By Jones Gadama
The Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare has dedicated the month of May to community development initiatives, aiming to promote a self-help spirit among communities.
Minister Jean Sendeza made the announcement during a ministerial statement marking the commissioning of the 2025/2026 Community Development Month in Lilongwe.
The initiative seeks to reduce over-dependency on assistance from the government and development partners, promoting sustainable development and community empowerment.
Minister Sendeza emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to facilitate the smooth implementation of the program, ensuring it effectively contributes to the country’s development.
The Community Development Month is designed to empower communities, promote self-reliance, and foster collaboration.
It will focus on several key areas, including adult literacy and education, household livelihoods, community participation, and nutrition and health.
The program aims to enhance access to functional adult literacy and education, promote skills development and personal growth, improve household livelihoods through initiatives that promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods, increase community participation in development initiatives, and promote awareness campaigns on nutrition and non-communicable diseases.
The Community Development Month is expected to have a significant impact on communities across the country, including increased self-reliance, improved livelihoods, and stronger communities.
Minister Sendeza has called on stakeholders to collaborate with the ministry in implementing the Community Development Month program, emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
With collective effort and commitment, the Community Development Month is poised to make a lasting impact on communities across Malawi.
Communities are encouraged to participate actively in the program, taking advantage of the opportunities provided to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s development.
