By Chisomo Phiri
Former president Joyce Banda has called for greater support for vulnerable women, youths and children in the country, saying empowering them is essential to achieving the aspirations of Malawi 2063.
Banda made the remarks on Wednesday in Zomba when she visited various businesses run by communities in Zomba and surrounding districts through the Joyce Banda Foundation International (JBFI).
The ventures, which include tailoring, baking, manufacturing and agribusiness, are aimed at helping vulnerable households improve their livelihoods and become self-reliant.
Banda said supporting such households can strengthen community stability, stimulate local economies and contribute to improved health and education outcomes.
“The beneficiaries should also consider helping other vulnerable households once they achieve their goals,” she said.
The former president also presented a K175 million cheque towards a bursary programme targeting needy students across the country to help them remain in school.
One of the beneficiaries, Eunice Idi, said the K250,000 seed capital she received about a decade ago helped expand her agribusiness, whose proceeds enabled her to build a house and educate her children.
