By Brian Wasili

Mwanza, December 1, Mana: Agriculture Inputs Programme (AIP) beneficiaries in Mwanza have applauded the new system, which is used to verify beneficiaries of the subsidized farm inputs this year.

In an interview on Friday Fanny Chimera of Chikolosa Village in the area of Inkosi Kanduku Maseko said this year she has retrieved her farm inputs without scrambling with vendors.

"The fact that a beneficiary is vetted through a photo and other body features scrupulous people have been prevented from retrieving the farm inputs dubiously," said Chimera.

So far, 25% of prospective beneficiaries have accessed the subsidized farm inputs in all four markets of Mwanza Boma, Thambani, Tulonkhondo and Kunenekude.

In an interview AIP District Coordinator Malanga Thipa asked the beneficiaries to retrieve their farm inputs now, in order to harvest bumper yields.

"The objective of the programme is to fight hunger therefore there is need for the farmers to do everything on time," he said.

He then called upon farmers not to sell their farm inputs so that their households do not suffer from hunger.

By Thuraya Kiwala

Neno, December 1, Mana: Neno District Council Youth Office with support from Partners in Health (PIH) hosted the Youth and Adolescent Art Festival to mobilize and empower young people to address critical issues of sexual reproductive health rights and gender-based violence in the district.

Speaking at the festival on Saturday at Neno Community Hall, Neno District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali said the festival was meant to break barriers that exist in accessing Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services on top of addressing issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) among young people in the district.

“This festival was designed to address critical challenges young people face in accessing health and legal support services,”

“By integrating recreational activities, we have created a safe space where youth can engage meaningfully, showcase their talents and learn about these important issues,” Sukali added.

Held under the theme; Promoting Youth Access to SRH and GBV Services through Recreational Activities, the festival raised SRH and GBV awareness among young people.

One of the participants, a student at Chiwale Secondary School, Fiona Seleman hailed the organizers for providing an opportunity for young people to discuss SRH and GBV issues through the art festival,

“Many girls lack important information on health services which could help in preventing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections,

“The festival was relevant to young people. It provided an opportunity for us to get knowledge on critical issues,” she added and described the art festival as fun and youth-friendly,” she said.

Interactive workshops and information booths were major highlights, providing attendees with counselling, educational materials, and confidential consultations with health professionals.

The festival which coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign drew young people from across the district for a day of live music, comedy, drama, poetry, weightlifting, and dance competitions.

Beyond the fun, the event served as a platform to educate and empower youth, providing vital information and services in an accessible and engaging format.

By Ruth Kumwenda

Blantyre, December 1, Mana: Blantyre Secondary School (BSS) on Friday won the Cluster Spelling and Quiz Competition by outclassing three other contesting schools in preparation for cluster mock examinations, expected to be administered in the second term of the current 2024/2025 academic year.

BSS, which hosted the quiz competition, faced Rays of Hope Secondary School, Carlo Acutis Catholic High School and Ndirande Community Day Secondary School as Quiz Master, Ndaluza Themu took control of the contest.

The highly competitive quiz competition comprised several rounds in spelling, Mathematics, English, Biology, Financial Literacy and General Knowledge.

At the end of it, BSS scooped 28 points, Rays of Hope came closer with 27 points and Carlo Acutis came closer behind the runner-up with 26 points and Ndirande Community Day Secondary School came last with 21 points.

In her speech during the contest, BSS Headteacher, Hilda Gwauya said the competition was a celebration of the joy of learning and growing together as a family,

“Let’s remember to support each other. The competition is done for a good course to improve performance in our schools,” she added and described the spelling and quiz competition as a genuine testament to commitment towards academic excellence.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Carlo Acutis Secondary School, Headteacher, Chrissie Supedi said the competition was a great experience for her students.

“They have learnt a lot and they know where they need to improve in case we organize another activity. We look forward to another learning point,

“The competition has encouraged students to master public speaking,” the school head teacher added.   

Judith Nsokanya from BSS said was happy that her school emerged winner in what she described as tight contest, adding that this was her first appearance in a spelling and quiz competition.

Glory Chasowa from Carlo Acutis School team expressed dissatisfaction with becoming the third on the list.

“I am a bit disappointed, I thought we would win, but unfortunately we came third. This has given us the courage to work hard so that next time we come on top position,” Chasowa added.  

The spelling and quiz competition was spiced up by a talent show that included dances, and music by students from all the contesting four schools.

BSS, Rays of Hope, Carlo Acutis, and Ndirande secondary schools are in a cluster of 12 schools of which five are public while seven are private.

By Alex Mlanga

Blantyre, December 1, Mana: As Malawi joins the rest of the World in Commemorating World Aids Day, which falls on December 1, Blantyre District Council Principal Nutrition HIV and Aids Officer; Ruth Hara said Blantyre will commemorate World Aids in early January 2025.

“Blantyre District will hold the commemoration in early January 2025. The council is currently in the planning stages and we are seeking partners to support the commemoration,” she added.

Hara said World Aids Day commemoration will provide an opportunity for public, and private sectors and citizens to reflect on progress made in HIV and Aids response, adding that the day will also reflect on the significance of respecting the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS.

“World Aids Day remains an important reminder of the need for compassion, awareness and sustained commitment to HIV/ and Aids response,” she added.

Pastor Jeffreys Zimba from Raised for a Purpose Ministry said as part of the HIV and Aids response he has been preaching the gospel, which encourages Christians to participate in all initiatives that are meant to prevent HIV transmission and support those living with HIV.

“The church must offer love to those who are living with HIV. As the Bible says, you cannot claim to love God if you don’t love your neighbour. We Christians should love and pray for those living with HIV when commemorating the day,” said Zimba.

He added that the Raised for a Purpose Ministry has been supporting people living with HIV through awareness prayers and looking into their welfare among others.

This year’s World Aids Day is commemorated under the theme: ‘Take the right path’.

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, December 1:  Mana: Members of Parliament and Ward Councilors in Zomba District collectively supported self-boarding in primary schools citing it as a positive move towards improving the performance of learners in rural schools though education authorities in the district say it is against Education Policy.

This comes after the education authorities in the district cautioned some primary schools to abolish self-boarding’s, describing the arrangement as something outside the education policy.

However, the Members of Parliament and Ward Councilors said self-boarding is the only solution to improve learner performance in rural schools.

Speaking during a Full Council meeting, Councilor, Douglas January of Chiphoola Ward said it was sad that the education authorities discourage self-boarding yet communities value the arrangement hoping that it would help their children improve their performance.

“Banning self-boarding in primary schools is one of the things that is bringing education in the district down. Why would they stop something that was helping our learners,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi Constituency, Mark Botomani said it would have been better for the education authorities to guide how schools should manage self-boarding rather than banning them entirely.

“If the arrangement is helping the community, I feel it would have been good if this continued,” he added.

Parliamentarian for Zomba Lisanjala, Dr William Susuwele Banda concurred with Botomani, observing that, “Sticking to policies would sometimes destroy the education of children in a rural setup,

“Not all the policies work. Sometimes we use what we know would help learners even if it is contrary to what the policy says,” Banda added.

Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Thomas Mbwembwe said the decision by his office is in accordance with the Education Policy which does not allow primary schools to do self-boarding’s.

He explained that there are several reasons why self-boarding is not accepted in primary schools citing, accommodation, welfare and security of learners.

“Most of the learners reside in classrooms that do not have secured doors, or windows on top of having anyone to look after them. Teachers are forced to look after learners which is not a recommended arrangement,

“For your information, there is zero security on learners and that poses a threat, particularly to a girl child,” the director said, adding that his office was only implementing what is in the Education Policy.

Public Relations Officers in the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera asked for more time to comment on the matter.

By Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, November 30, Mana: Communities in Senior Chief Mwenemisuku in Chitipa District have thanked the government for constructing Chuba Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in partnership with the government of the United States of America (USA).

Structures at the school include four classrooms, one science laboratory room, administration and storage room. 

Speaking on Friday during the official handover of the school, Group Village Head Mwamalange said students from the area will no longer be covering long distances to Misuku CDSS.

Mwamalange said students were covering over 20 kilometers to and from Misuku CDSS and due to the long distance some students were dropping out of school.

"With this school, parents will be motivated and ensure that their children remain in school," he said.

Head Girl of Chuba CDSS, Nolia Mtambo commended government for the school and took advantage to ask government to build a girls’ hostel and provide piped water.

“We also need additional teaching and learning materials and teachers at the school for us to access quality education,” Mtambo.

A representative of Chitipa District Education Office, Mawaya Mtelekesha said that authorities will look into the requests to ensure that they are addressed.

Member of Parliament for Chitipa East Constituency, Kezzie Msukwa thanked government for constructing the school in a rural area of Misuku, which he said besides being a motivation to learners, the structure will facelift the area.

Msukwa then assured the community that government has already provided K50 million to be used to address water supply challenges at the school.

The United States Government, in partnership with the Government of Malawi, constructed the schools under the Secondary Education Expansion for Development (SEED) Project to boost access to education, especially for girls in rural areas.

By George Mponda

Karonga, November 30, Mana: Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire says civic education and awareness raising are crucial for breaking the cycle of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The Minister said this Friday in Karonga at Hara Primary School during the district launch of 2024, 16 days of activism against GBV.

"Transforming harmful social norms is central to this effort. In schools, families, and communities, we must work together to build a culture of respect, equality and peace.

"This campaign will emphasize zero tolerance for violence across all areas of society as we will all be committed to upholding this standard," Mkandawire said.

Mkandawire added that GBV survivors deserve a system that empowers them to seek justice while supporting their recovery.

"Our work must prioritize their safety, dignity, and rights by amplifying their voices, breaking down the barriers they face, and ensuring they have access to justice, health services, and economic opportunities," Mkandawire said.

On her part, District Gender Officer for Karonga District Council Ireen Mwenelupembe said the district is not doing well in combating GBV.

"As of today, we have 957 GBV cases recorded in our database and when we compare Traditional Authorities, Kyungu tops the list followed by Wasambo then Kilupula and Mwakaboko.

"There are a lot of economic violence cases happening in families, child marriages and negative cultural practices, especially in hard-to-reach areas like Fulirwa," Mwenelupembe said.

"There is a need to unite and end violence happening towards men and women by providing gender-sensitive policing, establishing safe reporting mechanisms, and improving access to legal support," she added.

The campaign which started with a parade by female security officers from Malawi Police Service, Prison and Malawi Defence Force has been launched under the theme; "Unite to end violence against women and girls in Karonga."

By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, November 30, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has called on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to consider accessing loans from National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to promote their economic right and independence.

She made the remarks Friday at Thete in the area of Senior Chief Kachere, Dedza during the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) Flag Week commemoration.

The minister said PWDs have the right to economic empowerment but some of them struggle to access capital to venture into business.

“As a ministry, we are proud to be part of the NEEF committee which focuses on promoting accessible loan opportunities for people with disabilities and women ultimately aiming to enhance their livelihoods and overall wellbeing,” she said.

She urged authorities and communities to ensure the rights of people with disabilities are respected and protected at household and in community.

Later, the Minister spoke against abuses like locking up children with disabilities in houses, discriminating PWDs in safety net programmes including subsidized farm inputs and relief food distribution.

She added that PWDs also suffer social injustice by being denied access to public transport such as minibuses and sometimes they are mocked for asking reproductive health services.

The minister said dissemination of messages about the rights of persons with disability is not a man’s show but everyone’s responsibility.

MACODA Board Chairperson Alex Dzinkambani said this year’s Flag Week is critical in sensitizing communities about the 2024 Persons With Disability Act.

He explained that the Act outlines specific guidelines to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities, following the institution's name change from Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA) to MACODA to get everyone on board.

Dedza District Disability Forum Chairperson Catherine Bunya said PWDs in Dedza face different challenges including lack of access to social cash transfer and poor accessibility to infrastructure.

“People are failing to access services they are entitled to. We hope today's activity will change the mindset of different authorities in communities, public offices, Non-Governmental Organisations and all the people,” she said.

Dedza district has over 1000 PWDs.

By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, November 29, Mana: Officer In-Charge for Dedza prison, Senior Superintendent, Chimwemwe Shaba, on Friday, said they are doing all they can in order to change the face of the facility at the same time, improve provision of services to inmates.

Shaba made the remarks during commemoration of International Human Rights Day organized by Paralegal Advisory Services Institute (PASI) with support from the Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI).

The OC said to avoid repetition of the past experience when 48 inmates were severely malnourished, the facility is now providing three meals per day.

“This includes, providing porridge to the inmates early morning, nsima at 11 a.m and at 2 p.m. We ensure provision of nutritious foods like usipa as well as soya pieces in our menu,” he said.

Shaba further stated that the facility has running water all day long to ensure there is total hygiene and are considering increasing in-door sports activities in order to enhance mental health and well-being of the inmates.

“It is our plea to well-wishers to assist us with whatever they can so that the facility changes for the better. We need food, paint, and sports materials including attires. We are also doing well in re-integration activities with the help of our partners including office of social welfare and gender,” he stated.

According to Shaba, Dedza prison is also into chicken rearing and has 21 beehives with a sole purpose of training the inmates in order to venture into such lucrative businesses once out of prison.

He said going forward a well-wisher has been identified to install one of its kind irrigation system at the facility hoping to provide fresh vegetables within and outside the facility.

On his part, IRLI Programmer Lawyer, Dr. Macdara O Drisceoil, hailed Dedza prison staff for the good working relationship while assuring the staff of their total support.

He told the inmates to realize the fundamental human rights they have while in prison.

“We will continue to enlighten you on your rights and whatever you need to do in-line with the country’s constitution so that you get the justice you deserve,” emphasized Drisceoil.

One of the inmates, Edward Kazembe, expressed gratitude with the event saying it gave a room for inmates to realize that they have rights which they need to exercise responsibly for justice to prevail.

“Let me also state hear that the facility is indeed abiding by the fundamental human rights as stated already. We are eating three times a day and that when one falls sick, they receive necessary healthcare,” said Kazembe.

PASI Team Leader for Central Region, Alfred Muunika, said the event was aimed at reminding the inmates of their fundamental human rights within and outside prison.

“This also created a platform for inmates to engage with duty bearers on issues related to the justice delivery system. Key concerns raised included delayed justice and the high number of individuals on remand. According to our panelists comprising representatives from the police, courts, and civil society; these issues have been and will continue to be addressed," he said.

Dedza prison has 236 inmates and out of the figure, 158 are on remand awaiting trial.

The International Human Rights Day at Dedza prison was commemorated under the theme: “Our Rights, Our Future-Right Now!!”

By Stella Mwalwanda

Mzuzu, November 29, Mana: The construction of underground tunnels for service providers is a key strategy to reduce congestion caused by utility infrastructure in urban areas, both above ground and in open spaces.

These tunnels are accessed through manholes, which serve as entry points for various purposes, including the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities.

However, in Mzuzu City most manholes are uncovered, turning into waste dumping pits besides posing danger to road users.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, recently, Public Relations Manager for Northern Region Water Board (NRWB), Edward Nyirenda said some manholes are uncovered due to vandalism and theft adding that in some cases, manhole covers are destroyed by heavy traffic in places where they are placed.

“Currently, we are working on replacing and installing all damaged manhole covers across our supply area using up to date locking mechanism and antitheft devices.

Maintenance is usually within three to six months and we also conduct regular patrols and monitoring of such structures,” said Nyirenda

Nyirenda noted that uncovered manholes pose a risk to water supply pipes, potentially leading to damage that can disrupt the availability, reliability, and sustainability of the board’s services.

Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu City Council, McDonald Gondwe said that the council has never engaged the service providers on the issues.

He, however said that the council alert road users to follow precaution measures to avoid accidents due to the uncovered manholes.

“The uncovered manholes pose a risk to all road users as they are turned into hideouts for thieves and waste dumping places,” said Gondwe.

One of the road users, Osman Mkumbwa said that he wished that the manholes were far from the pedestrians walking sides so that people don’t fall into such unsafe holes.