By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, June 21, Mana: Communities at Mfundi in the area of Traditional Authority Zilakoma in Nkhata Bay are expected to boost their economic status following the goat pass on project, which has been initiated by CorpsAfrica in the area.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, CorpsAfrica Volunteer Pamela Chakanika said the distribution of goats is in response to a community request as one way to empower them economically.

"As CorpsAfrica, we believe communities have solutions to their problems. That is why we engaged them to choose the project that can liberate them from poverty, and we believe their dreams will be realized through this goat pass-on project," she said.

According to Pamela, 36 goats worth about K3.5 million have been distributed to six groups of ten people, with the hope of reaching out to more members.

 "We have trained them on group dynamics, financial management, and proper husbandry management, giving us hope that this project will be sustained, apart from being their brainchild," she added.

Chairperson for one of the groups called Yaledi, Andrew Chirwa, expressed hope that once the goats multiply, the group members will be able to sell the domestic animals and support families.

"We are grateful to CorpsAfrica for this initiative. This is the first time for most of us to own a goat, and we promise to take good care of them until all our group members benefit," Chirwa said.

He also emphasized that in the near future, most community members will have goats, giving them an opportunity to open other businesses and pay school fees for their children through the returns they will gain.

 "Apart from being disease-resistant, which is an advantage to us, these goats will also be able to boost the nutrition status of community members as we will be able to get meat in our community," he added.

Group Village Head Nkhoma said through existing bylaws that were formulated and signed by the chiefs and the people, the project will be a success.

 "When people are economically empowered, they can ably contribute to the development happening in the area. As chiefs, we will ensure that what has been agreed is executed, and every deserving member receives their goat when their turn is due," she said.

The goat pass-on project is being implemented by CorpsAfrica with financial support from MasterCard Foundation.