MANAonline
Adult literacy key in social economic development
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, December 26, Mana: District Community Development Officer for Salima Samuel Chimwaza has emphasized the need for stakeholders to take an interest in spearheading adult literacy in communities where they are implementing projects as one way of empowering community members.
Chimwaza made the remarks on Wednesday at Kamzimbe village in the area of Senior Chief Kalonga, during the graduation of 21 community members who underwent adult literacy training, facilitated by JCM power.
He said stakeholders should take it as their responsibility to empower communities so that people should be able to read, write and solve basic mathematics.
"It is worrisome when the majority of communities cannot write and sign during social protection activities, it is our wish to have at least 70 per cent of society who can read and write, this calibre of individuals make up productive citizens," he said.
On this point, he said, they appreciate stakeholders who collaborate with their office to improve the status of literacy in the district.
"Collective effort in improving and popularizing adult literacy is key to ensuring that the numbers of people who can read and write improves," he said.
He however expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of interest from males in adult literacy classes, giving an example of the graduating students who saw only one man graduating in the day.
Community Liason Officer for JCM Power, Levison Masamba said they have been observing that the majority of community members they are serving cannot read and write; therefore, this prompted them to come up with the initiative of having adult literacy classes.
"They have undergone rigorous training to attain skills in writing and reading, we sought the services of teachers who knew how to help an adult grasp the concept of reading and writing within the shortest time," he said.
He revealed that the initiative will be ongoing and the next cohort will commence in March 2025, with an expectation of having a higher enrollment number since there has been an awareness of the importance of adult literacy education.
One of the graduating learners Chisomo Banda said she dropped out of school in standard 5 and she has never learnt how to read or write, which was drawing her back from engaging in activities that would develop her life.
"I could not engage in peace works because the conditions were that I had to be able to read or write, and I could not properly count money but now with this skill, I am confident that my life will move forward," she said.
As motivation to others and to commend the graduating learners for taking part in the training, JCM Power gifted them with water buckets.
Chirunga alumni group donate Wheelchairs to KCH
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, December 26, Mana: Chirunga alumni group from the University of Malawi has donated wheelchairs worth K2 million as part of Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations at Kamuzu Central Hospital on Thursday.
The Director of Quality Assurance Services in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, also a representative of the Alumni group, Dr Darwin Pangani, said one of their colleagues in the University of Malawi, also a former student, put up a bid for disposal of the wheelchair to the group to be donated to any hospital in the country.
Pangani said this triggered an inclination to the idea of making use of such an item in a meaningful sense and through value addition.
“Our engagement today here at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) at this function aims to deliver 5 new Wheelchairs as part of our goodwill donation to an important health facility not only in Lilongwe City but for the whole country Malawi.
“We started with modest donations and this became a bigger ambition which has led to mobilizing close to K2 million which has been used to buy four wheelchairs for adults and one wheelchair for a child, from the local medical equipment supply," said Pangani.
However, he expressed gratitude to his fellow alumni for the kind donations from Chirunga friends and colleagues some of which stay and work outside the country, US and UK.
“We are grateful for the guidance from the Health Financing section of MoH on following the right protocols to make this donation.
“All in all we are also grateful to be part of the start of this partnership with KCH and MoH in particular. Most of us value KCH as a facility which has been used as a referral for most of our health problems," he said.
The Director General at Kamuzu Central Hospital Dr Knock Ludzu expressed gratitude for the coming of the Chizungu alumni ground, as the wheelchairs will play a crucial role in the easy movement of the patients from one place to another within the hospital.
“Our goal is to provide quality tertiary healthy services in the central region and beyond, but we have limited resources which is also a challenge to fulfil our core values and goals.
“We would love if other well wishes would intervene and provide us with more wheelchairs since the hospital is very large and requires more availability of resources;” he explained
He has however encouraged other well wishes to donate essential materials at the hospital in order to help patients in different departments of the hospital.
Blantyre Press Club to host issue-based campaign forum
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, December 26, Mana: In a bid to promote issue-based campaigning ahead of the September 16, 2025, General Elections, Blantyre Press Club will host a forum at Naripiri Holiday Resort in Mulanje this Friday.
According to Blantyre Press Club President, Luke Chimwaza, the event aims to bring together different political leaders and stakeholders to discuss the importance of focusing on issues that affect the lives of Malawians.
“We will have an interface with political parties and we expect them to share their strategies for ensuring free, fair and transparent elections next year.
“We want to know how they plan to address the challenges facing our country and how they intend to engage with citizens on these issues,” said Chimwaza.
Chimwaza emphasized that violence and intimidation have no place in Malawi's electoral process, noting: "We encourage all political parties in the country to desist from violence as it scares voters away from participating in elections.”
“Instead, we want to see them engaging in constructive debates and discussions on the issues that matter most to Malawians," he added.
The forum will feature discussions on various topics including civic education, inclusive participation, environmental issues and internal issues affecting the press club.
Chimwaza, however, noted that civic education is crucial in empowering citizens to make informed decisions at the polls.
"We will also civic educate people to take part in elections as well as encourage people with disabilities to take part in elections,
"They are also Malawians and their votes count. Their votes can change things," he said.
By hosting this forum, Blantyre Press Club hopes to promote a culture of issue-based campaigning and encourage politicians to prioritize the needs and concerns of citizens.
The event is expected to attract a diverse of stakeholders, including political party leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the press.
SCT beneficiaries praise government for lean season response
By Salome Gangire
Neno, December 26, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Neno District have expressed gratitude to the government for the lean season response funds and their regular cash transfers, saying the financial support will enable them to purchase food and meet other basic needs.
Speaking on Wednesday at Ligowe in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlauli's area during the disbursement of lean season response funds and social cash transfers, a beneficiary from Dzomodya Village, Nelia Somebody said the funds would help her purchase food for her household in the coming months.
“The money I have received will go a long way in helping me buy food and other essentials that I couldn’t afford on my own. I am very grateful to the government,” Somebody said.
As part of the lean season response programme, SCT beneficiaries received a lump sum of K210, 000 to cover three months in place of maize supply in addition to their monthly stipends. Payments ranged from K244, 000 for single-member households to K374, 000 for larger families.
Another beneficiary from Dzomodya 2 Village, Macdonald Kusata, echoed similar sentiments, observing that the funds came at a critical time.
“The money has come at the right time when I had no food for my family. I will now be able to buy food for the coming months and celebrate Christmas well,” Kusata said.
Principal Social Welfare Officer in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare responsible for Manual and E-transfers, Gilbert Kaponda said the lean season response funds were provided through support from the European Union (EU) in addition to their regular monthly stipends from September to December, representing a vertical expansion of the programme.
“The government recognizes the challenges posed by hunger and is ensuring that beneficiaries receive both their regular payments and additional support under the lean season vertical response. We encourage beneficiaries to use the money responsibly by prioritizing food purchases and meeting their children’s school needs as schools reopen in January,” Kaponda said.
He emphasized that the Social Cash Transfer Programme is designed to achieve three main objectives: reducing poverty and hunger, increasing school enrollment and improving the health and nutrition of beneficiaries.
Kaponda added that the government is digitalizing all social protection programs with efforts underway to conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) processes for all beneficiaries to enable electronic transfers in Neno.
Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfers in Neno, Amos Chandilanga disclosed that the EU's contribution of K648, 480,000.00 was meant to support 3,088 SCTP beneficiary households in the district whereby each household is receiving K70, 000 per month for three months under the Lean Season Response Programme.
“This once-off payment is designed to help households purchase food items during the lean season,” said Chandilanga, adding that the lean season response programme in Neno is being delivered through two modalities: cash transfers for SCTP beneficiaries and in-kind maize distribution for others.
He added that the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report identified 5,692,122 people across 28 districts and four cities as requiring food assistance for three to six months during the 2024/25 consumption year.
In Neno District alone, 13,869 households are affected, of which 3,088 SCTP beneficiaries are receiving cash transfers for three months instead of maize having received the commodity for the past two months. The remaining households will continue to receive 50-kilogram bags of maize under the programme, which began in October.
Over 140 children reinstated on ART in Nkhata Bay
By Abednego Sibale
Nkhata Bay, December 26, Mana: Programs Manager for Malawi AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Chirwa, Wednesday said that over 140 children aged below 14 in Nkhata Bay have been reinstated on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).
Chirwa said the children have been reinstated on ART after defaulting the therapy for varied periods after their parents and guardians had travelled to other countries in search of employment opportunities.
He was speaking at Chisala in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in Nkhata Bay during Ndife Umodzi Know Your Rights awareness campaign on the rights of children and women living with HIV.
"It was observed that some guardians fail to support children living with HIV to adhere to ART.
With the help of Ndife Amodzi Know Your Rights campaign, I am glad to say that 143 under the ages of 14 have been reinstated on ART in 2024 and we will continue engaging communities so that we maintain the status," said Chirwa.
According to Chirwa, discrimination against people living with HIV is a major obstacle in fighting HIV.
"We will therefore continue empowering communities to report to relevant authorities any forms of discrimination and ART default cases, " he said.
ART Coordinator at Nkhata Bay District Health Office, Yvonne Mnjeza commended MACODESO and other stakeholders for collective efforts towards improving the well-being of children living with HIV who depend on their guardians to manage their life decisions.
"This development is a significant initiative in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly among vulnerable populations like children," said Mnjeza
Community Policing Station Coordinator for Nkhata-Bay Police, Joseph Kyeyo said that he was optimistic that this campaign will enhance advocacy for women and children health rights.
All Set for Sounds of Africa in Blantyre
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, December 25, Mana: To celebrate African music this festive season, Hype has organized a music party, dubbed Sounds of Africa on December 28, 2024, at Amaryllis Hotel, Stakeout Restaurant in Blantyre to explore ignored African music genres.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Hype, Rahim Karim told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that Sounds of Africa has been organized under the theme; Taking a journey through the rhythm of the motherland.
He added that the show is meant to explore African music genres that aren't usually played in Malawi this time around, citing afrobeat, soukous, rhumba and kanindo among others.
“It is called Sounds of Africa because of the type of music that will be played on the day. We will strictly be playing African music throughout the event.
“This will help to appreciate how diverse our continent music backgrounds differ. Despite the difference, we shall further appreciate that the music still unite us through the language in the music,” Karim said, adding that entertainment lovers should expect full and memorable musical experience that will draws them closer to African roots.
Apart from the music, there shall be food and drinks tailored for day at the Stakeout Restaurant which, according to Hype's Chief Executive will be transformed to give real African music sound,
“There will be an exclusive food and drinks menu tailored for that day on top of a lineup of amazing DJs. The venue itself, Stakeout Restaurant will be transformed to give the ultimate African sound experience,” he said.
In a separate interview, one of the DJs who will perform at the event, Innocent Mpakiza popularly known as Tino the DJ said that his mission is to take everyone on an unforgettable journey through African music.
“People should expect soulful vibes, infectious beats and a performance that embodies the spirit of Africa at that same time bringing everyone together on the dance floor”, he said.
Other DJs that will perform at the event include; DJ Climaxx and DJ Vinneq as the event will set to begin at 3 in the afternoon and will run throughout into the evening.
Mangochi NICE Trust in peacebuilding with Young Politician Union
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, December 25, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Mangochi engaged Young Politician Union, a structure comprised of young people from seven political parties in the district, to preach the message of political tolerance and coexistence ahead of 2025 general election.
Recently, Mangochi NICE Trust had a pavilion at the 2024 International Human Rights Day commemoration at Mangochi Stadium where the trust showcased young people from seven political parties, symbolising coexistence as a crucial element in multiparty democracy.
NICE Trust District Coordinator for Mangochi, Joseph Chamambala said the trust engages youths from seven political parties in the district namely; Malawi Congress Party (MCP), United Democratic Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), Alliance for Democracy (Aford), United Transformation Movement (UTM), People Party (PP) and People Democratic Party (PDP) in the peace-building initiative.
“We took this initiative after learning from Mwasa Ward's by-election experience. We noted that youths were mostly used to incite violence,” Chamambala added, referring to the by-elections in Mangochi Municipal Ward which were rescheduled following interparty misunderstandings that escalated into violence.
Vice President, Michael Usi presided over the recent International Human Rights Day Commemorations and was eager to learn more about the role of the Young Politician Union and what they discuss during their meetings.
Nice displayed seven youths from MCP, DPP, UDF, Aford, UTM, PP and PDP in their party colours, explaining and explained to those that visited the pavilion that Young Politician Union was an attempt to peace building in the district which is known for political violence at the expense peace and coexistence.
Apart from engaging the youth representatives, NICE also engaged senior party leadership in the district to discourage them from using youth as tools for violence.
“We also engaged senior party leaders such as district governors and campaign directors so that they should stop using young people to disrupt political meetings,” Chamambala added, saying multiparty democracy demands coexistence of political parties.
He added that the Young Politician Union will go round the district’s political violence hot spots to preach the message of coexistence, citing Mangochi Town, Makawa, Namwera, and Mtakataka turn off.
A member of Young Politician Union who was among those that were showcased at the international Human Rights Day commemoration, Felix Ngolingoli said the union will play an active role in prevention of political violence before and after the elections as it has several outreach activities that will engage fellow youths on ‘Say No to Violence’.
Ngolingoli who is also a member of MCP Eastern Region Committee acknowledged that Mangochi has a bad record on politics of tolerance but said that the time is now for the district to use the Young Politician Union to do away with political intolerance.
“We will join hands to end political violence, violence has no room here. Previously, we had seen property being destroyed but this time around the youth will take a stand to prevent this,” he added.
Young Politician Union members meet every Friday at Mangochi NICE Trust offices where they discuss means and ways as to how the youth should contribute to peaceful elections.
DPP Youth representative in the Young Politician Union, Ishmael Saidi Chipala said the union unanimously agreed to “No violence” in political activities ahead of the 2025 General Election and insisted that young people in Mangochi will not be part of any form of political violence.
“We want peace and this is why we are preaching the messages of coexistence. There will be no room for disrupting political meetings in the district with Young Politician Union in place,” he added.
The NICE Trust in Mangochi supports the Young Politicians Union with relevant capacity-building sessions on democracy, good governance, and human rights aspects of elections.
CSQ Seeks Donations to Support Cancer Patients
By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, December 25, Mana: Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ), an organisation that supports cancer patients has appealed to the public for donations to assist five cancer patients to access medical treatment in hospitals.
According to CSQ Executive Director, Chikhulupiliro Ng’ombe, the organisation aims to provide financial support to cancer patients, covering transportation and food costs; thereby, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and patient dropout rates.
Ng’ombe noted that cancer patients from low-income backgrounds often struggle to access medical care due to financial constraints.
“An average person cannot carter for transport and accommodation to access medical care as it is free in Malawi but to travel to hospitals is costly since some come from far places like Mangochi and need to travel to Blantyre while some need to go to the hospital twice a month, of which it is expensive undertaking,” he said.
Established in 2011, CSQ uses cancer survivors to promote hope and support to those affected by the disease in Malawi.
“We use those that have survived cancer to promote hope to others who are suffering from the disease and through their contributions we support the cancer patients with transport and other materials,” said Ng’ombe.
Meanwhile, CSQ has raised awareness in the whole country and introduced many programmes with the aim of supporting cancer patients in Malawi.
“Without blowing our own trumpet, we have managed a lot in terms of awareness we have done a lot of awareness throughout the nation. We have been to Mzuzu, Zomba, Blantyre and Lilongwe; we also have online awareness, screening programme and cancer awareness clubs which support patients,” Ng’ombe added.
One of the cancer survivors from Blantyre, Mathias Chinthenga expressed gratitude for the support from CSQ.
“For me, I cannot say much, all that I can say is to thank God almighty for allowing me to meet with these people because they have helped me a lot to receive cancer treatment as I was having some problems with money for transport, without them I could have just been staying
“I was lacking care because I am single, I don’t have parents, money for transport no one was assisting me. I was thinking of committing suicide but since I met with these people my life changed,” said Mathias.
Mathias, therefore, encouraged well-wishers to donate to the organisation, noting that cancer is a chronic disease that requires sufficient support.
Malawi Health Equity Network Executive Director, George Jobe commended CSQ, pointing out that the health sector needs more partners to complement its efforts in health service delivery.
“We have some cancer patients who don’t have money to go to the hospital to receive treatment but when they get support their lives are saved. So, we commend the initiative of soliciting funds from well-wishers and well-wishers whose contributions have saved lives,” Jobe said.
However, Jobe called on people to support such initiatives as those initiated by CSQ in a bid to reach out to more people with the support.
MBTS urges people to donate blood during festive season
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, December 25, Mana: In an attempt to meet the demand for blood due to malaria cases and road accidents, Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has called upon those eligible to donate blood to save lives during this festive season.
In a press statement released on December 20, 2024, MBTS announced plans to conduct blood donation campaigns across the nation to supply blood to authorized hospitals and save the lives of patients requiring blood transfusions.
“These activities will be conducted in various churches, villages and trading centres. Therefore, the requirements for a donor include healthy males and females aged between 16 and 65 years, with a body weight of at least 45kg and who are not anemic,” read the statement.
MBTS also disclosed that during the 2023/2024 financial year, they collected over 122,000 units of blood, which saved many lives, including accident victims, cancer patients, anemic children and mothers with pregnancy complications.
As part of its mandate, MBTS collects, tests, processes and supplies safe and adequate blood and blood products to all patients who require blood transfusions in authorized hospitals across Malawi.
Health expert, Maziko Matemba told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday that Malawians must develop the habit of donating blood regularly to help meet the demand for blood in hospitals.
“Blood plays a crucial role in the human body and without it, the body cannot function,” Matemba explained.
Matemba also urged Malawians to avoid activities that could endanger their lives, noting that the high rate of accidents during the festive season could be reduced.
“Malawians should report to their nearest hospital if they experience any form of body malfunction, rather than waiting until after the festive season,” Matemba advised.
Matemba commended MBTS for their timely appeal, emphasizing that this period sees an increased need for blood due to malaria and road accidents, although the need for blood persists throughout the year.
Chikwawa District Council recognizes best performing teachers
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, December 25, Mana: In an attempt to enhance quality education, Chikwawa District Council recognized efforts by teachers in the 2023/2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations (PSLCE) performance through award presentations to best teachers, Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) and schools.
The event took place at Chikwawa Secondary School hall on Tuesday under the theme: "Recognizing Teachers' Excellence, Backbone of Quality Education."
In his remarks, Chikwawa District Council Chairperson, Martin Goche appreciated the efforts of the teachers, saying there is a significant change in terms of PSLCE performance in the district.
"As compared to 2022-2023 PSLCE results where only 70 learners were selected to National Secondary Schools. This year's PSLCE performance has improved with at least 104 learners selected to National Secondary Schools," said Goche.
Goche who was the guest of honour during the event has since encouraged teachers in the district to continue providing quality education for the council to become one of the best-performing districts.
Director of Education and Sports for Chikwawa District Council, Gertrude Zimba Jumbe said the significance of motivating teachers and recognizing their efforts in providing quality education cannot be overemphasised.
Jumbe said despite teachers working under challenging factors, such as a high teacher-to-learner ratio, they have produced good results as a district compared to the past two years; hence, the recognition.
Head Teacher of Sekeni Primary School which emerged top in the best school category, Gladys Mugawa, expressed satisfaction with the award, saying they have been motivated to continue doing better as a school and also as individuals.
Apart from awarding teachers, the district council has also distributed 10 motorcycles to PEAs as one way of facilitating their mobility.
