MANAonline
South Korea donation to Malawi’s education sector to enhance quality education
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has expressed enthusiasm over the donation of teaching and learning materials worth US$200,000 by the government of South Korea.
Speaking after the handover ceremony on Friday at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, explained that the donation will help to enhance the works that are underway in the ministry.
Wirima cited establishing a radio under the Education Broadcasting Station (EBS) which, she said, is lacking certain necessities for teaching and learning.
She further explained that the education broadcasting station delivers lessons through radio and also acts as a standby for lessons in case of emergencies such as cyclones or pandemics that requires closure of schools.
“This is another arm of the education system that also enhances learning in a big way as children will be able to have access to lessons without depending on their physical presence in schools.
“This plays a crucial role in enhancing quality education as children will not be affected academically hence it will bring resilience in difficult situations,” she explained.
The ministry has received a mobile van that will be traveling in different parts of the country for lessons to children; laptops and other high technology equipment that will boost the education sector.
Ambassador for South Korea to Malawi , Jae Kyung Park, said the donation will play a crucial role in Malawi’s the education sector.
“We hope we can continue to contribute to government of Malawi’s efforts in improving the education sector by working hand in hand with the Ministry of Education.
“We strongly believe in investing in Malawi’s education sector so that it can achieve it’s goals of ensuring that all children have access to quality education,” he said.
Promote agriculture extension workers to end hunger- Deputy Minister
By George Mponda
Karonga, March 14, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, has advised District Councils to prioritize promoting agriculture frontline workers as one way of motivating them to end hunger in Malawi.
Chambo said this in Karonga on Friday during an engagement meeting with agriculture frontline workers from Karonga and Chitipa District Councils.
"With decentralisation, the power to hire, fire and even promote government employees is in the hands of the local authorities therefore District Commissioners in Malawi should make deliberate efforts in councils to promote these officers as one way of motivating them to help end hunger in our country," Chambo said.
The deputy Minister went on to advise local authorities to address challenges faced by agriculture extension workers like accommodation for them to work effectively and boost food security in Malawi.
Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Karonga Agriculture Developmet Division, Emmanuel Mzumara said lack of clear promotion pathways and limited opportunities for career advancement have led to low morale and motivation among them.
Mzumara said; “We have officers who are working on the same grade or on acting capacities up until they retire without getting a promotion. Some of the positions have staff that have advanced their educational qualifications; some have diplomas, degrees with a hope that one day they shall get a promotional letter in addition to the vast experience they possess on the post.
"The recruitment of additional staff is also essential to reduce the vacancy rate that exists. The current shortage of staff has resulted in an increased workload for existing staff, compromising the quality of services delivered to farmers and we appeal to the ministry to recruit more staff to fill existing vacancies," he added.
In his response, District Commissioner for Karonga, Frank Mkandawire said the agriculture human resource department has been devolved to the councils and Karonga is already recruiting new staff.
"We are glad to report here that Karonga has so far recruited 10 new officers in the 2024/25 financial year. On the issues of promotion, this is something that we will continue because as the Deputy Minister indicated, resources for not only recruitment but for the promotions are readily available," Mkandawire said.
"On the accommodation issues, we will lobby members of parliament to allocate some resources from the Constituency Development Fund to deal with poor housing conditions that we have," he added.
He however complained that some ministries have only devolved functions but the assets are still with the parent ministries making it hard for local authorities to maintain these infrastructures.
Karonga ADD has 133 sections and 63 extension workers.
Usi moved by struggles of Kauma children
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana – Vice President Dr. Michael Usi was deeply moved during a visit to Kauma, Lilongwe, after meeting two young children, (names withheld), who were preparing for school on their own while their parents were out searching for money.
The siblings, like many others in the area, began their day with a simple breakfast of fried maize before heading to school. When Dr. Usi asked about their parents, one of the children, with teary eyes, replied, “They went to look for money.”
Touched by their situation, the Vice President took time to speak with them and provided food and essential supplies.
This encounter highlights the harsh realities faced by many families in Kauma, where economic hardships leave children fending for themselves.
Dr. Usi’s visit is part of his ongoing city-wide tours aimed at assessing the living conditions of citizens and identifying areas where intervention is needed.
Youth Boxing Promotion plans to build boxing ring
By Happy Byson Milanzie
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Youth Boxing Promotion, one of the leading companies promoting boxing in Malawi, has revealed its plans to build a boxing ring, requiring approximately MK8 million.
The company has expressed frustration over the constant need to hire rings for every arranged fight.
Senior Executive Officer of Youth Boxing Promotion, Salimu Chazama, stated that the primary reason for building their own ring is the financial losses incurred from hiring rings. He added that most of the money goes towards renting the ring, leaving little for the boxers.
Chazama highlighted that the cheapest ring costs approximately MK300,000 which does not align with the budget allocated for boxing. He noted that the boxing industry in Malawi consistently struggles with insufficient funding compared to other sports.
"It's unfortunate that we spend more money hiring rings instead of rewarding our boxers. For example, a boxer only receives MK200,000 after a fight, while the ring owners take a much larger share," he said.
According to Chazama, Youth Boxing Promotion is not only paying MK300,000 to borrow a ring but also incurring additional costs, such as transport fees for the ring and the services of technicians to set it up.
Chazama called on well-wishers to support Youth Boxing Promotion in funding the construction of a 6x6 boxing ring, which is estimated to cost up to MK8 million.
He emphasized that Youth Boxing Promotion has been consistently arranging monthly fights to promote youth boxing in Malawi, making it challenging to rent a boxing ring for every event.
Currently, the company borrows boxing rings from the Malawi Boxing Association.
Meanwhile, renowned boxer Wilson "Shasha" Masamba welcomed the initiative, stating that the country has very few boxing rings and none of international standards. He expressed hope that the planned innovation would help expand boxing activities in Malawi.
"It's concerning that we are still using amateur rings and have very few in the country, even though we host big fights and invite international boxers. Building professional rings is essential for the growth of boxing in Malawi," he said.
Masamba praised Youth Boxing Promotion for its efforts to uplift the boxing industry in Malawi. He noted that boxers are often underpaid because the majority of funds are directed towards ring rentals.
He further emphasized the importance of building more rings to support Malawian boxers, ensuring they are better prepared when called to participate in international fights.
Education reforms transforming schools in Mchinji
By Gift Chiponde
Mchinji, March 14, Mana: Director of Education and Sports for Mchinji District, Joyce Hamsin has commended the government for its investment in the education sector through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), saying the initiatives have the potential to improve the quality of education in the district.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, the director highlighted several key developments that have significantly impacted schools in Mchinji.
She said that government has constructed new classroom blocks, which have helped to reduce congestion and create a more conducive learning environment for students.
She also hailed the Auxiliary Teacher Program, which has helped address teacher shortages by deploying additional teachers to schools.
"This initiative has ensured that learners receive adequate attention, leading to improved academic performance," she said.
Furthermore, she commended the Mentor Teacher Initiative, which has eased the workload of teachers and enhanced the quality of education delivery.
Hamsin also commended government for implementing the Toilet and Washroom Project, which has significantly improved hygiene in schools.
She stated that proper sanitation facilities contribute to a healthier school environment, particularly benefiting female students.
She further expressed gratitude for the hardship allowance provided to teachers working in remote areas, saying it has motivated many educators to remain in rural schools and continue teaching.
School Management Committee Member, Jonas Kasina, has assured government that the community will safeguard these initiatives to ensure their sustainability.
“The committee will continue to sensitize the community on the importance of taking care of the new infrastructure and other initiatives being implemented.
“There is strong coordination between the District Council and the School Management Committee, which will help in maintaining these projects,” he said.
In her remarks, Mother Group Chairperson, Jessica Banda, said the construction of modern toilets and washrooms will be particularly beneficial for girls during menstruation.
“Most girls will now feel relaxed and safe due to the comfort of the newly constructed toilets and washrooms.
“This will help reduce absenteeism among female students and promote their education,” she said.
- Red Cross brings piped water to Karonga community
By George Mponda
Karonga, March 13, Mana: The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has installed a piped solar-powered water system worth K210 million at Ngara Trading Centre which will provide clean water to communities in the area of Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe in a bid to combat the spread of cholera.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the project at Ngara Primary School, MRCS's Director of Health, Dan Banda, said through the Cholera Response project, they want to ensure a reliable and sustainable source of clean water for thousands of people in Karonga.
"The project, funded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), aims to reduce the incidence of cholera and other water-borne diseases around Ngara Trade Centre an area plagued by recurring cholera outbreaks," said Banda.
"We have installed 16 water points around Ngara at schools, health facilities and in the villages to ensure that many people who relied on contaminated water sources, such as the lake and streams which posed a significant risk to their health are now safe," he added.
Banda said the new system uses solar power to pump clean water through two 10,000 litre tanks to a network of 16 taps, providing a safe and convenient source of water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
"It has a chlorine dosing chamber for water treatment which supplies water through a 3.2 kilometre pipeline to residential areas surrounding Ngara," he explained.
On his part, Group Village Head Muyereka who represented Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe praised MRCS for improving the overall health and well-being of residents, particularly children and vulnerable groups.
"For a long time, people around Ngara have been depending on water from Lake Malawi for drinking and washing. At the same time, this water was not safe because there are some individuals who use the lake as toilets a thing which causes frequent cholera cases in our area," said Muyereka.
One of the women from Chibwatiko Village, Sithembire Simwaba said the water system has also reduced distances women travelled to fetch water from Lake Malawi.
"We solely depended on the Lake to fetch water for use in our homes which made us travel long distances with buckets on our heads but now, water has come right to our doorsteps which is very commendable," Simwaba said.
Chakwera urges graduates to embrace perseverance and self development
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has urged fresh graduates to bring a positive impact in the economic development of the country.
The president was speaking on Friday during the 10th graduation ceremony of Daeyang University in Lilongwe .
He emphasised that Malawi’s future prosperity depends on consistent effort, sacrifice and strong partnerships.
“As graduates, it is essential for us to unite, as no one else will bring change to our country. We hold the power to develop our nation.
“Remember that now you have received an education here, you too have a responsibility to contribute to the productivity of our country,” he said.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s partnership with South Korea, as it is playing crucial role in advancing education and national development.
The Malawi leader ,appreciated the institution’s founder, You-Keon Chung, for his vision and dedication over the past 21 years. He also commended the transition of leadership from Chung to Sooyuck Chung, describing it as a testament to the importance of succession in sustaining long-term progress.
Chakwera further lauded South Korea’s contribution to education in Malawi, noting that over 40 Malawian students have benefited from scholarships to study there.
Korean Ambassador to Malawi, resident in Zimbabwe, Jae-Kyung Park, applauded the strong ties between Malawi and Korea for the past 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Park commended the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to embrace resilience as they step into society.
“The founder of this university is committed to improve education and healthcare in Malawi for that reason I urge all graduates to cultivate self confidence and persistence in all your activities,” said Park.
In his remarks , founder of Daeyeng University and Daeyang Luke hospital who is also the Chancellor of the University You-Keun Chung urged the graduates to use their minds, passionate hearts and hands to build a better country.
“When I came to Malawi over 21 years ago we faced countless trials but there have been no failures as we had a goal in our hearts as we hoped that dreams and visions will one day come to reality,” he said.
He further encouraged the graduates to unite and work for Malawi’s prosperity as they are youths who can bring change to the society.
One of the graduating student, Glory Jack, appreciated the support families, lecturers and administrators have provided to make sure the students graduated.
“To my fellow graduates I encourage you to remain steadfast despite challenges which are out there,” she said.
About 66 students have been awarded with Bachelors degree of Science in Nursing and Midwifery and Bachelors degree in Information Communication Technology.
President Chakwera also toured the Radiology and Dental Departments at the campus
VP supports residents of Kauma in Lilongwe
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Vice president Dr. Michael Usi Friday distributed assorted items to different people at Kauma area in Lilongwe as one way of uplifting their day to day lives.
During the visit, Usi distributed assorted food items such as maize flour, sugar as well as some cash to the residents people as a show of empathy upon noticing the conditions some of them are living in.
During the visit, the vice president managed to distribute the assorted items to about ten households where only children were available, left behind by their parents and guardians to take care of the houses.
Usi in his interactions with the people, reiterated his stance that he would continue offering his services and assisting the people as one way of serving the nation.
Samuel Kalindi, a resident of Kauma was all praises for the Vice President’s visit and support to the residents.
“His visit simply shows his commitments and sympathy to support and uplift people living in low income areas of the country,” he said.
Kauma located between area 43 and 12 in Lilongwe whose residents are mostly low income earners.
Usis’s visit to Kauma, follows a similar undertaking to Senti and Mgona areas on Wednesday in the same district of Lilongwe where he also donated assorted items at Ng’oma Heritage Foundation under the Maseko Ngoni, an organisation dedicated to support the elderly, orphans, and critically ill patients.
Miracle technical college rolls out SAVE project
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, March 14, Mana: Miracle Technical College (MTC) has unveiled a five year Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project which aims to equip 400 youths in Karonga with knowledge and technical skills that will enable them to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.
Briefing the District Executive Committee in Karonga on Thursday, Principle for Miracle Technical College, Chawanangwa Sichone said the project will build the capacity of women and vulnerable youth with relevant technical and vocational skills that will ensure their economic independence.
“We envision a future where our youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive economic growth and development in Karonga district and the country as a whole,” said Sichone.
She said the five year project is being funded by the World Bank through the Government of Malawi and will be implemented in conjunction with the Ministry of Labor and TEVETA.
"The SAVE project is designed to address the pressing need for skilled labor in Karonga and across Malawi. Key components include the introduction of a livestock management program, expansion of existing vocational skills programs, electrical installation and significant infrastructure development,” she added.
In his remarks, Chief Education Officer for Karonga District Council, Emmanuel Mwalilino, emphasized the significance of quality education and skills training in empowering the youth.
“As we strive to achieve our development goals, it is imperative that we equip our young people with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s economy. This is why we are committed to ensuring that our education system is tailored to meet the needs of our youth, and ultimately, our community,” Mwalilino said.
“The SAVE project is a beacon of hope for our community, and we are grateful of our partners in making this initiative a reality. We are confident that it will have a lasting impact on the lives of our youth,” he added.
Red Cross trains disaster committees in Mzuzu on electronic contingency plans
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 14, Mana: The Malawi Red Cross on Thursday trained five Ward Civil Protection Committees on development of electronic contingency plans in Mzuzu to enhance community-based disaster preparedness.
Speaking during the training, Director of Planning and Development (DPD) at Mzuzu City Council, Philimon Maseko, commended Malawi Red Cross for the training which he said had come at the right time considering that times are changing technologically.
He said this innovation will help speedy communication among those involved in disaster risk management.
Maseko added that it will be easier for disaster committees to communicate at ease and speed with stakeholders in times of disasters.
“The Council is usually faced with inadequate resources to undertake such tasks as such when partners like Red Cross and Habitat for Humanities among others come in to support, it is worthy commending them,” he said.
He then urged the committees to raise awareness in the communities on how to assess disaster risks and develop mechanisms to avert the same.
The DPD said good drainage systems can help communities prevent accumulation of waste that may result in spread of diseases such as cholera, hence urging the committee members to facilitate this practice.
On her part, Project Coordinator for Disaster Risk Management at Malawi Red Cross, Cecilia Banda said working with disaster committees help communities plan and prepare for disasters.
She said previously, such committees were using papers to develop contingency plans which was rather proving to be slow in terms of their communication.
Banda said by using the new technology where the committees will be developing electronic contingency plans and use smartphones to transmit, it will enhance their communication capacity.
She added that disaster risk management committees help communities to understand their risks based on their geographical positions.
"We have provided them with this training in addition to giving them smartphones which will help not only in communication but also data storage", she said.
She added that Mzuzu City has its own communication channel for disasters, allowing everyone on the channel to access information about disasters as soon as they occur through the innovation.
Added Banda: "Electronic contingency plans will complement the plans that were already developed but in paper form."
The Malawi Red Cross runs the disaster risk management preparedness in Mzuzu and Zomba cities. The project started in January 2024 and will run through December 2025 at the cost of K98 million.
The training brought together Chiputula, Katawa, Chibavi East, Msongwe and Mzirawaingwe Wards, community volunteers, council officials and other stakeholders in disaster management
