By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, August 22, Mana: Director General for the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Daud Suleman has said the new National Address System (NAS) being implemented in the country will help in improving social service delivery to citizens.

He made the remarks during a meeting MACRA engaged with stakeholders on Wednesday, on plans to role out NAS in Dowa district.

Suleman said currently the country has been using two address systems, postal code and traditional way of directions which poses various challenges and compromises provision of various services. The new NAS he said, will alleviate these challenges and provide new opportunities.

"We will have effective responses to emergencies by fire, police or ambulance departments, improved birth, death, marriage registration and verifiable proof of residence.

Also, improved provision of health services, and reshaped urban areas into user friendly towns and cities as it would be easy to track locations," said Sulemani.

He as such said Malawians must embrace the new development which he said also aligns Malawi to global developments in this modern and digitalized era.

Director of Postal and Ecommerce at MACRA, Kondwani kachika in an interview said the NAS is also an opportunity to improve on ecommerce as delivery of goods will become efficient, and it will also improve trade.

"For example Dowa is an agricultural district, and issues to do with buying, selling and transportation of agricultural commodities can only be simplified if all locations are properly identified. So this is a very important development," he said.

He said the project is being implemented in phases and is now completing remaining districts in the central region, before rolling out the final phase in southern Malawi.

Prerequisites for the New Address System include identifying and naming streets and roads, numbering houses according to the new system, marking and naming big buildings and mapping.

He said so far stakehokders across the country understand the benefit the NAS brings, but he urged against damaging of infrastructure.

"We still find that there are few elements within our society who vandalize the infrastructure that we put.

So we continue to plead with the leaders, even the local people on the ground to take care of the infrastructure that government, through MACRA is putting in place," he said.

Through the Communications Act of 2016, Parliament mandated MACRA to implement a comprehensive addressing system to allocate, manage and regulate addresses and postcodes.

Dowa District Council Chairperson Gift Songeya during the meeting said Dowa stakehokders have welcomed the initiative.

"It is a good development worth celebrating because it will help incorporate the district into the mapping system.

On the other hand, it will also help the council in service delivery as we will be able to identify locations, infrastructures, and even households and people with ease," he said.

So far, NAS has been rolled out in 20 districts.

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, August 23, Mana: World Bank-supported Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) has disbursed a total of K3.6 billion and K2.2 billion to 137 farmer groups and 43 agri-enterprises, respectively in the seven districts of Blantyre, Balaka, Mangochi, Zomba, Ntcheu, Neno, and Machinga to support the agri entrepreneurial.

MWASIP technical team member, Andrew Chamaza disclosed this on Friday during a quarterly interaction session with journalists in Blantyre.

Chamaza said the matching grants were meant to increase crop productivity among farmers at the farm level and support agri-enterprises on farm produce.

“The farmer groups were selected based on their active participation in the implementation of sustainable land management practices in their respective catchment areas. We recommended that the groups should have a majority of women and youth,” he added

In the agri-enterprises category, MWASIP looked at aggregators, processors and those in value chain additions who would boost their capital base to support their huge investments, according to Chamaza.

He said despite the project facing some challenges regarding disbursement of funds to the farmer groups and agri-enterprises, a great impact has so far been registered in the areas where the project is being implemented.

“For instance, we noted that there were no clear market linkages between the farmer groups and agri-enterprise and in a few instances, some failed to use the funds for the intended purpose. Regardless of this, there are more cases of success, especially from those that got the grants in the first cohort they are now reaping the fruits of the matching grants,” he said.

One of the farmer groups, Tipindule in the Kapichira catchment where the project is being implemented in Blantyre, hailed MWASIP for supporting them with a matching grant amounting to K16 million to venture into irrigation farming solely for commercial gains.

The secretary of the group, Christopher Sabwe, said they selected the enterprise because of its lucrative returns.

“We now sell our maize and groundnuts to various agri-enterprises at a competitive price, in turn realizing huge returns,” he said.

Chimwemwe Chikatentha, an agro-dealer trading as Mamshe Agro dealer, said the grant she received, amounting to K79 million enabled her to construct a warehouse.

 “We use this warehouse to store farmers' produce such as groundnuts and maize, which we buy from the farmers in the Kapichira catchment area," he added.

The farmer groups accessed matching grants ranging from 5,000 USD to 10,000 USD, while for agri-enterprises, their matching grants threshold ranged from 25,000 USD to 50,000 USD.

By James Mwale

Ntchisi, August 23, Mana: Government has reaffirmed its commitment to support children’s education in its continued effort of ensuring that the country has a bright future.

Deputy Director of Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Esther Ng’ong’ola made the reaffirmation Friday at Chikwatula Resource Center (CRC) in Ntchisi district where she presided over the closing ceremony of the district’s Child Parliament.

Ng’ong’ola was reacting to the child legislators’ call for protection against malpractices such as child labour, insufficient knowledge of Sexual Reproductive Health, climate change issues and a conducive learning environment in schools saying they hinder their ease of access to education.

One of the child legislators, Judith Juma, from the area of Senior Chief Kasakula said: “Trees that used to act as windbreakers in our area have been carelessly cut down by charcoal burners to the effect that strong winds blow down a teacher’s houses at a primary school I go to.

“This affected our learning because teachers had to spend time searching for a new place to stay, a time that could have been dedicated to teaching learners.”

Another legislator, Tidziwane Mastala, from Senior Chief Chikho, decried increased practices of child labour saying most parents send children in tobacco and tea farms, while others are sent to herd cattle of well-to-do farmers to earn a quick earning at a time they should be going to school.

In her speech, Ng’ong’ola said: “Issues that have been raised herein cannot be overemphasized. And you have not only spoken for yourselves as Ntchisi district, but for all children in the 28 districts across the country. Government through the Ministry of Gender already has policies that care for children’s welfare but the concerns raised here are a call for us to engage an extra gear.”

She then called on local councils to work in collaboration with legislators, traditional authorities and Civil Society Organizations to ensure that children’s rights to education is upheld.

Echoing Ng’ong’ola, Member of Parliament for Ntchisi South constituency, Ulemu Chilapondwa, said it was encouraging to see that the child legislators, who are the future of the district, and the country at large were keen to have their rights to education defended.

He has since committed to work with the district’s council, local authorities and fellow legislators to ensure that all children in the district have full access to education.

The five-day-long Parliamentary Session was held under the theme “Umphawi Usatilepheletse Mahunziro”.

Meanwhile, the child legislators have challenged the district council, Non-State Actors, parliamentarians and local authorities to put stiff penalties against all perpetrators of activities that pose a threat to their education.

By Esther Ndhlozi

Mzuzu, August 23, Mana: After eight years of being an active contributor to literally sections of the country’s   national newspapers, Fatsani Chione 28, has launched his first debut book.

The book which is titled ‘An Ace of Death’ draws more on Chione’s personal experiences and those of others with the aim of inspiring readers to reflect and strive for positive transformation.

Speaking Friday, Chione said that he has compiled his published and unpublished writings in one book, exploring pressing issues which include complexities of politics, unemployment, love and hope among young people.

“My goal was to use fiction as a platform to share my experiences and those of others which I have been publishing in newspapers for eight years into one copy to spark reflection and connection among the youth,” said Chione.

Chione has also stated that he hopes his writing will ignite meaningful conversations and public debates, ultimately leading to personal growth, self-reflection and informed decision making.

“My aim is to inspire young people to take control of their life choices and make positive changes.

I believe that literature is a powerful tool to raise awareness and meaningful conversations when it comes to reflecting one’s personal growth and decision making to promote social change” Chione added.

He added that he will not stop releasing literally works and they are other projects coming ahead with hope that he tackles real life experiences of people and promote literature and culture

Chione was optimistic that his writing will continue to inspire, educate and empower readers, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.

“I am planning on releasing more projects like these which will help promote a literature culture that empowers a deeper understanding of life,” concluded Chione.

The book has been well received by readers and critics alike, with many praising his raw talent and expressiveness.

One of the discerning readers, Sylvia Kamoto hailed the newly released book as a compelling and relatable work.

She described Chione’s style of writing as a talent that has triggered discussions debates and engagements among the youth.

“I find this book to be truly engaging as it explores issues that are intimately familiar to me and my peers in Malawi.

Chione’s writing has prompted discussions among us to reconsider our understanding of ourselves, our community, and the choices that shape our lives,” said Kamoto.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe,22 August, MANA: Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Halima Alima Daud, has emphasised the need for strengthen collaboration between Malawi and international allies, specifically from India, to address the critical challenges within the nation's healthcare infrastructure.

In her address at the 2024 India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, Daud stressed the urgent need for investments and partnerships to improve the accessibility of healthcare services in Malawi.

She indicated that despite significant advancements in healthcare provision, Malawi continues to face substantial obstacles in ensuring universal access to essential health services. Daud pointed out the significant underfunding of Malawi's health system, with an annual per capita health expenditure of only $40—less than half of the $86 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for achieving comprehensive health coverage.

Then Minister said this financial deficit jeopardises the quality of healthcare and contributes to a life expectancy of just 64 years, along with high rates of preventable diseases such as malaria and non-communicable conditions.

She indicated that Malawi heavily depends on imported pharmaceuticals, procuring 90% of its medications from external sources stating this reliance has resulted in frequent shortages of drugs and inadequate medical supplies, exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare sector. Daud revealed that the country's pharmaceutical market volume currently stands at $121 million, with $14 million allocated to oncology drugs.

While acknowledging the challenges, Daud outlined the extensive reforms underway in Malawi's healthcare sector, emphasizing that the government is actively pursuing the decentralization of healthcare services, the establishment of interconnected healthcare systems, and the integration of digital advancements.

"Central to these reforms are the Health Sector Strategic Plan III and the National Health Financing Strategy, both aimed at driving improvements in the sector,"Daud articulated.

Daud also highlighted several key areas where Malawi is seeking collaboration and investment, including Medical Equipment and ICT infrastructure, Pharmaceutical Products, Research and Development, Digital Health, Health Financing, and Infrastructure Development.

Daud urged Indian enterprises and international partners to seize the opportunities presented by Malawi's ongoing healthcare reforms.

"Malawi is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing access to superior healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage. We invite our partners, particularly from India, to collaborate with us on this journey for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders, “she said.

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, August 22, MANA:  Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Thursday launched National Teacher Training Programme targeting 23,685 Standard 1 and 2 teachers from 5,919 schools across Malawi.

The training will be conducted in all 522 Teacher Development Centers from August 19 to September 6, 2024.

Speaking during the programme launch, at Limbe Teacher Development Center in Blantyre, Director of Quality Assurance Services Prof. Golden Silimba said teachers will be trained on five core reading components for effective lesson delivery to improve language and reading proficiency of learners.

“These include teaching techniques, effective use of time, effective use of the teacher's guide and  learners book and other materials and effective use of code-switching with the mother tongue as a support mechanism for Standard 1and 2 learners struggling with English, “ he added

Silimba said development is a continued effort in response to the National Reading Assessments 2019 and 2024 preliminary results, which indicate that almost all Standard 2 learners in Malawi fail to meet the internationally defined minimum proficiency standards in reading Chichewa and English.

USAID acting Deputy Mission Director Jill Jupiter Jones said it was impressive to learn that the training sessions were taking place in all 522 Teacher Development Centers across the country to equip teachers with appropriate skills and knowledge to effectively teach the learners.

She said that by using the curriculum and supplementary materials provided to the teachers and expressed optimistic that they will help yield better educational outcomes for the learners.

“As USAID, we are proud to be part of this initiative which will help to ensure that 30 percent of learners in Standard 2 achieve early grade reading proficiency by the year 2027. We believe that strong foundational learning for children results in empowered and productive future citizens,” she added.

She therefore expressed USAID's commitment to continue supporting Ministry of Education in the implementation of the National Reading Programme through procurement, distribution of textbooks and other instructional materials as well as training educators and administrators to ensure that teachers provide lessons consistently and effectively.

Speaking on behalf of teachers, Alice Golozera from Kapeni Demonstration School hailed Malawi Government and USAID for proving the National Reading Programme, saying this was an ideal and timely intervention.

Golozera added that teachers were committed to advance skills to effectively deliver better educational outcomes for Standard 1 and 2 learners.

The National Teacher Training is supported by USAID's Next Generation Early Grade Reading Programme (NextGen).

By Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, August 23, Mana: Children in Chitipa District have asked duty bearers to enhance their participation in promoting quality education in the district.

Glyn Manda 14, of Lufita Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwabulambya in the district was speaking Thursday at Lufita Community Ground during Day of African Child Commemoration.

Manda the nation can easily attain Malawi 2063 if there is collaboration amongst duty bearers promoting high quality and inclusive education.

“The theme of this commemoration is ‘Promoting Quality and Inclusive Education in Malawi’ and this can be materialized of children's right to education is observed and promoted,” said Manda.

He added that most children facing challenges such as inadequate parental care resulting into forced and child marriages hence compromising their interest to remain in school.  

“Let me appeal to parents and community members to develop keen interest in guiding and counseling children to concentrate on education so that they develop into productive citizens,” he said.

Principal Education Officer for Chitipa District, Brair Simfukwe said that children's right to education can be enjoyed through provision of inclusive education.

“My fellow duty bearers and parents let's work hand in hand in supporting children with their needs for them to excel in education,” said Simfukwe.

District Social Welfare Officer for Chitipa, Humphreys Mwalughali said that the commemoration gives an opportunity to raise enhanced awareness to community about their rights and duties to various issues that in child education.

“More children in Chitipa district are being abused in several ways. The children are being sexually harassed and entering early marriages while others are trafficked to bordering countries like Tanzania,” he said.

The commemoration ceremony was organized with financial support from Chitipa District Council, Chitipa District Council, World Vision Malawi, Momentum, Lusubilo Organization, Thembi Initiative and Tubepoka Initiative among others.

By Brian Wasili

Mwanza, August 23, Mana: Mwanza District Council held commemoration of Day of the African Child at Inkosi Kanduku Maseko’s where the local authority called for enhanced collaboration among child protection stakeholders to address all issues that affect children’s wellbeing in the district.

Mwanza Council, Vice Chairperson Kayisi Chimbalanga who was guest of honour at Kanjedza Primary School ground said there was need to deal with all factors that contribute to children’s failure to complete education citing forced marriages and unconducive learning environment and lack of parental support.

Chimbalanga also bemoaned tendency of some parents that deny children with disabilities opportunity to education and he observed that some parents confine children with disabilities in in doors at the expense of their right to education, denying them early childhood development in the process.

Mwanza District Social Welfare Officer, Mary Msindwa told Malawi News Agency that defilement, child marriage and pregnancies, lack of parental care and lack of wheel chairs and other assistive devices for children with disabilities were some of the factors that affect child wellbeing in the district.

“We work in collaboration with partners such as the Malawi Police Service, judiciary, civil society organizations and Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) to address these challenges. MACODA provides us with heel wheelchairs to ease mobility challenges of children with disabilities,” she added.

One of the learners that attended the Day of African Child commemoration, Victoria Chiotcha told Mana that the event was relevant because it called together various stakeholders to reflect on issues that affect children in district citing child neglect and forced marriages as some of stumbling blocks to child education.

“Through various messages about child care and protection provided here some parents will start taking care of their children including those with disabilities,” she added.

Mwanza District Council and partners commemorated the 2024 Day of the African Child under the theme: Promoting Quality and Inclusive Education for All Children in Malawi, Act Now.

Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), World Vision Malawi, Find Your Feet, Evidence Action, Community Action for Sustainable Development Organization (CASDO), Modern Stationary and Mwanza Civil Society Organizations network were some of the partners that supported the 2024 Day of the African Child commemoration in Mwanza.