MANAonline
CDF classroom block improves education delivery in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, October 22, Mana: Councilor for Nyachilenda Ward in Nsanje South Constituency, Fellix Round has said the newly constructed classroom block at Mtowe Community Day Secondary School has improved learning environment at the school.
Round made the remarks on Monday in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), saying the school block is the first one constructed for teaching and learning at the school.
"The structures at this school were constructed to host refugees. After the war in Mozambique, the structures were handed over to government and it was decided that it should be used as a community day secondary school," explained Round.
He said the old structures posed a great threat to the learners as some had developed major cracks.
Round, along with the Member of Parliament for the area, agreed to construct a new classroom block to reduce the risks faced by learners at the institution.
"Through Constituency Development Fund (CDF), we have constructed the state of the art classroom block and fully furnished it with desks. The new school block has electricity," he added.
One of the learners, Mary Saini said the classroom block encourages learners to work hard.
“The new classroom block has electricity which empowers us to study even at night and we believe we are going to pass our exams with good grades," she added.
Head teacher for the school, Aron Malikinzi said the construction of the school block has positively contributed to education delivery at the institution.
"As you might have heard, these structures are very old and they leak when it is raining, ending up disrupting the learning process," he said.
Minister Kunkuyu calls for unity at the funeral of MCP Youth Chairperson
By: Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, October 21, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Youth Chairperson for Ndirande Malabada Constituency, Mavuto Chimwaza was laid rest on Monday at HHI cemetery in Blantyre.
Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu condoled with the bereaved family, MCP members, the youths and all that befriended Chimwaza popularly known as Shushe.
He thanked the MCP leadership for its support during the funeral of Chimwaza who was found dead at his house on Saturday.
There was somber mood as the body of the deceased arrived at Nyambadwe School Ground for prayers.
“We are all deeply disturbed by what has happened, but I assure you that the truth will be uncovered,” Kunkuyu said.
He likened the situation to the biblical story of Jesus, where people only recognized his true identity after his death.
The Minister further condemned any celebration over the tragedy, stressing the importance of maintaining humanity, despite political or religious differences.
“We are losing our humanity when we celebrate the suffering of others because they belong to a different political party or religion, it is inhumane to be happy in such circumstances,” he said.
Kunkuyu urged all Malawians to embrace love and unity, regardless of their political affiliations.
He also thanked the various political parties that were present at the funeral for showing support.
Speaking at the same funeral, Director of Youth and Member of Parliament for Lilongwe South East, Steve Baba Malondera described the death of Chimwaza as a shock.
“It is a shock to the party and I urge all party followers to remain calm up until everything is sorted out,” he said.
Chimwaza was born in 1975 and was said to have served MCP with dedication and passionate.
Call for improved hygiene practices
By Zexon Yohane Banda
Lilongwe, October 22, Mana: Government has communities needs to adopt improved hygiene practices and construct improved latrines and use them.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia made the remarks Monday during the launch of Sanitation week and commemoration of Global Hand Washing Day at Chinsapo UNICEF ground in Lilongwe.
She said communities need to install had washing facilities, use them and manage their waste properly.
Mia noted that for the past two years, the country struggled to contain Cholera and one of the solutions to combat such diseases was washing hands.
“Most places have turned into solid waste dumpsites, this put all in danger of getting Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) related diseases,” she observed.
Mia called for massive investments to enhance progress in sanitation and hygiene.
The Minister appealed all communities to join hands in observing this week and there.
“There is need for intervention that will ensure increased access to safely managed sanitation for all Malawians,” she said.
Mia said good sanitation and hygiene practices should be lifestyle both during the week and beyond.
She disclosed that during there would be several activities aimed at raising awareness
WASH Non- Governmental organization (NGO) representative, Willies Mwandira promised to work together with the Ministry in order to improve sanitation and hygiene activities in the country.
He said good sanitation and hygiene translates into proper development agenda hence the need for collaborative efforts in strengthening them.
Member of Parliament for Lilongwe city west, George Zulu asked for proper waste management saying others are making a living from waste products.
He encouraged the communities to make sure that their waste products are managed in such a way that they can be turned in to manure.
Zulu advised them that, “You should wash your hands with soap before eating and not washing hands with soap after beating. The most important things to do away with germs is before eating you need to clean your hand with soap.”
Traditional Authority (TA) Malili said washing hands remains essential to every community in order to avoid the further spread of WASH related diseases.
He said during this season of Mangoes, there was need to trade carefully saying washing them before eating would remain ideal.
Every year the world commemorates Global Handwashing Day on October 15.
DODMA Calls for Precise Targeting and Transparency in Lean Season Response Programme
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, August 29, Mana: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) Commissioner Charles Kalemba has emphasized the crucial need for accurate targeting and integrity in the distribution of aid under the Lean Season Response Programme on Thursday at Bwaila Secondary School. The program is set to benefit 5.7 million people in September.
Speaking at a training session for beneficiary targeting, Kalemba highlighted past errors in the misallocation of resources and stressed that the program must prioritize the most vulnerable individuals.
"We want the beneficiaries to be those that are vulnerable, we have had situations where well-to-do individuals have received relief items instead of those in need and that's a problem”, he explained.
Kalemba also addressed the importance of integrity among leaders involved in the distribution process.
"We don't want leaders stealing from the poor, it's wickedness. We must uphold honesty and transparency to ensure the program's success", said Kalemba.
Logistical efficiency was another key point discussed, with the program utilizing a combination of resources, including its trucks and hired transportation, supported by the World Food Programme.
CEO of Lilongwe City Council, McCloud Kadammanja, echoed the program's significance.
"This program is crucial for our communities, especially during the lean season. By properly targeting the most vulnerable, we can make a significant impact on reducing hunger and poverty”, he stated.
Amongst the attendees, Ward Chairperson for Kayiliyeka 1, Lilongwe, Agatha Agustino Chitengu highlighted the program's importance for local communities.
"Many families struggle to put food on the table during the lean season. This initiative will bring much-needed relief to those who need it most. We're grateful for the focus on integrity and proper targeting," she said.
She then added that this training will help the representatives not to repeat the same mistakes made in the previous years due to lack of training.
With 70% of the required resources already secured, Commissioner Kalemba expressed confidence in the program's ability to provide timely assistance and mobilize additional resources as needed.
SCTP migrates embraces E- payment in Likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, October 21, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP) in Likoma has migrated from manual to electronic payment with the aim of ensuring that all beneficiaries of the initiative receive their stipends in time.
Speaking Monday when he briefed District Executive Committee for Likoma on the development, Principal Social Welfare Officer in the Ministry of Gender who is responsible for manual and electronic payment in the SCTP, Gilbert Kaponda said the development will be effective immediately.
“We want to introduce electronic payment so that all the beneficiaries of the program start receiving their stipends electronically
We are also introducing to you TNM Plc as a service provider through E- Payment Platform who has taken over payment activities from the council because of their mobile money solution and soon they will start registering the beneficiaries,” said Kaponda.
He said Likoma as a district has enrolled 303 beneficiaries saying their cohort was on-boarded in December 2023 hence the program will take them through for four years until December 2027.
Director of Education, Youth and Sports (DEYS) for Likoma District Council, Zimulange Mhango welcomed the E-Payment initiative saying it will curb some of the challenges, which were encountered during manual payment.
“This is a welcome development, as you are aware that this district consists of two islands Likoma and Chizumulu and people were served at different times because we could not cover both islands at a single pay palade.
With this development all the 303 beneficiaries will be accessing their money at the same time besides that the intervention will also address security issues, the money will be secured as it will be going directly to the beneficiaries,” said Mhango
TNM Plc Acting Regional Manager for the north, Bright Banda pledged that his company will ensure that the initiatives never face network and theft involving e-transaction challenges.
“We will make sure that the program is implemented smoothly without any problems, our agents will be placed in all areas across the district so that our services are easily accessed,” said Banda.
Chitipa registers no voter registration-related challenges
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, October 21, Mana: Voter registration exercise in preparation for the 2025 General Election in Chitipa District has rolled out on a good note with no challenges registered so far in all the 183 registration centres.
District Commissioner for Chitipa, MacMillan Magomero said that he is impressed with the operations of voter registration centres, which he has been to, saying everything is going on well.
“As a district, we have started well. And we have not had any challenges so far. Though we have noted low turnout, we hope this will improve since is this is the first day of the exercise good,” Magomero said.
Chitipa Model Primary School Centre Supervisor, Gloria Mbotwa said she is optimistic that more people will turn up for the exercise in the coming days within the registration period.
“People are coming at a slow pace because it is the first day but all in all we have started well without any challenges,” Mbotwa said.
MANAD to open a sign language training centre in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 21, Mana: Acting Director of Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD), Malonje Phiri has said the organization plans to open a sign language training centre in Nkhata Bay to address challenges encountered by deaf children in the district.
She was speaking on Monday in Nkhata Bay when she closed a three-day training for parents and Nkhata Bay District Council officials on sign language.
Phiri said that most teachers and other stakeholders in delivery service setups cannot communicate through sign language, hence the idea to open the centre.
"We have trained various government departments such as Health, Education and Police on how they can serve the deaf through effective reciprocal communication.
We, therefore, invite those interested to attend sign language classes once the centre is opened next year so that we minimize communication barriers with deaf people," said Phiri.
Chairperson of Parents of the Deaf in Nkhata-Bay, Jonathan Hara commended MANAD for the training.
“We are however waiting for the centre to be opened as this initiative will ensure that our children access education, health and other social services that will make them become reliable citizens of this country, " Hara added.
Director of Administration for Nkhata Bay District Council, James Tembo said the training has been an eye opener to many, attributing to be a catalyst towards achieving inclusive development.
Climate Smart Public Works Hypes Up in Nkhotakota
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, October 21, Mana: Communities in Nkhotakota say Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CSEPWP) has improved livelihoods and restored the environment, benefiting them in return.
Speaking to Malawi news agency on Monday, Weluzani Jolamu from Kwenda village in Bua catchment in the district says money earned from the program has been a lifeline for his family over the years.
"This money from Climate Smart Works has allowed us to meet our basic needs and even start saving for the future," he explained.
Jolamu added that in addition to the financial benefits, the CSEWP has also had a positive impact on the environment. The project also emphasizes on forest management efforts and has resulted in increased access to firewood and shade around their villages.
Eliza Phiri from Chilingali catchment says the benefits are huge and that her community appreciates works like gully reclamation and the creation of water harvesting swales which were unknown to them but now they depend on these methods during farming to yield bumper harvests.
District Community Development Officer for Nkhotakota, Ellina Lukasi emphasized the importance of the CSEWP as a component of the social support for resilient program that has empowered communities to take ownership of their development and improve their livelihoods and resilience to climate change behaviors.
“This program is a shining example of how communities can address both economic and environmental challenges around them. By providing financial support, promoting sustainable land management practices, and fostering community empowerment, the government is through the program, making a lasting impact on the lives of people in the district,” added Lukasi.
Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program is part of the social support for resilient livelihood program funded by the World Bank and multi-donor trust fund.
NICE rallies youths to register for 2025 elections
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, October 21, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Public Trust Programmes Officer for Kasungu, Pilirani Chaguza has appealed to youths in the district to register in large numbers so that they vote in the next year’s general elections slated for September 16, 2025.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has started the first of the three-phased voter registration and in Kasungu; the exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9 to 22 November.
Speaking Sunday during an awareness and sensitization rally at Kamphungu in Kasungu West Constituency, Chaguza said the forthcoming elections are a chance the youths must utilise this exercise to shape the future they desire to have.
“Voting is one of the rare moments that guarantee citizen participation in shaping the democratic destiny of a nation. This is your chance as youth to take part in making a very important decision for your country.
“Remember that the more people participate in elections, the stronger the mandate that is given to those elected as leaders, and the more confidence and trust given to them and the systems they operate under. So we must register and vote,” Chaguza said.
He said the new electoral laws demand that a person must register with the National Registration Bureau to qualify as a voter hence asked the youths to make sure they register for citizen identification.
Chaguza also sounded a warning against the perpetuation of violence, calling for peace and tolerance in all the stages of the elections.
“We must refrain from being used as agents of violence. Youths must be champions of peace,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Group Village Head Serenje encouraged women and girls to go beyond mere voting, urging them to contest as candidates so that they acquire leadership positions.
“For girls and women, your participation in elections must not be limited to voting. This is our opportunity to also contest as candidates,” he said.
Serenje said traditional leaders have a big role in ensuring that there is peace in the electoral process hence asked his fellow chiefs to champion political tolerance.
MEC is conducting voter registration in three phases from 21 October to 11 December this year and NICE is mobilising people for the exercise.
MEJN trains media practitioners on social accountability and protection programmes
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, October 21, Mana: Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) over the weekend trained Mangochi-based media practitioners to build their capacity so that they should ably inform, educate and communicate to people in the rural areas about issues to do with social accountability and social protection programmes.
MEJN, Programmes Coordinator, Mike Banda said journalists should always play a crucial role in reaching out to citizens with adequate information on governance and other issues of national importance so they should demand their rights from duty bearers who should be accountable to the citizens.
Banda said this during a one-day training workshop in Mangochi where MEJN tackled, media ethics and how best the media can come up with programmes that should help citizens participate in various social protection programmes the government implements.
“Malawi moved from a time of one media house. We now have a lot of media houses and practitioners, as such, we organized the training workshop to discuss media ethics and how best media practitioners can come up with programmes that should help communities to participate in various development activities,” he added.
Banda said that media has the potential to reach out to rural masses who mostly participate in social protection programmes.
In his remarks, National Director of Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, Aubrey Chikungwa appealed to the media practitioners to play an advocacy role to push for positive change by engaging policy makers to exercise transparency and accountability for socio-economic development.
According to Chikungwa, MISA Malawi is expected to roll out a project that focuses on raising community awareness of development projects taking place in rural areas to track progress, including a project involving community radio stations.
One of the participants, a producer at Umoyo Community Radio Station, Daniel Jackson, commended MEJN for organizing the training saying it was insightful, as it will help the media practitioners produce programmes that will inform citizens in rural areas on governance, transparency and accountability on social protection programmes.
"The workshop was insightful as we gained knowledge on how to produce programmes that can help inform communities about various government programs so that they understand what is happening in their community. This will help them to hold duty bearers accountable on various issues," he added.
Government is currently implementing various social protection interventions such as Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) and Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) and Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP)
MEJN is implementing the project in Mangochi called Fighting Inequalities with technical and financial support from NORAD, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation through Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Danish Church Aid (DCA)
The project seeks to reduce economic and social inequalities by enhancing citizens' participation in policy-making processes.
