MANAonline
Experts Calls for adequate funding for Children's Education and Welfare
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 7, Mana: Chairperson for the NGO Coalition on Child Rights, Desmond Mhango has identified significant gaps in the national budget that threaten the well-being of children.
Speaking during a meeting with Social and Community Affairs and Local Authorities Cluster on Saturday at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Mhango said despite the budget increase, there are discrepancies between the actual allocations and estimated needs.
"We have seen gaps in terms of child protection and education, the budget for Early Childhood Development (ECD) is inadequate, and primary education, which is supposed to be free, still imposes user fees," he said.
Mhango also emphasized that they expect Members of Parliament (MP) to understand the context of their analysis and consider the identified gaps when reviewing budget allocations.
"We hope they will prioritize the best interests of the child and make necessary adjustments to the budget," Mhango said.
He therefore urged government to address these gaps and ensure that the budget aligns with the needs of Malawi's children by doing so; Malawi can work towards a brighter future for all its citizens.
Chairperson for Social and Community Affairs and Local Authorities Savel Kafwafwa advocated for a significant increase in the national budget for inclusive education, he noted that the current budget allocation for inclusive education is only about 1% of the total education budget, which is insufficient to cater to the needs of students with special needs.
He also emphasized that government needs to prioritize the education of marginalized and vulnerable groups such as students with disabilities.
"We would like to see the inclusive budget appear clearly as its own budget line and ensure that the money reaches students with special needs," he said.
Kafwafwa highlighted the importance of supporting institutions run by Christian organizations and non-governmental organizations that provide education to students with special needs.
"These institutions were previously dependent on donors, but due to donor fatigue they are now struggling to survive,” he said.
Meanwhile, Speaker for Mzimba South in the Children’s Parliament, Rachel Nguluwe has called upon government to prioritize the needs of children in Malawi.
She said the current budget allocation for education and child protection is insufficient, particularly for children with disabilities.
"We need more investment and focus from the government on issues such as child protection, education, inclusive education, and climate change, the Malawi 2063 vision is for the future generation not just for us adults" She stated.
Nguluwe highlighted the lack of a clear budget line for inclusive education, making it difficult to analyse the budget and ensure that funds are being allocated efficiently.
The activity was supported by Norad, through the Tikuma project and brought on board child rights Actors including the Joining Forces Alliance, World Vision, Plan and Save the Children and was coordinated by the NGO coalition on Child Rights, Children Engaged Parliamentary, Committee on Social and Community Affairs.
Chakwera hails church’s role in nation building
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, March 9, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has commended churches for complementing the government’s efforts in bringing unity, peace and social cohesion in the country through delivering messages of righteousness, uprightness and good moral values.
Chakwera was speaking on Sunday at Chisomo Baptist Church in Mzuzu where he congregated.
He said churches were playing an important role in ensuring society upholds good morals while the government was preoccupied with improving citizens’ livelihoods.
“Government also acknowledges the role churches play in supporting government’s development agenda. They play a complementary role to government, particularly in the provision of social services such as health and education,” he said.
In his homily, Reverend Humphry Chapulapula advised the congregants to be righteous and conduct themselves according to the will of God.
“The righteous man is the one who listens to God, who fears God. Live as children of light and do what pleases the Lord. You should have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.
“A man of God who lives righteously has a different moral compass from the rest of the world. He thinks differently. He acts differently. He treats money differently. He talks differently. He treats women differently. He relates to his neighbour differently,” he said.
Chakwera contributed K2 million towards the church’s building project.
Movement calls for proper tree care
By Max Medson
Salima, March 8, Mana: Movement for Environmental Action (MEA) has called for proper tree planting and caring techniques to ensure high survival rates and replenish vegetative cover.
The call was made on Saturday, when MEA planted 1,000 trees at ABC Primary School, Mphere Village, Traditional Authority Kuluunda in Salima district.
Chairperson for MEA Mathews Malata said in their broader drive to plant 10,000 trees this rainy season, they have managed to plant 8,000.
Malata emphasized the need to plant more trees in the area, noting that the place experiences heavy winds and irregular rainfall due to lack of vegetation.
"Most people do not know how to plant the trees well, and how to take care of the planted trees, hence we came to teach and illustrate the right ways to do so," he said.
Mlambe ABC Primary School’s headteacher, Wilfred Kalirani, expressed gratitude for the initiative, praising MEA for teaching the community the importance of trees in combating environmental challenges.
"On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank MEA for hearing our request. We are happy to have them here to teach the people of Mlambe village the essence of having trees, and ways of caring them. All this will help to combat the problem of strong winds and intermittent rainfalls,” he said.
On his part, Village Headman Mphere said there will be measures to prevent destroying the trees, warning that anyone found will face stiff penalties.
"As their leader, I will put in place good measures to stop people from destroying these trees. All found guilty will face tough punishment such as fines,” he said.
Partners asked to collaborate in improving justice systems
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, March 8, Mana: Director of Community Policing and Police Units, Jaqueline Kainja has asked security agencies to collaborate and build a society where people can easily access justice when their rights are violated.
Kainja made the request on Friday during a day-long capacity building orientation on access to justice for Victim Support Unit (VCU) for police officers, and members of Malawi Prison services in Dedza.
She appealed to VSU officers and all concerned partners to be providing effective justice for victims in line with the country’s laws.
Kainja said: “Justice is not a privilege but a right. This is why we are expecting officers to improve their performance after this training. We believe they have gained knowledge and create some work relationships. They will now be able to handle some cases professionally.”
Director of civil and political rights from Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Peter Chisi said some people fail to understand where to lodge their complains.
“MHRC realizes the importance of working together. This is why we are empowering the Malawi Police and Prison Services officers and other stakeholders to enlighten them on their roles.”
In her remarks after the training, one of the participants from Mtakataka police post Temwanani Malenga expressed satisfaction with the training saying it has helped them understand how they can discharge they duties competently.
“We have been reminded on the roles of the Ministry of Justice, Legal Aid Bureau, MHRC, Office of the Ombudsman, Judiciary, Malawi Prison services and the police as our roles are interrelated and it is very important for us to know them properly,” said Malenga.
The orientation was done with funds from the European Union (EU) under Chilungamo project.
Ambassador Kaphaizi laid to rest
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, February 8, Mana: Late Kester Kaphaizi, who was Malawi's Ambassador to Ethiopia was on Saturday raid to rest at his home, Kaphaizi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kaphaizi in Kasungu District during a ceremony attended by Vice President Dr Michael Usi.
Kaphaizi, who died at the age of 69 also served as the country's Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, succumbed to cancer on Monday March 3 at Artemis Hospital in India where he went to seek treatment.
In his eulogy, Usi described Kaphaizi as a true patriot who served his country with diligence and integrity.
"We have heard for ourselves that the late Kaphaizi was a man of high integrity who hated corruption and loved his work. His life must be a lesson to us all," Usi said.
While calling for religious and political tolerance and condemning corruption, the Vice President said the life of Kaphaizi who married in Thyolo was an illustration of tribal tolerance which all Malawians must practice.
Usi conveyed condolences from President Dr Lazarus Chakwera whom he said was saddened by the demise of Kaphaizi, a career civil servant who rose to become a principal secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and that of Energy.
Melina Dzowera, representing the children, thanked the President for entrusting her departed father with public responsibilities and also assisting him when he was sick.
On her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, said since reporting for his duties in Ethiopia in January 2023, Kaphaizi demonstrated trustworthiness, diligence and hard work, describing his demise as a big loss to the country.
Other speakers including Senior Chief Lukwa, Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Constituency, Ken Kandodo and a representative of retired principal secretaries Prince Kang'ombe, said Kaphaizi valued education and charity work.
Born 1956, Kaphaizi was one of the founding members of the Association of Principal Secretaries in Malawi and also served as a trustee for a wildlife conservation association in Kasungu District.
He is survived by a wife, four children and three grandchildren.
ILO/IFAD impressed with Naturals limited value addition products
By Christina Mkutumula
Lilongwe, March 7, Mana: The International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) says it is impressed with value addition to its products by Naturals Limited Company.
Speaking after touring the company on Friday, Country Director for IFAD Bernadette Mukonyora said her organization was impressed with the value addition done to agricultural products.
“Most of you are aware that MW2063 pillar 1 talks about Agriculture commercialization as critical to ensuring wealth creation among Malawians. What we have seen today is a glimpse of what could be a drive to such wealth,” she said
Makonyora said Naturals limited drive to process baobab seeds into oil is a great demonstration of what value addition is, as they are using indigenous trees that have economic value.
“Our organization is looking for developmental outcomes in the SDGs as key pinnacles that drive real transformation with the community” she said.
According to Makonyora, the interest of IFAD is to see that people in the country are self-reliant and that they have viable livelihoods.
She said Naturals limited supported by International labour Organization (ILO) through IFAD has made it possible to unlock jobs for young people.
“A lot of young people have gone into apprenticeship with Naturals Limited as jobs were created by the company. These jobs are not only created in the cities but also in the rural areas,” she said.
Director of ILO for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Wellington Chibebe said the ProAgro Youth project is focusing on skills development in the agro industry in order to ensure that skills are imparted to the youths so that they do not remain idle.
“As ILO we are focusing on youth development and in Malawi our focus is on agribusiness because we feel that the value chain and employment in that area is quite high.
“Skills development is key in any nation because with relevant skills one can do anything, like being an employer but also an entrepreneur,” he said.
He said as a nation there is need to train prospective employers because the idea of gaining relevant skills and looking for a job should be a thing of the past.
Chibebe also disclosed that his organization will get in phase II of the project with focus on rural setup.
Senior Deputy Director of Planning in the Ministry of Labour, Wezzie Kayira Madzi said the project aimed at enhancing youths skills in the agriculture sector.
She said time has come to start looking beyond just equipping youths with relevant skills, but also help them with start-up capital for businesses.
Managing Director for Naturals Limited, Towera Jalakasi thanked IFAD and ILO for the grant given to her company as they were able to train youths and produce oil from baobab fruits for both skin and hair.
One of the young people who benefited from the training at Naturals Limited, Moses ziyaya said the training helped as he is now employed and able to assist his family with what he is receiving at his work place.
Parties, independents fail to deploy monitors in voter transfer exercise
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, March 7, Mana: Political parties and independent candidates have failed to deploy monitors at voter transfer centres in Mchinji.
This was revealed during a monitoring visit by MEC Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano on Friday.
Dr. Fabiano expressed concern that, unlike during the initial voter registration, political parties have not positioned their representatives to oversee the transfer process.
"We are concerned that political parties have not sent their monitors as they did during the registration. We have to remember that the transfers are part of the process of registration, where someone who registered somewhere moves to go and register to vote at another place," said Dr. Fabiano.
However, he clarified that it remains up to the political parties and independent candidates to decide whether to send representatives or not.
At Kamuzu Primary School in Mchinji West Constituency, one of the supervisors, Steven Malijani, said the voter transfer exercise has been progressing smoothly.
"Those in need of transfer are coming to the centre and are being assisted accordingly. In terms of staff and personnel, everything is okay," Malijani said.
Initial observations suggest that more voter transfers are occurring in urban areas compared to rural settings.
Mwanza District Council orient staff on HIV/AIDS work place policy
By Brian Wasili,
Mwanza, March 7 Mana: Mwanza District Council on Friday held a workshop to orient staff on the HIV and AIDS workplace policy with a call for openness and active participation in all HIV prevention strategies.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), District Commissioner, Dr. Martha Magreta Sineta emphasized on the need to create a safe and supportive environment in the workplace by encouraging staff members to openly discuss HIV and AIDS issues to improve HIV and Aids work place policy.
“The review of this policy is an opportunity for all of us because everyone's input is crucial in ensuring that our workplace is not only safe but also supportive for all staff members regardless of one's HIV/AIDS status.
Sineta underscored the need to deal with stigma and discrimination in the work place.
District Principal Nutrition HIV and AIDS Officer, Fred Kumwenda said there was need for a holistic approach to addressing issues that affect HIV/AIDS response in the workplace by focusing on prevention, care and other support services.
“Let council staff come forward should they feel violated or their rights on HIV/AIDS related issues,” said Kumwenda.
The workshop participants discussed, shared experiences and proposed solutions to enhance the workplace policy, which is expected to further strengthen the council’s initiatives in promoting health, safety and inclusivity among its workers.
District HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy Coordinator, Wilson Kapanda Manda assured the council staff that their HIV/AIDS status will be kept confidential.
Richard Laudoni, a workshop participant described the orientation as an eye opener and opportunity to give input into the council's HIV/AIDS workplace policy.
Each sector at the council is mandated to commit 2 percent of other recurrent transactions (ORT) funds towards HIV and AIDS activities including food ration to council staff living with HIV.
The workshop which brought together key stakeholders was part of the council’s consultative efforts of soliciting views from staff to revisit current HIV and AIDS workplace policy.
Minister calls for women empowerment
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 8, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, has emphasized the importance of empowering women through education and entrepreneurship.
She was speaking in Lilongwe on Friday when she presided over the Wealth Woman Summit that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Wirima, encouraged attendees to network, share experience, and inspire one another to break barriers and achieve their goals.
She also called for collaborative efforts to create opportunities that foster women's financial independence and leadership, praising the summit for providing a platform for women to showcase their abilities.
"Empowering women through education and opportunity is essential for building a brighter future for all" she said.
The minister challenged women to continue exploring and discovering the wonders of women empowerment.
"To support women's empowerment, the ministry is committed to implementing initiatives that promote women's rights and access to resources and this includes creating supportive policies that enable women to thrive in both education and entrepreneurship" She said.
Chief Executive Officer for Wealth Magazine, Harry Chima committed to provide support and resources for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of investing in women-led initiatives, recognizing that empowering women is key to driving economic growth and innovation.
"The Wealth Woman Summit aims to create a collaborative environment where women can share knowledge, build networks and access resources to achieve their full potential in leadership and entrepreneurship, Malawi can work towards a brighter future for all " He said.
The gathering featured a number of women in various careers giving motivational speeches to encourage attendees pursue their passions and break through barriers.
Speakers included successful entrepreneurs, and leaders from diverse fields who shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.
Halima Daud presides over IWD Expo and Breakfast in Blantyre
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, February 8, Mana: Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Halima Daud on Friday presided over commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) in Blantyre where women gathered for business expo, breakfast and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) clinic to discuss business ideas, gender barriers, and ways and means of helping women to attain economic empowerment.
Daud said the International Women’s Day commemoration provided an opportunity to celebrate strengths, resilience and determination of women from all walks of life as the day also offered a moment to reflect, learn; share and empower women towards greater heights of life.,
“The Business Expo and SMEs Clinic focuses on financial literacy and business, management to run and grow businesses sustainably, The International Women’s breakfast is also about inspiring conversations to motivate women in leadership and business management,” she said.
Daudi observed that gender gaps in accessing finances remain a pressing issue in Sub Saharan Africa, according to 2021 Global Index by the World Bank which states that 61 per cent of men in the region have access to financial services compared to 39 per of women.
The report, according to the Deputy Minister states that, the 21 per cent gender gap is significantly higher than the global average of 6 per cent in developing regions.
Daud also made reference to an International Labour Organization’s 2018 Report, which states that women in Africa spend 3.4 times more on unpaid care and domestic work than men thereby reducing their opportunities to engage in income generating activities.
The deputy minister therefore said it was imperative for Malawi in to address barriers and all other factors that limit women’s economic growth.
“Women make up 70 per cent of the informal cross border traders, significantly contributing to Africa economies across various sectors such as agriculture, finance and textile. However, they face challenges such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, restricted movement of goods, limited access to finances, low productive capacity in their micro and small enterprises,
“It is, in this regard that the Government of Malawi is harmonizing trade regulations and reducing barriers, and strategically positioning women entrepreneurs to leverage the new trade areas.
There is need for urgent policy interventions to address gender economic disadvantages that impinges on poor women” she said.
The Deputy Minister further assured women in the country that government will continue prioritizing women empowerment considering that this remains a key pillar of national development.
“We will continue fostering an enabling legal and policy environment that allows stakeholders to effectively implement programmes and strategies that shall promote gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.
The deputy minister expressed hope that government and stakeholder collaboration will enable women to access capital and expand businesses that will also build long term financial security.
A member of NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) Caroline Mvalo acknowledged the progress made among them such as development of policies and enactment of laws that are meant to advance women and girls rights.
“This needs to be commended. We, as a network feel there is need to work more. We realize that though women and girls represent half of Malawi’s population, gender inequality still persists everywhere and stagnates social and economic progress,
“Gender inequality continues to manifest itself in different facets that include feminization of poverty as women are left behind in financial inclusion initiatives, illiteracy remains higher among women and girls as education for girls lag behind, social ills such as child marriages, teen pregnancies and gender based violence which continue to hinder progress,” she added.
NGO GCN therefore called on fellow stakeholders and government to put more effort in ensuring that women and girls are accorded their full rights by undertaking various interventions among them; initiating financial inclusion programmes targeting different classes of women, promoting girls’ education by tackling barriers such as school fees in tertiary education institutions and addressing various social norms that influence women and girls’ vulnerability.
Mvalo said NGO GCN will continue supporting all efforts that are meant to empower women and girls in various aspects of gender and economy.
At the event, the Deputy Minister also took her time to appreciate exhibition mounted by organizations such as Youth net and Counselling (YONECO) Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) World Vision, Action Aid and their community level partners to display women strides towards economic empowerment.
