarding best-performing Community Based Child Centres and primary schools.
Northern Region police chief promises improved security in Livingstonia
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, September 21, Mana: Regional Commissioner of Police for the north, Richard Luhanga has pledged to deploy more officers to newly opened K42 million Livingstonia Police unit in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kachulu in Rumphi.
Luhanga made the remarks Friday during official opening of the police unit which has been built by Rumphi District Council with funding from Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD)
He said that police presence in the area will also assist in fighting against entry of illegal immigrants and pledged to deploy 10 more officers in addition to three who are already at the unit to strengthen security.
Luhanga then urged the people in the area to report anyone harboring illegal immigrants to police and also warned against vandalizing public property whenever there are misunderstandings between police and the community.
"We expect that whenever there are differences, they should be settled within the lines of the law. Those who destroy government property will be hunted down and brought to book. They are here to serve you and we expect peaceful coexistence between officers and community.
Similarly, I expect my officers to be exemplary and professional when discharging their duties. I am going to discipline all errant officers," said Luhanga.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu said that security is important in the area because Livingstonia is one of the areas which is earmarked for hotel development under President Chakwera's Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy towards attaining Malawi 2063.
He also pledged to community members that the council will build houses to provide conducive accommodation to the officers.
TA Kachulu said he was grateful for the intervention saying it would help in reducing cases of gender-based violence, and child abuse among others in the area.
GESD is a performance-based grant which is funded by the World Bank.
Limited financial resources and personnel capacity undermine disaster response in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 21, Mana: Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Rachel Kamanga Friday has cited financial hiccups and inadequate capacity building for personnel as some of the factors that affect the council in responding to disasters effectively.
Kamanga was speaking when Umunthu Plus presented to the District Executive Committee, Capacity Building Project on Disaster and Logistics Management in the district.
The project among others aims at improving the capacity of the council to respond to all forms of emergencies.
"This is a timely project considering we are going towards the rainy season when disasters are imminent.
At times we fail to effectively respond to such disasters due to lack of capacity by personnel at all levels apart from financial constraints and this project is a good intervention," Kamanga said.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Umunthu Plus, Rumbani Mgula said that the project strived to fill gaps the council experiences when disasters hit the district.
"We observed that some councils just keep relief items in trucks due to limited storage facilities and this trend can lead to theft of the items, hence the project will fill that gap," Mgula said.
The six-month project which is funded by the World Food Program is expected to be implemented in Nkhata Bay, Karonga and Nkhotakota with each district getting about K23 million kwacha.
Nsanje DC tips communities on irrigation farming
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, September 21, Mana: District Commissioner for Nsanje, Dominic Mwandira, has challenged communities in the district to adopt irrigation farming if the district is to reduce episodes of hunger.
Mwandira was speaking Friday at Dzaladzala Irrigation Scheme in the area of Traditional Authority Malemia during supervision of interventions implemented by the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) in the area.
He said community’s dedication at the scheme is an indication that irrigation farming can bail out Nsanje District from hunger.
"I am impressed with farming activities taking place at this scheme. This is the way to go to deal with hunger in the district," said Mwandira.
One of the farmers, Grace Banda, from Chingwe Village in the area of Traditional Authority Malemia, said despite the district facing hunger, her family has food because of irrigation farming using solar system donated by EAM.
“It was difficult using treadle pumps but with the donation of solar powered irrigation equipment we are able to cultivate on a large scale,” she said.
However, Banda said they need additional irrigation pipes so that they can extend the irrigation area.
Among others, the District Commissioner also inspected Khome Cooperative in TA Ndamera which has also benefited from EAM.
EAM provided solar dryer and a mill to the cooperative.
Secretary for Khome Cooperative, Nowa Kamasho, said the donation by EAM will help transform the communities economically.
Maliya Women commended for resilience
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, September 21, Mana: United Nations (UN) Women Country Representative to Malawi, Letty Chiwara, has expressed satisfaction with the way Maliya Women Groups in Blantyre are responding to Women’s Resilience to Disasters (WRD) programme.
Chiwara made the remarks Thursday during a monitoring visit by Second Secretary for the Australian High Commission to three WRD programme activities at Maliya Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Kuntaja in the district.
She said the training given to the women by Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment (FOCESE) in partnership with Christian Aid has made a positive impact to their families and the communities.
“In this tour, we have witnessed women’s resilience and hard work in this comprehensive initiative which touches on agriculture, climate smart agriculture systems, agriculture innovative systems and economic empowerment for women,” she said.
Chiwara said it is important for women in Malawi to be resilient to disasters as they experience disasters almost on annual basis.
“Over the years, the narrative has been women suffer most from disasters but what WRD is doing is changing that narrative where we have women as change agents who can make the communities ready to deal with any disaster,” she said.
According to Chiwara, UN came up with the project because of the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
Chiwara recalled that she visited a number of districts in the southern region when Cyclone Freddy had occurred which moved her to liaise with other partners in Geneva, managing WRD programme at global level to intervene in the situation in Malawi hence the initiative.
Chairperson for Maliya Irrigation Scheme, Elita Chingala, described the training by FOCESE and Christian Aid as very beneficial.
“In the past, we were practicing farming at family level but the returns were very marginal. Cultural norms which put men as the head of the family relegated to the sidelines in making some important decisions which is not the case now,” she said.
The women are expected to realize about K4 million from the sale of tomato which is in the field.
“The group will keep K1 million from the proceeds of tomato while the K3 million will be shared equally among the members to improve individual household economic status,” Chingala said.
Executive Director for FOCESE, Linda Masoo, said the primary beneficiary of project is a woman;
So far, the programme has reached out to 6,500 women with not less than K500 million.
“Women are mostly affected by disasters. So, if we don’t empower them to be resilient, we are killing the whole family,” she said.
WRD is a one year programme which started in June 2023 with funding from Australian Aid through the UN Women and is being implemented by Christian Aid in partnership with FOCESE.
MEC declares pilot registration exercise a success
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, September 20, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has described the just ended pilot voter registration exercise in as a huge success.
MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, made the remarks at the end of the pilot registration exercise in Nsanje on Friday.
He said the aim of the activity was to test the electoral process and equipment to have a credible and perfect voter registration exercise for the 2025 general elections.
“The turn up was good though we can't compare to the actual voter registration. Basically, the reason was not to gauge the turn out but rather to test the process and equipment so that during registration exercise we should not have challenges with the process,” he said.
Mwafulirwa said the equipment has proved to be resilient and can work under different weather conditions, certifying it for the task.
Nsanje District Commissioner, Dominic Mwandira, said the pilot voter registration exercise was very crucial as it has managed to establish existing gaps.
Mwandira said some monitors at registration sites were failing to mention their party when asked.
“Through Multi-Party Liaison Committee, we are going to encourage political parties to civic educate their monitors including their roles during registration,” said Mwandira.
The pilot phase was done on September 18 and 19 in Nsanje, Chitipa, Lilongwe and Neno.
MEC is expected to roll out fresh voter registration exercise in October ahead of September 16, 2025 general elections.
Ntchisi authorities decry deforestation
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, September 20, Mana: Ntchisi District Council, chiefs and police have decried the pace at which charcoal burners are degrading land and have vowed to jointly work towards ending the vice.
The commitment was made Thursday at Senior Chief Nthondo Headquarters during a stakeholders’ high level meeting where it was established that Ntchisi Forest and part of Nkhotakota Game Reserve which share boundaries are the most affected.
The high level meeting follows an outcry which came during Station Executive Committee (SEC) meeting where Senior Chief Nthondo expressed his concern over rampant deforestation through burning of charcoal in his area.
The Senior Chief said his area was fast turning into a desert following thousands of trees which are being cut down daily with tones of charcoal being ferried from his area to urban areas.
He expressed disappointment with some unpatriotic villagers who shield culprits from Lilongwe and Nkhotakota and some chiefs who encourage the malpractice by being indirectly involved.
Officer in-Charge for Ntchisi Police Station, Deputy Commissioner Tiyese Chiumbuzo, said deforestation was the root of climate change and committed that his office was ready to enforce the law and work with the community.
"We needed to come and appreciate the situation first, thereafter map a way forward on how best we can work towards resolving the issue.
"As Police, we are ready to take an extra mile to solve the problem at hand," said Chiumbuzo.
The Officer-in-Charge further said that he will intensify joint patrols with forest officers and community leaders in order to curb the vice.
District Forest Officer for Ntchisi, Jim Lukwale, also affirmed the council’s commitment towards the cause, saying he was confident that the team work would bring an impactful outcome.
After the meeting, the authorities visited Ntchisi Forest to appreciate the situation on the ground where they found tonnes of charcoal bags waiting to be ferried to unknown destination.
Ministry of Gender for women participation in 2025 elections
By Agatha kadzinje
Blantyre, September 20, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has emphasized the need for capable young women and the youth to participate in the 2025 tripartite elections, as they are the future of the nation.
The ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Pauline Kaude, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Friday, that the ministry launched the Political Empowerment of Women Strategy which has activities encouraging participation of the youth, women and persons with disabilities in the upcoming election.
The strategy will be distributed in district councils.
“The initiative will help the youth, both male and females, to have an opportunity to participate in various positions in the coming elections without any difficulty,” Kaude said.
Kaude explained that youth and women in Malawi face social and cultural barriers to participating in politics, with financial challenges being the major factor restricting the involvement.
She disclosed that government, through the Political Empowerment of Women Program, coordinates all stakeholders involved in activities through Technical Working Group meeting.
Kaude added that the ministry supports development partners by engaging them on 40:60 gender quotas as provided in the Gender Equality Act through monitoring of political empowerment activities.
She stressed the need to raise awareness about the challenges young women and youth in general face in participating in politics.
“That is why stakeholders like OXFAM and Centre for Civil Society Strengthening have pledged to assist women contesting for Member of Parliament (MP) and Councilors position with payment of nomination fees. In the same vein, NGOs or CSOs will provide trainings and mentorship to aspiring women because funds from donors are channeled to NGOs or CSOs,” Kaude said.
A young aspiring MP in Lilongwe, who recently graduated from University of Malawi, Sheila Goodwell, said in an interview that she is motivated by the challenges her people are facing but lacks financial support for the campaign.
“I believe the problems in my area requires my attention as a leader. My people need someone with a strong passion for change. However, this is not easy for me because I need a lot of finances to properly campaign,” she said.
A 2022 report, The Status of Youth Participation in Political Parties in Malawi, by Green Forum together with Centre for Young Leaders in Africa, showed many youths fail to participate in politics due to lack of funding and prevalence of traditional structures.
St. Catherine Gwaza Catholic Church clocks 100 years of service
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, September 20, Mana. St. Catherine Gwaza Catholic Church under St Lucia Chipini Parish in the Diocese of Zomba will celebrate 100 years of service on Sunday September 22 at the church premises in Zomba.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, Parish Priest for St. Lucia Chipini Parish Fr Michael Khomeni, said all preparations are under way and the celebration will start with Eucharist Mass from 8am.
“It is indeed true that the outstation is celebrating 100 years of service. The church has contributed a lot to the development of our parish. Christians shall have retreat on Saturday September 21 for them to prepare for the celebration spiritually and also to thank God for the 100 years. Fr. Chaweza will lead the retreat on the day,” he said.
He added that the church is one of the most successful among 16 outstations that makes St Lucia Chipini Parish.
“As part of its community outreach the church has built numerous affordable housing units for low-income families to rent,” he said.
In a separate interview, Chairperson for the organizing committee, Harry Katuma, said as of now almost everything is set for the celebration as choirs and other groups are ready for the day.
“People should expect beautiful liturgy on the day. In addition, there shall be different food at the end of the Eucharist mass cerebration,” he said.
Katuma called upon church members and well-wishers to contribute towards the celebration.
“We are inviting all well-wishers to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion to make this milestone unforgettable; we kindly request your support and contributions. Your generosity, whether in financial, time or a thoughtful gift, will help us organize a fitting celebration, honoring the church’s rich history and legacy,” said Katuma.
St. Catherine Church, which was established in 1924, is one of the 16 outstation churches that make up St. Lucia Chipini Parish
Some of the churches under the Parish are St. Joseph William, St. Daniel Combon Chingale, and St Robert Kapitapa.
Over 80,000 households to get food support
By Mike Nambwale
Machinga, September 20, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says it is expecting that the distribution of maize in the lean season of 2024/2025 response in Machinga District will go well as planned starting this October.
DoDMA Director of Preparedness and Response, Rev. Moses Chimphepo, said the department has already mobilized 80 percent of the resources needed support.
Chimphepo said this during a council meeting in Machinga on Thursday when the department presented to the Council how it will distribute maize in the district targeting over 80,000 households for five months.
He said the department has enough maize in stock ready to distribute for the planned period.
"Ever since the President declared disaster because of El Nino, a lot of donors, including government, are coming in to help.
“We are ready for the distribution and in collaboration with the World Food Programme we have sourced enough to start. Instead of starting in November, we will start in October so that people should receive on time and have food for their survival," Chimphepo said.
He asked chiefs and all stakeholders to be vigilant of the exercise and report anything wrong to relevant authorities so that the process should go smoothly.
Chimphepo emphasized that the only those eligible should benefit.
"I believe that this year's process of identifying beneficiaries will go well. There should be love. Consider those who are suffering to be on the list of benefiting and not those who are able,” he said.
Traditional Authority (TA) Mtumbwinda said he will make sure that deserving people receive the support.
"We have been told that distribution will be for five months; it is our hope that this will happen in the said period and not as it was last time,” said TA Mtumbwinda.
