MANAonline
Primary schools to benefit from MERP
By Tracy Mtegha
Mzuzu, May 15, Mana: Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) intends to construct 10, 900 school blocks in primary schools in Mzuzu and across the country in order to provide conducive teaching and learning environment
In an interview on Tuesday in Mzuzu, Construction Desk Officer for the programme, Perhaps Nyungu said construction of the blocks were already under progress in Mzuzu City targeting 24 schools with a block each.
“We borrowed this concept from Malawi Education School Improvement Plan (MESIP) and currently construction 10 school blocks are under construction in Mzuzu City.
This initiative was hatched as a solution to high learner classroom ratio between Standard 1 to 4 so that we create conducive learning environment thereby enhancing the interest in learners to go to school,” he said.
Shift Y Head Teacher at Chiputula Primary School in Mzuzu, Mazganga Banda said the project would reduce congestion of learners in classrooms.
“We have 3,460 learners and 56 teachers which means one teacher serves 70 to 80 learners in a class, yet we are supposed to have at least 60 learners for one teacher,” he said.
A Standard 8 learner at the school, Modester Chikwanje applauded government for the project saying the initiative would boost the learners’ interest in education.
“As a leaner, I will make sure that I take care of the classrooms for it is a privilege to us, as beneficiaries of this project,” she promised.
Some of the schools which have already benefited from the program in Mzuzu City include, Geisha, Zolozolo, Kawuwa, Chiputula, Katoto and Ching’ambo
The Project started in March 2022 with financial support from World Bank and is expected to be finished December 2025
GESD support transforms education sector
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, May 15, Mana: Communities around Mgonachawu Primary School at Traditional Authority (TA) Liwonde area in Machinga have cherished construction of a classroom block at the school under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), saying the structure has improved learner enrollment and reduced absenteeism.
One of the parents, Jamia Ligomeka told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in an interview Wednesday that said the classroom block which accommodates Standard 1 and 2 learners and has provided a conducive learning environment, adding that parents were able to send their children to school on assurance of safety.
"We are now comfortable to send our children to school. We cherish that our children learn under secure environment and I'm extremely happy with what the council has done," she added.
Mgonachawu School Head Teacher, Loveness Chikopa said that enrollment in standard 1 and 2 classes has increased since the commissioning of the classroom block four months ago.
“In standard 1, number of learners has double from 164 to 214, within the four months,” the Head Teacher disclosed.
“Our school was constructed about two years ago but classes were conducted under trees. Attendance was very low by then. When Machinga District Council constructed this classroom block, attendance is overwhelming and we are still registering new learners," she recalled.
Councilor for Mbonechera Ward, Jenala Makunganya said a similar project was undertaken at Masidi Primary School where for 15 years, the school had no block, making it hard for learners to access better education.
Chairperson for Machinga District Council, Councilor, and Cidreck Stande said the district has transformed within the few years as a result of numerous projects contracted with GESD funds, adding that it was pleasing to see the Council continuing receiving funds for bridge construction, an advantage to children who faced many difficulties when crossing rivers to school.
He said the district recently received K750 million funds and this year the district was yet to receive K1.8 billion.
Stande said apart from school blocks they have constructed bridges among others that have improved mobility of school going children who faced difficulties to go to school.
"We have lined up several development projects in readiness for next funding. We want to see development that shall improve people's lives,” he added.
District Councils are implementing development activities through GESD with financial support from the World Bank.
Kabaza operators signs MoU with Council
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, May 15, Mana: Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholders and Association (MACOKASA) has said the association was committed to improving safety and bring in better coordination between council and Kabaza operators.
National Chairperson for MACOKASA, Moses Mwalabu said this Tuesday at District’s office during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mchinji District Council in an effort to enhance safety among Kabaza operators in the district.
He said, “MACOKASA is set to not only bring safety to operators but to bring in different opportunities such as loans to kabaza operators so that they can develop their businesses.”
Mwalabu explained that working in collaboration with Police and the Council, Kabaza business would be conducted in an orderly manner and help mitigating road accidents happening due to lack of experience among motorcycle taxi service providers.
Director of Administration (DOA) for Mchinji, Hastings Mlambuzi who represented the District Commissioner said this was a milestone in maintaining order in the Kabaza business.
“The pedal and motorcycle taxi business is a vital business in our everyday life such that it needs to be operated under safety measures and the coming in of MACOKASA will help achieve that,” he noted.
Mlambuzi said the Council was ready to work hand in hand with MACOKASA in awareness campaigns to educate operators about safety and following regulations.
Mchinji Police Officer In-Charge, John Nkhoma emphasized that working with the association would help Kabaza operators abide by rules and regulations as they now have an association they could answer to.
“Most Kabaza operators do not follow rules and regulations because they operate on their own but the coming in of the association will help in creating by-laws that will not only safeguard them but also bring them to order,” he explained.
Body Project organizes blue shades
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 15 Mana: Blantyre based Body Project Fitness Centre has organized an aerobic session called the Blue Shades on May 18, 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium which is open to city residents ahead of a half marathon dubbed “Be More Race” to take place next month in Lilongwe.
Fitness Trainers Team Leader at Body Project Fitness Centre, Chandy Chidothe told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday that the event is called Blue Shades because of the corporate colours of a sponsor, Standard Bank.
He called those that are expected to participate in the aerobic session to wear “something blue” adding that the session was meant to promote an annual “Be More Race” 21 kilometres marathon expected to take place on June 15, 2024 in Lilongwe.
“This is about a half marathon and those who want to participate in the marathon will buy tickets on the day,” Chidothe said.
He added that those willing to participate in the blue shades would have fun and keep fit on top of being accorded opportunity to learn more about the forthcoming half marathon.
Chidothe said those that would patronize the aerobic session would take part in different sets namely cardio box, functional exercise and high intensity interval training and later open air aerobics.
“Those that are coming should expect a mixture of fun and nonstop intense workout that will keep them sweating," he pointed out.
One of the participant, Ken Maulukira said that he was looking forward participate to become physically fit.
“I would like to be fit and this is why l want to participate in the events. I cannot miss the Blue Shades," he added.
Body Project Fitness Centre held a similar session in Lilongwe on May 1, 2024 and expects to hold another Blue Shades in Mzuzu.
MACRA ready for physical house, property numbering
By Margret Kalua
Nkhata Bay, May 15, Mana: Communications Manager for Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Bright Sonani has said the Authority was set to roll out physical house and property numbering exercise in Nkhata Bay District.
He said the exercise was under National Addressing System (NAS) project being implemented in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday during a NAS sensitization meeting in the district, Sonani asked for stakeholder collaboration in sensitizing communities about the exercise.
"We have been implementing the NAS project with several components namely; post codes, street naming, house and property numbering.
“We have solely come to sensitize and inform stakeholders at Nkhata Bay Boma that we are set to embark on physical house and property numbering in the district and any day we will be on the ground," he added.
Sonani urged local authorities to own the project and be in the forefront in preventing vandalism and theft of the physical NAS structures.
Principal Administration Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council, Moses Jere said the project was critical to development, saying it would improve service delivery and enhance timely response to emergencies.
"For council to do developmental activities, we need to know where people stay or can be found. Issues of response to health, communication, detection of criminal activities will be made easier," he said.
Senior Chief Nkumbira hailed MACRA for the project, saying it would act as a wakeup call for Nkhata Bay residents and chiefs to start building and allocating plots in line with development plans of the district.
Wanderers beat Silver to clinch Kamuzu Day celebrations Cup
By Arkangel Tembo
Blantyre, May 14, Mana: A lone goal in the first half from Francisco Madinga was enough for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC to beat Silver Strikers in a friendly encounter to mark the Kamuzu Day celebrations.
The match was played at Kamuzu Stadium in front of high profile people in the society led by the Head of State, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.
Both teams featured players not in their regular first 11.
For instance, the Nomads had almost five players who have just been promoted from their reserve side, while the bankers also featured some of their newly promoted.
Wanderers showed anger to secure an early goal from the kick-off, while the area 47 out-fit misplaced so many passes.
However, towards the end of the game, the bankers with some changes showed positive signs but poor finishing let them down.
During the game, Wanderers donated their white replica jersey to the State President.
Wanderers Board member, Tiya Somba Banda, Team manager, Steven Madeira and Technical Director, Yasin Osman presented the kit to the President.
Two men to serve 12 years (IHL) for robbery in Nkhotakota.
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, May 14, Mana: Nkhunga First Grade Magistrate's court at Dwangwa in Nkhotakota, has convicted and sentenced 30-year-old Edwell Banda, and 20-year-old, Gift Banda to 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for robbery.
The Court through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mecheas Chatsira heard that on May 6, 2024, the suspects hired a motorcycle to take them to Luwerezi on a business trip.
While on the way in Dwambazi forest, the convicts attacked the rider and assaulted him until he collapsed and robbed him a Red Gatoma motorcycle worth K1,950,000.
Later the two were arrested at a police roadblock in Luwerezi. Appearing in court, the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges.
In submission, State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mecheas Chatsira pleaded with the court for a stiffer sentence stating that cases of this nature are on the rise in the district and country at large.
Passing his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Kingsley Buleya concurred with the state and slapped the convicts with 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour each.
Both Edwell Banda and Gift Banda hail from Alamu Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaluluma in Kasungu district.
Draught Sports Committee Urged to Support Female Players
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, May 14, Mana: Female International Master (FIM), Susan Kachepa, who won the top position in the African Draught Championship league in Zambia last year, has called on the Regional Draught Committee to support female players.
She believes this support is essential to improve skills and build interest in the sport among women.
In an interview on Tuesday, Kachepa criticized the lack of initiatives for female players, noting that district and regional levels primarily organize male tournaments.
"We rely only on the national tournament organized by the Association of Draught in Malawi (ADMA). If we play that tournament in one year, we wait for another tournament the next year.
"How can one play the game without training? We see males being sponsored by other stakeholders, but female players are left out. Even our committee bodies do not sponsor us to have tournaments at grassroots and regional levels," Kachepa said.
She emphasized that regular training is crucial for improving skills and uplifting talent in draught sports. Kachepa also urged the draught committees to avoid gender discrimination when organizing tournaments.
"It's my plea to draught committees that they should avoid discriminating against us when organizing tournaments. We usually see them sponsoring men to compete in regional tournaments every month," she said.
However, Regional Committee Secretary Abuba Iman said that their tournaments are open to all, regardless of gender.
"Since 2023, these tournaments have been open to everyone, regardless of skill or gender. District, regional and national qualifiers in the tournament include both males and females.
"We expect girls to participate in training groups like Lilongwe Giants and A, B, C groups. Their involvement in boys' competitions can help improve their performance," Iman said.
ADMA President, John Ngwenya acknowledged Kachepa's concerns but pointed to a lack of willingness among women as a significant factor deterring tournament organizers and sponsors from including women at the grassroots level.
“To ensure both men and women participate in the sport, we are organizing draught tournaments in schools, pending government funding.
"By next month, we will visit schools to identify young ladies who can be active in the sport. We have submitted our budget, and once funds are received; we will start these programs," Ngwenya said.
Draught is an emerging sport gaining popularity in Malawi, with the government committed to supporting all sports disciplines through funding.
Malawi Nutrition Policy renewal now at an advanced stage- Ministry
By Priscilla Phiri
May 14, Lilongwe, Mana: In a significant stride towards bolstering the country’s health, Principal Secretary (PS) responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera, has announced that the renewal process of the third Nutrition Policy for the country has reached an optimum stage.
Manyetera said this at the opening ceremony of GIZ’s third annual Global Programme for Food and Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience conference, which gathered over 40 international delegates and partners to share their experiences, achievements and future pathways in food and nutrition security, on May 14, in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the conference, Manyetera said the government of Malawi recognizes the importance of nutrition as an enabler for human growth and development of the country.
He said: “We have a development tool called Malawi Vision 2063 whose agenda indicates that optimum nutrition has an implication on human income development and health wellbeing with wider implications on a social economic growth of the nation.
“A country with poor nutrition aspects can never develop, and Malawi intends to move out of the aspect of malnutrition to an aspect where it is a nutritious rich nation through food diversification, hence this programme implemented by GIZ compliments government’s efforts in eradicating malnutrition.” He said.
Manyetera said government has taken strategic steps in ensuring that policy frameworks and government structures which create an enabling environment for nutrition are well versed.
He further observed that Malawi is at an advanced stage in reviewing the national multisectoral nutrition policy which will not only focus on multisectoral approach but a systematic approach, acknowledging the need to ensure health diet and nutrition.
“The policy is at an advanced stage such that it is awaiting cabinet’s approval and after this phase we will have a team that will disseminate all aspects of the policy for Malawians to be aware,” he said.
The PS commended the German government for its steadfast diplomatic relationship with Malawi for 60 years which has seen the development of many sectors in Malawi through its programmes implemented by GIZ.
On their part, Head of Global Programme Food and Nutrition Security, Enhance Resilience, Julia Kirya, said nutrition is a complex subject which requires partnerships to be addressed, hence, the conference plays a vital role in sharing information and experiences from the countries.
“What we have achieved in 10 years of this programme is exceedingly great as we have seen improvement in the nutrition of women and children in the districts which we have been working with in Malawi, but also men’s involvement in food and nutrition which was not the case in the early years,” she said.
Also present at the event was the country representative for GIZ Alan Walsch, delegates from seven countries. Meanwhile the conference is in progress and it is set to close on May 18, 2024.
The Malawi Nutrition Policy was launched in 2007 with the aim to facilitate improvement of the nutritional status of all Malawians with special emphasis on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below the age of 15 years.
Chitoliro Productions to Crown Miss UMP Beach Beauty Pageant
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, May 14, Mana: Spokesperson for Urban Music People (UMP), Marie Thom has announced plans to Crown Miss UMP to captivate blend of elegance at the upcoming Festival.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thom said to blend fashion and tourism, the highly anticipated UMP Festival aims to elevate its fashion quotient by coming up with the inaugural Miss UMP beach beauty pageant.
“This pageant is more than just a showcase of physical beauty, it’s a celebration of confidence, charisma and the vibrant spirit of our lakeshore communities”, Said Thom.
She further said, Miss UMP office will be active all year round to carry out the ongoing activities of the Festival in promoting tourism and elevating urban culture in lakeshore areas, as well as to contribute to the social economic development of the country and enhancing African positive narrative.
“The beauty pageant, will collaborate with major fashion stakeholders in Malawi and feature a diverse array of fashion-centric events, including fashion shows, pop-up boutiques, fashion markets and costume contests so that we should promote fashion in the country “, she said.
The Chitoliro production has also chosen former Miss Malawi and previous UMP Fashion Award icon recipient, Mabel Khonje as their Fashion Brand Ambassador.
In her remarks, Khonje said it’s an exciting news that she has been chosen to be the Ambassador of UMP and will deliver her best on this position.
“I am very excited, honored and humbled to be the face of such a festival. People should expect glam, fun and something Malawi has ever seen before." Said Khonje.
UMP festival is expected to hold this years’ celebration on 25 to 28 October at Cape Maclear in Mangochi.
