Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko has applauded the government of India for complementing Malawi on human capital development through the provision of scholarships by Indian universities to Malawian students.
Mdooko made the remarks today in Lilongwe during the graduation ceremony of students under Government of India’s scholarship online programme which was organised by the High Commission of India to Malawi.
Deputy Education Minister Nancy Chaola MdookoIndian High Commissioner to Malawi, Shri Gopalakrishnan
“From a human capital development perspective, this day is very important because as a nation, we have created a new capital that can contribute effectively to the achievement of the aspirations of the Malawi 2063,” she said.
The Deputy Minister added that what India is doing is in line with the aspirations and thematic objectives of the National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESIP) 2020 – 2030, through which the Ministry seeks to increase equitable access to higher education through the implementation of a number of strategies including increased participation of private sector as well as government partners in offering higher education.
“In this regard, the Government of Malawi appreciates the unwavering commitment that the Government of India has demonstrated to our country through various capacity-building programmes since the establishment of our diplomatic relations 60 years ago,” she added.
Speaking earlier, Indian High Commissioner to Malawi, Shri Gopalakrishnan expressed India’s commitment to supporting Malawi in its quest to attain the Malawi 2063 through capacity building by providing scholarships in different fields.
Among other disciplines, the graduands were awarded Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, Masters of Computer Applications, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Commerce – Financial Management, Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Bachelor’s of Computer Science and Postgraduate Diplomas in Finance and Accounting, Business Analytics and Intelligence as well as in Non-Governmental Organisation ( NGO) Management.
President Dr. Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera has today launched the 2024 Malawi Red Cross Society Flag Week at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
The event, which marks the beginning of the Red Cross’s annual fundraising campaign, was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Health, Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, and the President of the Malawi Red Cross Society, Mr. Innocent Majiya.
In his address, President Chakwera commended the Malawi Red Cross Society for its tireless efforts in providing humanitarian services to vulnerable communities in Malawi.
President Chakwera at the launch of Red Cross Week
He emphasized the importance of supporting the organization’s work, particularly in the areas of disaster response, health, and community development.
As the patron of the Malawi Red Cross Society, President Chakwera led by example by making a donation to the organization.
He was also presented with a carnation by the MRCS Youth President, Mr. Bob Chisamba, in appreciation of his support.
The Malawi Red Cross Society, established in 1966, is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency response, health, and community development services to vulnerable communities in Malawi.
With a network of volunteers and staff across the country, the Red Cross plays a vital role in supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Malawians.
The Flag Week campaign is an annual event that aims at raising funds and awareness for the Red Cross’s humanitarian work.
The campaign is supported by individuals, organizations, and corporations, who donate funds and resources to support the Red Cross’s programs and services.
Bicycles, solar-panelled radios, smartphones, t-shirts, gumboots, and sprayers. – These were some of the gifts displayed by small-scale farmers in Lilongwe, Malawi awarded to the farmers in exchange for practicing good agriculture through the reward platform called Z’wardy.
“Kvuno, a leading provider of digital empowerment solutions for smallholder farmers, is proud to announce its transformative services aimed at inspiring and empowering farming communities across Southern Africa. With a focus on bridging the digital divide, Kvuno is revolutionizing how farmers engage with interventions, turning lasting behavior change into a tangible reality. Z’wardy is not just offering gifts, it is uplifting lives. Don’t take our word for it, these farmers speak for themselves. We call on local and international stakeholders to partner with us so that we can scale to transform even more lives,” says Lydia Banda, Regional Manager at Kvuno.
Z’wardy – Kvuno’s adaptive platform – is at the forefront of this mission. With its motivating tagline, “good gifts,” Z’wardy is changing the landscape of farmer engagement in Southern Africa by providing motivational nudges that spark action. Recognizing that true transformation begins with motivation, Z’wardy’s platform is meticulously crafted to kindle enthusiasm among farmers, inspiring them to adopt sustainable practices and enhance their livelihoods.
Given Phiri, Senior Programmes Manager for Malawi at Solidaridad
A Game Changer for Sub-Saharan Africa
“Empowering small-scale farmers in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique with good agricultural practices isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity for sustainable development. These farmers constitute the backbone of their nations’ food security and economy. According to the FAO, about 33 million smallholders produce over 80% of the food consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. By embracing effective techniques, they enhance crop yields, mitigate climate risks, and uplift entire communities, fostering resilience and prosperity for generations to come. This in turn can also improve farmers’ incomes and livelihoods,” says Given Phiri, Senior Programmes Manager for Malawi at Solidaridad.
According to Phiri, Solidaridad is fully aligned with Kvuno’s mission to empower smallholder farmers by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s digital world. In promoting Z’wardy, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also unlocking the hidden potential of successful businesses within farming communities. Farmers are awarded points for adopting good agricultural practices which include, but are not limited to, early planting, weeding, and the use of certified seeds.
Kvuno’s services encompass seamless digital integration, comprehensive financial support, and invaluable insights that reduce transaction costs, increase efficiency, and nurture collective prosperity. By leveraging technology, Kvuno is fostering digital empowerment for all, ensuring that no farmer is left behind.
Kvuno farmers
Planting Connections
“I earned a radio through Z’wardy. It benefitted my life and my family because now I am able to hear more about good agricultural practices from a radio programme called Ulimi Walero (translates to Modern Farmer). Very few people have access to a radio in our village. It is, therefore, common for my neighbours and neighbourhood at large to excitedly come and listen to it. I am so grateful to what Kvuno has done for me and other farmers. You are truly improving our lives,” says Mary Chimtepa, Kvuno Lead Farmer from Lilongwe, Malawi.
According to Chimtepa, the solar-panelled radio is not just beneficial to her, but has also bridged digital and geographical divides to connect her village with agricultural experts on the radio. In addition to the conservation agricultural practices they have learned from Kvuno, they can also be empowered by learning from agricultural shows on the radio.
Farmers praised Kvuno for enabling them to enhance their farming practices and improve their livelihoods. The motivational nudges provided by Z’wardy were said to have inspired farmers to adopt sustainable methods, leading to increased yields and profitability.
Kvuno’s farmer harvest
Reaping Hope
Zitamandani Duli, Kvuno Lead Farmer confirmed the life changing aspects one can get from the rewards that come from adopting climate smart agricultural practices in Malawi. He also got a radio through his Z’wardy points and proudly showcased his great harvest which he attributes to Kvuno’s Pewo service whereby he was given 25kg of certified soya seeds – of which he needs to return 75kg.
“Look at the great harvest that I have. From what you can see, it can easily amount to about 750kg. The teaching of Kvuno – as well as their seeds – work. You can see for yourself. From the profits, I managed to buy 12 chickens, two goats, an ox cart and so much more. I am storing the seeds now as we are anticipating better prices in the near future. I have no words to thank you. We use your weather app information, teachings and services. Thank you very much Kvuno. You have changed my life, along with my wife and our four kids,” says Duli.
According to Judith Samson, Wife of Kvuno Lead Farmer from the Nsalu-Kwathamu region of Malawi, Kvuno helped to change her life around. Today, she attributes her confidence and community stature to Kvuno’s good agricultural trainings. “With the proceeds of the sales, I bought a pig and goats. Even better still, look at the house that we are building. It is almost complete. I am confident that if we stick to the teachings from Kvuno we will reach and surpass our dreams,” concludes Samson.
Kvuno was founded in 2018 with the mandate of scaling up access to certified seed, fresh fruit and vegetable and soil hubs to improve crop production and optimise harvest. Kvuno started off as a project under Solidaridad Southern Africa designed to; curb the food losses that were as a result of poor access to markets; low food variety and increased income. Solidaridad is an international NGO working in agriculture value chains and with small holder farmers. With over 50 years of experience, Solidaridad is a frontrunner in the area of sustainable economic development.
Solidaridad Southern Africa is one of the Regional Expertise Centres and manages programmes in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has underscored the importance of addressing issues of lack of information sharing which results in misinformation and lack of action in some important issues affecting the rights of refugees in the country.
Speaking in Salima district during a capacity building workshop for commissioners and staff on refugees related laws, policies and international best practices, Commissioner Andrew Kavala said lack of coordination among stakeholders is a big challenge.
Programmes Manager at European Union Delegation Atiji Nuka
“We want the rights of refugees in the country to be promoted and protected just like any other regular citizen and that those undermining their stay in the camp should be taken to task. No one should feel more important and violate the rights of refugees.
“As a Commission, we look at a number of areas which require immediate interventions by government and various key players on issues about safety of the refugees, status and overcrowding. We will make sure that these issues are addressed by various stakeholders,” Kavala said.
He said the interface meeting will help the commission to develop a way forward, on what should be done and what strategies should be put in place to address various issues faced by refugees in the camps.
In her remarks , Programmes Manager at European Union Delegation, Atiji Nuka highlighted the importance of coordination among stakeholders and the need to review the Refugee Act of 1989 which is outdated.
“We have an outdated legislation. There’s need to review all issues affecting refugees and come up with solutions. As such, coordination among main stakeholders and knowledge sharing is needed,” Nuka said.
Nuka added that complaints handling mechanisms in the refugee camps wasn’t working due to trust issues between refugees and organisations working in the camps.
This dialogue can come up with a set of either an independent organisation, commission or a forum that the refugees can feel comfortable with but also trust that their issues can be handled properly,” she said.
Law Commissioner Rosemary Kanyuka, who is one of the commissioners reviewing the Refugee Act of 1989, said the Act is being reviewed inorder to incorporate current issues and challenges faced by refugees.it is important to review the Act to accommodate the current situations being faced by the refugees.
MHRC is implementing a two year promotion and protection of rights of refugees and other migrants in Malawi project with funds from the European Union to enhance alignment of national legal frameworks and policies and to improve equality, inclusion, respect and engagement of refugees in the country.
The news media plays a particularly important role during election campaigns. Voters need information about the parties’ programmes, the candidates and possible coalition arrangements after an election. The media also provide critical analysis of the policies and past performance of parties and candidates.
A communication platform such as social media is persuasive and often works to change or influence opinions regarding political views because of the abundance of ideas, thoughts, and opinions circulating through the social media platform.
The best definition of politics (from Ancient Greek πολιτικά (politiká) is the ‘affairs of the cities’) is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.
Politics takes a significant toll on a range of health markers-everything from stress, loss of sleep, or suicidal thoughts to an inability to stop thinking about politics and making intemperate social media posts.
The main roles of the media is that they educate, inform and entertain through news, features and analysis in the press. They also produce documentaries, dramas, current affairs programmes, public service announcements, magazine programmes and other forms of programming for radio and television.
The influences of mass media (or ‘media effects’) are observed in various aspects of human life, from voting behaviors to perceptions of violence, from evaluations of scientists to our understanding of others’ opinions.
Politics is the way that people living in groups make planned decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such as tribes, cities, or countries. In large groups, such as countries, some people may spend a lot of their time making such agreements.
By covering news, politics, weather, sports, entertainment, and vital events, the daily media shape the dominant cultural, social and political picture of society. Beyond the media networks, independent news sources have evolved to report on events which escape attention or underlie the major stories.
Role in democracy In conclusion, ideally the news media’s role is to: provide the public with in-depth, factual information to inform their political decision-making. act as a watchdog against abuses of power. offer a forum for the exchange of opinions, experiences and perspectives.
