By Twink Jones Gadama

Nkhotakota District Council has received a significant boost to its infrastructure, courtesy of NBS Bank, which donated a Public Address System worth K8 million.

The donation, aimed at creating a conducive environment for the council chamber, was officially handed over by NBS Bank’s Head of Cluster responsible for Central and Northern Region,Dr. Justin Chikaonda.

According to Dr. Chikaonda, the donation is part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, demonstrating NBS Bank’s commitment to giving back to the community.

“We believe in supporting the development of our community, and this donation is a testament to our dedication,” Dr. Chikaonda emphasized.

On his part,District Commissioner (DC) for Nkhotakota, Ben Matengeni Tonho, expressed gratitude to NBS Bank for the timely gesture.

“This donation will greatly enhance our council’s operations, and we appreciate NBS Bank’s continued support,” Tonho said.

This is not the first time NBS Bank has shown its support for the Nkhotakota community.

Earlier this year, the bank donated relief support to flood survivors in Dwangwa, demonstrating its commitment to helping those in need.

NBS Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have been focused on improving the lives of Malawians, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

The bank’s efforts have been recognized and appreciated by various communities and organizations.

The donation of the Public Address System is expected to improve communication and productivity within the council chamber, ultimately benefiting the residents of Nkhotakota.

As NBS Bank continues to support the community through various initiatives, its impact on the lives of Malawians will undoubtedly be significant.

In related news, NBS Bank has been at the forefront of promoting digital financial services in rural areas through its Bank Pafupi channel.

This initiative aims to improve financial inclusion and provide access to financial services for underserved communities.

With its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and financial inclusion, NBS Bank remains a leader in Malawi’s banking sector, making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

By Kondwani Kandiado

World Vision Malawi has donated 45 sawing machines to youth in the Lipiri area program in Dowa who had completed a six months training in tailoring under the organisation initiative.

The organisation has also  donated 15 sewing machines to the Technical  Vocational Education and Training centre in the area to be used in training the youth as the organisation phases out in the area. All the sewing machines are valued at K22 Million with financial support from World Vision New Zealand.

Speaking in an interview on Monday after the handover, the organisation’s programmes manager for Dowa, Arnold Tsalayekha said the gesture is in line with government policy in empowering the youth economically.

“We thought we could contribute to that by ensuring that youths in the area are supported by training them in different vocational skills,” said the Tsalayekha.

“We would like to ensure that youths are productive and economically empowered so that they can desist from engaging in activities that may not be productive in their daily lives.”

Chairperson of the Lipiri Area Develoment Committee, Friday Chilonga said in an interview that they will ensure that the sawing machines are used for the intended purpose.

“We had agreed as a committee that those to get the sawing machines will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that the machines  serve the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

He thanked the organisation saying the donation will help improve the lives of the people especially the youths in their areas.

One of the beneficiaries, Winnie Custom of Yohane village in the area of Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa said she was excited that she now owns a  sewing machine.

“I used to rent a sewing machine and now that I have my own I will be able to use the money for renting for some other important things at home,” she said.

She then thanked the organisation for the gesture saying it should extend the initiative to people in other areas as well to improve their living standards.

Previously the organisation supported the training centre with 26 sawing machines to be used in trading the youth in the area.

Since its  inception 18 years ago, the organisation has helped improve access to safe water, school infrastructure and also improve on economic wellbeing of the people especially the youth.

Pic: Tsalayekha (L) handing over the machines to the youth.