By Jones Gadama
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, has described World Vision Malawi as a true partner in nation-building, praising the organization for its “holistic approach” that has transformed thousands of lives in rural communities.
Speaking on Tuesday in Traditional Authority Mazengera, Lilongwe during the phasing-out ceremony for Chilenje and Chigodi Area Development Programmes (ADPs), Dr. Phiri said Malawi is proud of the lasting legacy left behind.
“*I am so impressed with what I have seen in the districts and I am amazed and very appreciative of the great works World Vision has done. Government appreciates this legacy that will live to be remembered for years*,” Dr. Phiri said.
The two ADPs, which began in 2007 and 2011 respectively, are closing in 2026 after 19 and 15 years of implementation.
The Minister had the honor of presiding over the phasing-out ceremonies for all World Vision programmes in Dedza, Chiradzulu and Lilongwe districts.
Funded by World Vision USA, World Vision New Zealand and World Vision South Korea, the programmes tackled the root causes of poverty by focusing on children’s wellbeing, food security, and access to clean water.
In TA Mazengera alone, Chigodi and Chilenje ADPs delivered major gains in health and nutrition, education, livelihoods and economic empowerment, WASH, child protection, and child sponsorship.
Dr. Phiri, widely regarded as one of the most hardworking and humble public servants Malawi has had, urged communities to protect the investments made.
“*We hope that sustainability of the projects will be considered so that issues like the maintenance policy are well strategized so that the programmes’ footprints are preserved for future generations*,” the Minister added.
He called on other development partners to copy World Vision’s model of working hand-in-hand with communities, traditional leaders, and government.
“*This is how we deliver lasting results aligned to Malawi Agenda 2063*,” Dr. Phiri said.
Traditional leaders and beneficiaries at the event showered both World Vision and the Minister with praise, saying Dr. Phiri’s presence and hands-on leadership gave them hope that government truly cares about rural development.
As the curtains fall on nearly two decades of service in these areas, the message from government is clear: partnership works, and with humble, committed leadership like that of Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, Malawi’s villages are being transformed one community at a time.
