Fashion designer Lilly Alfonso recently organised a fashion show aimed at promoting young and gifted designers.

Held in Lilongwe and dubbed TRI Fashion Show, Alfonso said this was an event that was not only about the Lilly Alfonso (LA) brand, but also about Malawian youth.

“We have young gifted and talented fashion designers in the country and we used fashion to highlight more on how to be successful using what we possess. So, we showcased designs of younger people alongside the LA designs as a way of exposing their talents,” said Alfonso.

She Added: “The Lilly Alfonso brand has achieved so much by using the little resources it can get its hands on. If I can achieve, why can’t everybody else? If one believes and follows their passion, they can be successful in life.

“Many young people have approached us to sharpen their fashion design skills. I could have used a hand to help me climb and do better in this industry, but there was none. This is why I thought it wise to be there for the up and coming fashion designers to realise their dreams,” she said.

The TRI Fashion show was dubbed such because things were presented in threes.

Faida Banda, 23, is one of the upcoming fashion designers from Area 18 in Lilongwe under the mentorship of Alfonso.

“Before I started getting mentorship from her, I used to sketch, but not the way I do now. One can really see a change from my previous designs. I was very happy to be part of the TRI Fashion Show,” said the young woman.

Alfonso also said that parents should understand that not every child can become what they want them to be, stressing the need for them to consider the children’s passion and help them nurture it.

“Some people are not doing so well in their professions because they are pursuing things they are not passionate about,” she pointed out.

Alfonso said the TRI was part of the brand’s social responsibility towards its 100-year vision to change people’s mindset.

“We call it a chain-movement, whereby, we help someone so that they can help another,” she says.

Considering that for anyone to be successful, they need the right information, Alfonso said the registrar general’s office also made a presentation on how to handle copyright; where and how people can protect their designs; as well as the power of branding. 

Southern Africa Aids Trust (Saat) has advised school-going girls to take pride in menstruation as a natural gift for women and not a challenge to deter them from progressing with education.

Saat country director Robert Mangwazu-Phiri offered the advice recently during the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day at Chiwamba primary school in Lilongwe.

He observed that most girls miss an average of 15 school days per term during which they experience menstruation periods. He said this makes the girls miss a lot of knowledge.

Said Mangwazu-Phiri: “It may happen that during the days they are absent, their colleagues are learning examinable materials and this will put them on the margin during examinations.”

He said to keep girls in school, 10 non-governmental organisations are implementing a programme to facilitate the making and using of reusable sanitary pads.

Under the programme, mother groups in various schools work with girls to make reusable pads and distribute to girls who have reached menstruation age.

One of the project implementing organisations, the Centre for Youth Development and Social Empowerment (CYDSE) said the project is showing good progress.

CYDSE executive director Nefitale Chizongo said apart from encouraging the use of reusable sanitary pads, the project is also facilitating construction of change rooms for girls in schools.

Shopping for sanitary towels causes such a stir in our supermarkets. Many women almost hide the ‘stuff’ under other items in a shopping basket away from the view of prying eyes. I have personally experienced the gazes which follow you right to the shelves, all the way down other aisles right to the till. The eyes scream out: “Really? What do you think you are doing carrying around ‘those’. Are you in your periods right now? Shouldn’t you keep that away from everyone’s view? Are you bleeding?”  I have devised defensive mechanisms against these stereotypes. Either I stare back at them or pretend they don’t exist. After all, weren’t these pads, tampons or cotton wool placed in the shops for people like me to access and buy freely? Fortunately, nobody dares make the mistake of talking. Otherwise I would lash right back at them with a small piece of my mind.

Our Page 8 article “Menstrual health and vitality: Breaking the silence” seeks to break menstrual attitudes by most societies. It rightly observes that “Women and girls have historically been asked to bleed in stoic silence so that no one even knows they have their period”. Talking about menstruation, let alone demonstrating to be having a period seem an outrage in many societies. But for how long should such a call of nature be handled in secrecy? How long will guardians of culture scare girls out of their minds by advising them how ‘sinful’ it is to express the pain that accompany periods, let along accidentally mess themselves up with blood stains? For how long shall we keep this biological expression secret from our boys?

I recall the other day my younger son beaming with excitement as he entered the vehicle after school. He did not waste a moment as he bombarded me with questions pertaining to what a period was. You see, the genesis of his sudden wisdom was a stain on his classmate’s uniform which he spotted as she walked out of class during a lesson. He initially thought it was excreta and it was only after he pointed it out to his desk mate that he learnt the truth. The desk mate explained to him that it was a period, just like she also had hers the previous week. She further schooled him that a period was when girls urinate blood every month.

I am not sure whether even the people having the period understand the phenomenon when they should. Indeed girls urinate blood, but is that all there is to a period? I laughed, but later explained in detail what a period is and why it happens. His eyes beamed further, but he understood the physical transformation that comes with age. I went further to explain to him that his body, too was undergoing changes and sooner or later, he shall turn into a man. His last question was whether I, too, experience periods. I answered yes and that was when he asked to see how a pad looks like. I showed him.

To many, such talks are abominations they cannot impart to their young ones. Well, if we are to make menstruation socially acceptable, it has to begin way before self discoveries or misinformation. Openness is key. n

Rachel Mhango is a 33-year-old communications specialist with passion for health reporting. She is the founder of Save the Young Mother Initiative, a volunteer-based network with a team of seven young men and women.

The team comprises professionals who mobilise financial resources, medical equipment and drugs for the eradication of quality health services deprivation. This is done to realise sexual reproductive health rights and safe motherhood.

Mhango says the initiative works with rural masses in providing important health information for women to get health services if needed.

“Save the Young mother believes that communities require empowerment in social monitoring and accountability. In that manner, communities will demand access to quality health services, placing emphasis on improved attendance at birth. This is for the purposes of safe motherhood,” says the 2016 Mandela Washington fellow.

Among other things, she says the organisation arranges medical camps for women in rural areas where health services are not easily accessed concentrating on ante natal, fistula, fibroids and cervical cancer screening for young mothers.

Mhango says she noted a huge information gap between service providers and people who need it in the health care systems, adding that there are women who go to health centres with signs and symptoms of cancer of the cervix and all they get are anti-biotics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“It is quite shocking to note sometimes that even the people we trust to deliver services are not aware of some important information that can change someone’s life. My interaction with communities through health reporting made me realise this knowledge gap that needed to be filled. For instance, cancer of the cervix and fistula are some of the cases that can be prevented or treated if reported in good time. And that’s something that people need to realise,” she says.

Mhango cites the case of a 15-year-old girl who developed fistula after giving birth at a very young age. She says this was another motivation for her to establish Save the Young Mother Initiative.

“There were so many reasons that contributed to such a sad situation, but the major one was lack of direction. I then thought, if girls were taught to be girls through role models, what a beautiful generation we could raise.

“I decided to take it out of my reporting career and to reach out to such girls who did not have dreams, but have the potential to dream and realise their potential,” says Mhango, a former health reporter who now works with Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust in the science communications department.

With that, she decided to walk and talk with girls who had no hope and those who lived life as it came and not as planned. She decided to teach them about sexual reproductive health and help them return to school; and walk with them every step of the way.

Ultimately, her goal is to have all child bearing young women in remote areas have access to information and quality health service notwithstanding their economic status. She would like to see them get the highest possible standards of physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

Recently, Mhango also embarked on a project called ‘Hope for girls’ with her friend Halima Twabi.

“My other objective is for girls that are already in school to remain in school. So, the project aims at increasing awareness on reproductive health and promoting science education among girls in Malawi. And through this project, we have so far trained over 40 girls directly, on issues related to their reproductive health,” says the mother of two.

The girls, aged between 13 and 25 are trained, on issues of cancer prevention and screening, Human Papilloma Virus vaccination and, on the dangers of teen-age pregnancy. The girls have also been trained and mentored in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) education.

The project also conducts meetings with parents to encourage them to be in the forefront of ensuring their girls finish school and are not rushed into marriages.

“Very soon, the project will launch its own radio programme to reach out to many girls,” she indicates.

Growing up, she says she noticed other girls her age facing all sorts of challenges. As a working adult, Mhango realised that the struggle was real for most girls; that there is a lot of peer pressure and girls would rather live someone’s dream instead of their own dreams and working on them.

“My passion for health reporting also gave me an opportunity to experience the life other girls are living and it touched my heart,” she says.

Mhango joined the media fraternity in 2004 at Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ). So far, she has worked with the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Radio Two and The Times Group. She has now taken a break from main stream media and working with Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust.

She is a mother of two, Zgorolake and Twapalisha. Mhango was born to Egbert and Maria Kalera Mhango in a family of 10 children.

She comes from Mwangwebo Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kyungu, Karonga. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mass Communication attained from Share World Open University. 

One morning, 16-year-old Tawina Chaposa and four other girls boarded a plane at Kamuzu International Airport to the United States (US) for three weeks under the Pan-African Youth Leadership Programme (PAYLP).

Having returned from what she called a successful trip, Tawina, a student at Mulunguzi Secondary School in Zomba, says it was one educative and entertaining trip. 

She says that the youth everywhere can effect change in their communities and countries.

“We were equipped with leadership skills- how we can lead fellow students to develop our communities and country. I am actually discussing with one of the girls I travelled with, Sheila M’bawa from Chilunga Community Day Secondary School [CDSS] to do something about sanitation in Zomba,” says Chaposa.

Angelissa Limbe from St Louis Montfort CDSS is the teacher who accompanied the five girls on the trip.

She says they had a great experience interacting with girls and teachers from other African countries.

“From the ideas and knowledge we shared, I realised that we can make changes in our communities. It does not always require many people; even one person can bring about change in a community,” she said.

Further, she observed that the youth have great ideas, which if taken seriously and implemented communities would be transformed to the benefit of the country.

Limbe says the five Malawian girls that went on the trip; Ivy Namaranya, Caroline Samu, Esther Chosalana, M’bawa and Chaposa presented special projects on bringing girls back to school among other things.

“Looking at existing number of girls dropping out at secondary schools, the figures are alarming. But then, we all know that if you educate a girl, you educate the nation.

“We also observed that not many women hold high positions in both the private and public sectors. But if they got educated, they would be able to take up those positions. So, girls need to be encouraged and our girls showcased projects in those areas,” says Limbe.

PAYLP is a US Government funded programme that provides secondary school participants with a unique educational exchange experience.

It promotes mutual understanding and strengthens the connections between the people of the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa; and has created an impressive alumni base of young African leaders who continue to impact their communities. 

With numbers of teenage pregnancies dropping; forced and child marriages drastically reduced; and 108 women between the ages of 16-35 rescued from gender-based violence (GBV), one can only assume that communities in Machinga are headed for better days.

All this has come about with interventions from Youth Response for Social Change (YRSC) in the areas of four traditional authorities of Kawinga, Nchingoza, Nsanama and Mlomba.

YRSC is a non-Governmental organisation (NGO) situated at Nayuchi Border in Machinga East established in 2003 as a drama group educating the community and advocating voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and HIV prevention.

“By then, there was nobody in the area who had been tested for HIV. People knew nothing about the benefits of VCT and as a group, we thought that drama could influence positive behavioural change. Among other objectives, we wanted to enhance gender equality, scaling up HIV and Aids related interventions and services as well as to upscale access to family planning services to reduce the rates of maternal mortality and sexually transmitted infections in the youthful population by 2018,” said Hidjil Kalinde, YRSC programmes manager in an e-mailed response.

He added that the organisation is also there to enhance the capacity of school authorities and management structures to respond quickly to school-related GBV that hinders girls from attaining education.

However, despite all their strides, the biggest challenge the organisation faces comes from the low levels of education among the people in Nayuchi.

“To date, the nearest secondary school is almost 30 kilometres and it is a community day. The inadequate education among members of the community means difficulties in spreading and grasping of the messages under the projects,” says Kalinde.

Apart from that, he says despite the provision of free family planning services in the nearest hospitals, demand for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) is higher than the supply, with Mozambicans showing more interest in accessing drugs than Malawians.

“It is important that the two governments negotiate on improving SRH service delivery for their citizens and for our government to take steps to ensure foreigners do not take advantage of the absence of national IDs to create competition and congestion in the access of family planning services,” he says.

Amid resource constraints, the organisation complements government efforts by offering interventions in comprehensive sexuality knowledge, early child marriages, access to SRHR services, climate change, keeping learners in safe schools, gender-based violence and economic empowerment to ensure that people in the communities, especially those living with HIV and Aids, the youth, young women and children have a quality and productive life. 

Born on 29 April, 1982, many would remember Teresa Ndanga as the woman who braved it and asked President Peter Mutharika the questions that everyone wanted answered on his return from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2016, amidst boos from the DPP supporters.

Clearly she is someone who always achieves what she sets her mind to.

Now, the first ever female chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi, Ndanga points out that as a principle, she just never gives up.

She admits it was not easy launching her journalism career amidst so many experienced journalists when she joined Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) in 2007.

“At the beginning, I felt so small among the big names, but I figured I could turn the challenge into an opportunity. I, therefore, utilised every opportunity to learn from the experienced journalists around me; people I had listened to on the radio and admired. That change in mindset turned things around for me. I got my first award in the very first year of my employment,” she says.

To this day, Ndanga has received local and international awards; including the CNN Health Award in 2010.

While it is her name attached to all these awards, she says there are brilliant journalists behind this success, including colleagues who have helped during the conception of ideas, investigations and final productions.

Last born in a family of six, the newly elected Misa Malawi chairperson was born in Zimbabwe where her father worked. They returned to Malawi when she was nine.

From going to a private school in Zimbabwe, she had a rude awakening back home, walking for over one and a half hours to get to the nearest school. 

“Life was completely different. We could leave for school without taking breakfast and without any packed meal or snack for break time. But even at that young age, I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted to live for long. I didn’t want to dwell on blaming my father for leaving a good job and bringing us into a life of poverty. So, I promised myself that I would do whatever I could to change the situation I was in,” she recalls.

Ndanga was selected to St. Mary’s Secondary School in Zomba, from where she was selected to study Journalism at the Malawi Polytechnic.

“Journalism was my first choice and a career I had dreamed of from primary school. After graduation, I got employed by Zodiak as a reporter. I have been rising through the ranks in the last couple of years and now I head the newsroom, supervising around 40 journalists across the country and managing three sections in my department; radio, online and television,” Ndanga explains.

In 2014, she went for her Masters Degree in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School in the United States of America, graduating in 2015.

She recalls that her father always challenged her to choose a unique profession that suited her character and as she grew up, listening to Eunice Chipangula on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) radio was an inspiration.

Ndanga developed her love for the profession that she knew so little about at that time and as she sat for her Standard Eight examinations, she knew what career she would get into.

“The introduction of a journalism course when I was in my junior classes of secondary school was a direct answer to my dreams. I literary jumped in excitement when one of my teachers told me about the introduction of journalism at the University of Malawi.

“I began to research what I needed to be good at in school if I was to be accepted in the programme. It, therefore, did not come as a surprise when I was selected in 2002 and it was a great relief and accomplishment,” she explains.

She acknowledges that she was a bit worried about hunting for a job after graduation, but thanks to an internship programme that placed her at Zodiak in 2005; it accorded her the opportunity to showcase her skills, making it easier for the company to take her on upon graduation.

The mother of a five-year-old daughter and wife to Eustace, Ndanga says aspiring for higher positions should become a culture for women just as it is for men.

“If excellent performance in mixed gender schools is viewed as a boys’ thing, we will have problems changing mindsets for girls to aspire for higher positions when they grow up. When I was young, no slightest thought of my gender crossed my mind as a deterring factor for my success.

“Such has been the case throughout my career. When as a reporter I was promoted to the position of editor in 2010, I faced the challenge with zeal to prove that my age, gender and three-year experience would not prevent me from performing well,” she says.

Speaking on the just ended Misa Malawi chairmanship race which she conquered, Ndanga says she did not run as a woman, but presented herself believing that she had the capabilities to effectively lead the change that the journalism profession in Malawi needs.

“Women vying for top positions should indeed be bold and develop tough skin because this puts them in a position of vulnerability. Where opponents cannot find crucial facts to discredit a female contestant, they look for anything else. What would be highlighted as a female candidate’s weaknesses may not be a question at all for a male contestant,” she notes.

About the journalism profession in the country, the new broom believes there is a hardworking crop of journalists currently doing everything possible to execute their duties amid a lot of challenges.

“We have all been witnesses to the impact of journalism in Malawi; journalists have become the catalysts for change in so many of the country’s sectors. We, however, need to do more in creating a conducive environment for journalists to operate in,” she observes.

As Misa Malawi chairperson, she says she will do everything possible to ensure that the newly established Access to Information Law is fully utilised, noting that underutilising it would be self-defeating of the very purpose journalists and other sectors of society spent years campaigning for the enactment of the law.

She also notes that for so long, the welfare of journalists has been neglected.

“As we fight for the welfare of others, let us not forget our own. Let us not pretend all is well. We need to start a conversation that would lead to an improved general welfare of journalists in Malawi. Improvement of standards in the industry depends on several other factors, one of which is the issue of the journalists’ wellbeing,” she says.

She also envisions a more impact oriented journalism with all the brilliant journalists Malawi is blessed with, some of which cannot perform to their optimum because of resource constraints. 

“We may be in difficult financial times as media institutions, but we need to seek creative means to sustain our cause of championing the change that this country needs,” she adds. 

While commending Malawi for doing so well in media diversity, Ndanga notes that the country is still lagging behind in achieving inclusivity.

She recommends a working environment that is welcoming of young journalists and community journalists while creating even more room for experienced journalists to grow and nurturing student journalists to suit the needs of the industry. n

For everyone, the phrase that defines success is that education is the key that opens doors of success in life. Repeatedly, we have heard of such a phrase since time immemorial.

Somehow, there is one important aspect such a phrase omitted if thought of critically. For argument’s sake, it was supposed to incorporate the “inspiration” part of it.

For instance, it is a fact that almost everyone wants to get educated for various reasons. But the basis of one’s inspiration is fundamental for one’s success.

Personally, journalism was a career I chose because I had inspiration right in the home- my father- who passed away two years ago. Still, I am forever inspired by his colleagues who guide me in the newsroom and are still moulding me to become a far much better journalist than I am presently.

Such inspiration is what alumni of St Michaels Girls Secondary School in Mangochi are trying to bring to girls at the institution.

During every graduation ceremony, the alumni buy different gifts and hold career talks.

They mobilise resources to pay tuition for needy students and help maintain the school’s infrastructure and initiates some activities that help benefit the school.

One of the alumni, Bridget Gomani, says their aim is to help give back to their former school and inspire the girls make meaningful decisions upon graduation.

Another alumnus Winnie Sadyalunda, who walked through the school’s corridors from 1989 to 1993, says hard work cannot be overemphasised.

“I want them to be like me. They need to know that school is the most important thing in life. It is what will enable them become successful,” she said. 

Over 40 exhibitors came together at the Glamorous Ladies Ministry’s (GLM) business fair in Blantyre recently to showcase clothes, beauty products, herbal medicine, bedroom accessories, wedding decor items, handbags and kitchenware.

Patrons also had their fair share of fun through make-overs and photo sessions.

“Our aim was for women to interact and get to know each other while unlocking new markets for the products and services they sell. This was one way they could also learn from each other. The business fair also served as a way of raising awareness for the GLM Ministry,” said Annie Chitedze, spokesperson for the ministry.

 She also said the response was overwhelming.

Said she: “Many people exhibited products and services and buyers came in large numbers too. The fair has, therefore, helped people to know where they can find which products or services,” she said.

Noella Mzinza, director of Anyone Can Craft, a business that produces paper materials targeting wedding planners, bakers, stationery suppliers and interior decorators was happy to be part of the fair.

 “Most people look for things outside the country, so we thought of producing these items locally to reduce dependency on foreign markets. That way, they get them at cheaper rates. The response for our paper products has so far been good. Some customers even give us ideas of what they want and we make those accordingly,” she said.

A representative of OC Cosmetics Fatima Hakim-Nyamirandu also said people tried and fell in love with the various products on exhibit.

“Our cosmetics are from the United States. Apart from selling the actual beauty products, we also have a make-up artist who does make-up for all occasions,” she said.

GLM is an arm of Raised for a Purpose (RFP) Ministries founded by Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga.  It mainly focuses on helping women realise their potential in God and help them pursue their purposes by offering them a platform to serve.

The first ever female president of the Malawi Institute of Architects (MIA) Maliam Mdoko says she is geared at promoting the visibility and role of the architects in the country as she sails the institute’s ship for the next two years.

The new executive is led by females, with her vice Catherine Sani.

Architects have a role to ensure safety and security of the citizens through their work and as president, she notes that it is very unfortunate that a lot of people do not value the role of architects as they are sidelined in most projects.

“We have a role to change the infrastructure landscape; but for us to do that, we need to be given a chance and of course reclaim our role fully. It is, therefore, important that people respect this fact. As president, I will make sure that I promote the visibility and role of the institute as well as that of architects.

“I will also ensure that different professionals in the construction industry work together in promoting and safeguarding the industry,” says Mdoko, highlighting her vision as the newly elected president.

As per MIA’s Constitution enshrined in the Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act, Article 3 states: “In accordance with the Laws of Malawi, the objects of the Institute shall be generally to promote the cause, facilitate the advance, maintain the standards and foster the understanding, the study and the practice of architecture; to assist the members of the public in Malawi in all matters touching on or ancillary or incidental to architecture and building; to represent the views and interests of the Institute’s members, and to preserve and protect the title, Architect”.

The president points out that “architect” is a protected title; as such people who are not qualified are not supposed to use it anyhow. 

“We as MIA have different levels of membership, ranging from founding, elected, honorary, practice, student, architectural technologists and graduate architects as members,” she says.

Mdoko’s professional experience dates back to 2001 when she joined Kanjere and Associates where she worked for about 10 years. She joined as an intern and later as a graduate architect after attaining her Bachelor of Science in Architecture 

“I worked on a number of projects and mastered a lot about architectural designing and overall contract administration/project management. I was further exposed and challenged to take leadership roles on most of the projects. In 2010, I joined Press Trust as a projects officer and in 2014, I was promoted to the position of projects manager which I hold up to this day,” she explains.

Considering that architecture is considered a male dominated profession, Mdoko challenges and encourages women, especially the young ones that it is the most rewarding profession in terms creativity, innovation and leadership. 

“There is never a dull moment for an architect.  I believe women are naturally good planners; as such it should be easy and interesting for a woman to be an architect.  I am happy that I am involved in career talks in different secondary schools where girls are encouraged to join construction related disciplines, architecture inclusive. Thanks to National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) for organising these talks. It is my hope and belief that I will encourage more girls to join architecture,” she says.

Apart from the image of the institute not being visible to the people of Malawi, Mdoko observes that the institute also has challenges in terms of financial resources.

“Because of financial challenges, we are restricted in terms of implementing most of our duties such as holding continuing professional developments (CPDs) and running our secretariat. We also have challenges sensitising people on the role and value of architects in the construction industry,” she says.

Mdoko states that she did not always dream of becoming an architect. 

“Actually, I never knew about architecture.  I always wanted to be a medical doctor or a hydrological engineer despite my father wanting me to study accounting.  When I was selected to study architecture at The Polytechnic, I tried to change and join engineering, unfortunately I did not succeed. I hated the long hours spent in the design studio.  But after my first year, I became so engrossed in architecture and I have never looked back. And I don’t regret it,” she says. 

A Yao by tribe and a Muslim, the new MIA president is dying to see a Malawi that will one day value and give architects the chance to change the infrastructure landscape. 

“I would want to see more females joining architecture and hopefully to one day have our own Zaha Hadid,” she says.

Zaha Hadid was a renowned British architect who died last year. She was honoured with a Google Doodle on May 31 2017, for her incredible buildings and she was the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Mdoko, the first born in a family of seven, comes from Mleu Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Tambala in Dedza.  She was selected to Malosa Secondary School in 1992 and selected to study for a Diploma in Architectural Technology at the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic for three years in 1997.

In 2001, she went back for a Bachelor of Science in Architecture for another three years, in a class that produced the first ever three female architects in Malawi. 

She qualified as an architect in 2009 after going through the professional practice training and exams (PPT+E). 

“While underdoing my professional practice, I enrolled with Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute and Maastricht School of Management (Esami/MSM) for an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2008, which I completed in September 2010.

“I also have a certificate in Project Identification, Development and Management (PDM) from Maastricht School of Management attained in 2012 and I am a certified project manager after successfully completing project management course in 2014,” she says.

She encourages girls to take education seriously, noting that with education, the sky is never the limit. 

What makes human beings different from animals is simply etiquette. Etiquette makes people cultured individuals who influence their world positively and leave marks on the sand of time.

Everyone wants to associate with a person who does not know how to relate well in society.

When our behaviour in public is questionable, then we are rated as animals, this is why we should not behave irrationally or illogically.

Etiquette means behaving in a socially responsible way. It teaches people how to talk, walk and most importantly behave in society. It is essential for an everlasting first impression, and inculcates a feeling of trust and loyalty in the individuals, makes people become more responsible and mature. 

What etiquette should be displayed at the workplace?

Avoid social media: Unless your job requires you to peruse social networking sites all day, avoid them while you are on the clock. Though surfing Facebook or Twitter might be tempting, it can be detrimental to your work performance and productivity.

Take that phone call elsewhere: Everyone has a cellphone these days, so getting personal calls at work is pretty much unavoidable. But do not assume that just because your phone rings, it is alright to take it right at your desk. If you get a personal call, excuse yourself and answer it in private.

Gossip: The big no-no. Who has not been tempted to speculate on the lives of their co-workers? It is especially tempting when everyone else in the office is doing it. But remember that gossip says more about you than it does about the person you are discussing. Do not talk about others, and keep your personal life private to discourage water-cooler talk about you.

Keep emails formal: Email seems pretty casual, doesn’t it? It is not like correspondence on letterhead that requires careful composition and proofreading – right? Contrary to popular belief, work emails should be held to the same formal standards that you would hold any other office correspondence. So toss the slang, get the punctuation right and proofread before you hit send.

Watch your language: No matter how comfortable you are with your co-workers, or how casual your office may seem, blurting out a curse word can get you noticed for all the wrong reasons. Let your words lift others rather than pull them down, so keep your language clean.

Dress smart: There are many places where expressing your unique style is a fantastic thing to do.  Dress appropriately for the work place. In other words, save the see-through dresses, sandals with socks, muscle shirts, and plunging necklines for other occasions.

Remember that scents travel: Do you have an allergy to perfume or cologne? Do you get a headache when you smell spicy food? Some of your colleagues might. Keep those potent lunches away from your desk, and do not overdo it on the fragrances. Those around you will be grateful.

Knock before entering: Sometimes an informal office atmosphere can go too far. That is especially true when people start drifting from one cubicle or office to the next, without bothering to knock or otherwise announce their presence. Treat others as though they are in the midst of serious business — even if they aren’t — and knock before you enter their personal space.

Stay home if you are sick: It seems like an obvious rule, but when you’re stuck in the rat race, dropping out for a few days of the flu can seem detrimental to your career. However, going to work sick does more harm than good. Not only does it make you feel worse and potentially spread your germs to others, when you’re under the weather your productivity most likely suffers. Make life easier on everyone and use those sick days.

Save the job search for home: Looking for a new job? Do not do it on company time. Not only might someone get wind of your search (and feed that information into the gossip mill), but taking time away from your current employer to look for a new one is just plain rude.

Whether you are in a high-stress office or a relaxed small business, etiquette matters. Brush up on it now to continue making a great impression on your boss, co-workers and clients. 

One of local organisations championing the rights of children in the country, Eye of the Child, has called on people that procure services from children to stop, as a way of reducing cases of child labour. 

Eye of the Child executive director Maxwell Matewere noted that with reduced procurement of services from children, the situation could change.

“Let us all be responsible.  Child labour kills the future of our children and that of the country. It sustains poverty and promotes violation of children’s rights. It affects children’s development, education and health and it is very risky to them.  It also traumatises and affects their mental health,” he pointed out.

Visiting Zambia for meetings to strategise anti-child trafficking, the child rights activist learned about boys recruited every year by agents from Malawi to work in farms in Chipata.

“Mchinji has arrested and convicted a number of agents who have been found with children from Dedza and Dowa trying to cross the border using unmonitored channels,” Matewere said.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Simon Mbvundula attributed to poverty, the rising rates of child labour in the country.

“Malawi has made little progress in reducing poverty levels which is the fuelling agent of child labour, and it is no wonder the problem remains a serious one,” he said.

Mbvundula said the country has made strides in the formal sector more than in domestic settings in reducing the levels of child labour.

“It is important to note that most of the child labour is in the domestic sector and mostly in the children’s own homes as it includes unpaid family labour where the children help with household chores, on family gardens, and other things.

“This calls for intensification of civic education and raising of awareness so that parents avoid giving work that amounts to child labour to their children. Child labour cases in paid employment or the formal sector of the economy are very few,” he indicated.

Children are often recruited in child labour as nuns, street beggars, vendors, brick moulders, sand miners and prostitutes.

“Children in prostitution are mostly recruited by older prostitutes who themselves think that they are no longer marketable. The older prostitute will phone a client about the girl and after the abuse, the girl gets K5 000-K10 000 if it’s in Lilongwe or Blantyre and she will give it to the older prostitute,” Matewere explained.

The World Day against Child Labour is commemorated internationally on June 12 every year but Malawi commemorated this day yesterday, on June 24. 

Two years ago, Mavis Kanjadza quit her job as a finance manager in one of the leading banks and went into farming. From the age of 14, all that she ever wanted to do when she grew up was to become a farmer.

She understood then, that agricultural productivity has the capacity to drive economies and change lives, and she knew she wanted to be a part of that change. However, she became an accountant and began to climb up the corporate ladder.

The further she progressed in her finance career, the further away she moved from her childhood dream. She had a great job as finance manager of a leading bank; good pay and great prospects in the finance and banking sector.

“At the time I was pondering on my career change, I had offers from other banks for more lucrative roles. However, deep inside I knew my goals and aspirations were not in the corporate world. I could not shake them off, and believe me, I tried,” explains Kanjadza, founder and director of Kanjadza Acres in Lilongwe.

She recalls reasoning with herself; giving herself logical reasons why she should not change careers, why she should ignore the crazy dream and do the normal, the acceptable, and the sensible.

She was so afraid to change that ‘normal’ and pursue the unknown, but quickly understood again that nothing worthwhile ever happens in one’s comfort zone.

“For me, faith opposes fear and I got loaded on God’s truth and fear moved further away; I still feel it, but it doesn’t drive me like it did before. That is where the group, Beautiful Feet became a real support for me.

“Beautiful Feet is a women’s growth group I founded four years ago, and we meet fortnightly to pray, connect and learn. It has phenomenal women who make a great support system, and I find that makes a world of difference,” she says.

Her vision is to play a key role in the economic empowerment agenda for Malawi and Africa by participating in the end to end agricultural value chain. The agricultural value chain begins with production, which is basically farming, and that is where she has started with her business.

A University of Malawi graduate and a chartered accountant, Kanjadza grows horticultural produce, including tomatoes, bell peppers, beets, peas and melons among so many others and supplies to private individuals and local traders in Mpingu as well as to supermarkets within Lilongwe.

The very social young woman who enjoys connecting with people, as well as inspiring and being inspired, admits that moving from her job as a finance manager to a farmer has had its challenges. But then she is quick to say that it is all in line with her vision of contributing to economic empowerment of the unemployable and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Malawi and Africa.

“I truly believe there is an empowerment and a confidence that can only be attained through the pursuit of one’s God given dreams; it breeds tenacity and joy. I love what I do, I am growing, and my tag line is ‘growing greatness’. It’s me declaring I am boldly becoming what I was meant to be,” she says.

The young mother of one says courage came completely and absolutely from her faith in Jesus Christ. She sometimes has to pinch herself to be reminded that she really left her job; the comfort of a salary and the promise of corporate success. But she says she was simply tired of being afraid; giving excuses and wondering if ever she was capable of achieving the things she only dared to dream about.

“I read a number of books too and I do not know any great or successful person who did not take a chance at what everyone else deemed ridiculous at its onset; so I guess I am in good company. My mantra is Phillipians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she says.

Kanjadza notes that Agriculture is only the backbone of the economy when done strategically and professionally, just like any other corporate business.

She appreciates her time in the corporate sector, saying it exposed her to the ways of running a world class sustainable business which includes having a defined strategic direction, clear customer value preposition, good governance and defined systems and processes.

“All these and many others come together in the running of a successful enterprise and for me to confidently build Kanjadza Acres and that will be one way of contributing to economic growth. A well organised business would lead to

sustainability, which would in turn lead to employment, quality and consistent production which can reduce the inflationary effect of food scarcity that comes due to seasonality. Seasonality of produce is primarily caused by over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture,” says Kanjadza, adding that it would also help to offset the imported produce thereby saving foreign exchange.

The young farmer is a Christian, married to Pempho Kanjadza and they are parents of a son, Watimva who is almost two years old.

“Those two are the grace of my life. My family means the world to me and that includes my parents and my sisters, Marjory and Phyllis and my brothers Buchi and Masankho,” she says.

She grew up in Blantyre and pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy at the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic. She is also a chartered accountant with the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).

She has spent over eight years in finance, accounting and lecturing. She has passion for economic empowerment through agribusiness which she confidently says she will spend her whole life pursuing.

She is also one of the few selected for this year’s Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali). What motivated her to apply for this year’s Yali experience? Kanjadza says: “I truly believe in my capability to effect change. I owe Malawi the best version of me possible and I want to make certain that I serve her to the best of my ability and to ensure that my abilities are sharpened and working perfectly. I owe this nation. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is my opportunity to learn from others, serve and give back to my own”.

For the passionate woman that she is; loyal, driven, funny, outspoken and feisty; Kanjadza is excited about the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for its networking platform with other African world changers.

“The future is pan African. Being afforded the privilege of interacting and connecting with driven young Africans from all over the continent is just mind blowing. These networks will truly be priceless in my economic empowerment agenda for Malawi and Africa,” she says.

She calls on younger girls to know who they are; why they are here, what their gifts and talents are and how they fit in the purpose God made them for.

She believes that everyone has the power to change their lives and that of others, when they stop being afraid and follow their God given goals and dreams.

One can tell when a dream is God given when they just cannot shake it off, in spite of time passed and all the negatives known and heard. n

Malawians of different faiths should refrain from indulging in corrupt practices if the country is to register meaningful development, sheikhs have advised.

The sheikhs gave the advice during this year’s Eid ul-fitr prayers held at Upper Stadium in Blantyre.

Sheikh Abbas Vinjenje said corruption is perpetrated by leaders—be it religious, political or traditional.

He traced the evils of corruption, starting from the early years of religion up to the present times, noting that the vice has impacted negatively on societies.

The sheikh, therefore, urged the Muslim faithful and all Malawians to join hands and fight any form of corruption.

“Corruption is the convergence point for all sins. A corrupt person has to lie first before they become thieves since they have to get rewards not due to them. Then, eventually, corrupt people become killers since they cannot just watch the ones who might hinder their ill-motives.

“But a killer cannot inherit Jannah [paradise], so let us desist from corruption.” Said Vinjenje.

The Eid celebrations—marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan—were celebrated under the theme The Role of a Muslim in Fighting Corruption.

In a related development, Muslims in the country have been asked to refrain from immoral behaviour that spoils their health and leave them condemned at God’s sight.

Chairperson of board of trustees of Limbe Muslim Jamaat, Sheikh Abdul Gaffar Jakhura, made the sentiments during Eid al-fitr celebrations held at Mpingwe Sports Club in Limbe, Blantyre.

Jakhura said Muslims should mind their deeds in order to live peacefully afterlife when answerable to God’s call.

“Our deeds will matter after death. Let us be honest, truthful and show love in our deeds for one and all,” he said.

Jakhura said living in God’s line and engaging in humanitarian support of another should be sustained after the month of Ramadan.

“God wants us to share the fortune we have with the needy. During this winter season, we are distributing blankets and food items for everyone to feel the care of Allah. This helps to create unity,” he said.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar marked by stern fasting from dawn to sunset. n

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The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has announced dates for ordinations of 14 deacons to diocesan priesthood in six of the country’s eight dioceses this year.

According to information compiled by ECM communications officer, Prince Henderson, the first ordinations will take place this coming Saturday, July 8, at Limbe and Mangochi cathedrals. Other ordinations will follow between July 15 and 29 in Lilongwe Archdiocese, and Zomba, Dedza and Chikwawa dioceses.

The ordination calendar starts on July 8, when Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre will ordain to priesthood deacons Blessings Maere and Faduweck Katunga at Limbe Cathedral while in Mangochi, bishop Montfort Stima will preside over a double celebration of ushering to priesthood deacons Kondwani Matupa and Andrew Kasambara, and a thanksgiving mass for Fr Lazarus Girevulo who has clocked 25 years in priesthood.

In Lilongwe, ordination of deacons Demetrio Banda, John Kaliwamba and Dennis Mwanza by Archbishop Tarcisius Ziyaye will take place at Maula Cathedral on July 15 2017.

The calendar indicates that Chikwawa and Zomba dioceses will take their turn on July 22, and the ceremonies will be led by bishops Peter Musikuwa and George Desmond Tambala, respectively.

“In Chikwawa, those to be ordained are deacons Tobias Mbalale, Shadreck Malata (all from  Chikwawa Parish), and James Chidale from Njale Parish while at Zomba Cathedral the spotlight will be on Deacon Andrew Chikapa of Mayaka Parish,” says Henderson.

According to the calendar, the last ordination of diocesan priests this year will be on July 29 at Mtendere Parish in Dedza Diocese, where bishop Emmanuel Kanyama will usher to priesthood deacons Gift Selemani, Paul Kunkumbira and Silvester Mtasa.

It further indicates that bishop Kanyama will, during the ceremony, also ordain Holy Ghost congregation seminarians Andrew Kasiya, John Luwani and Francisco Ndelemani.

The information from ECM adds that, on a date yet-to-be announced, Mzuzu Diocese will also witness the ordination of a priest belonging to one of the religious orders.

The bumper harvest of priests this year comes in the wake of a recent complaint by Archbishop Msusa over shortage of pastoral workers, especially priests, in his archdiocese.

“We have lost a number of priests this year alone, and the ordination of the two will not make much difference when we compare with the growing number of Christians,” Msusa was recently quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the national Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) director Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa has described the ordination of the many priests this year as positive and encouraging.

“It is encouraging that young men are able to sacrifice themselves to priesthood. Let them [young men] know that sacrificing to priesthood is like sacrificing for others.

“In priesthood, there is joy, service, and, of course, national service, so let many youths join priesthood,” said Fr. Mwakhwawa, whose office also promotes vocations in the Church.

The nine-year journey to priesthood of deacons Maere and Katunda, symbolises that of almost all diocesan priests.

Deacon Maere did his secondary education at St. Paul Mlare Minor Seminary before joining the Major Seminary. He comes from Mtepuwa Parish in Mulanje whereas Deacon Katunga, who comes from Chiringa Parish in Phalombe, went to Pius XII Minor Seminary for his secondary education.

The two have completed their priestly formation, which started with a year of spiritual formation, three years of philosophy and four years of theological studies and one pastoral year in the field.

According to communications secretary for the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Fr Frank Mwinganyama, the archdiocese has over one and a half million Catholics in 41 parishes being served by about 80 priests. n

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Born and raised in Blantyre, 27-year-old Mwaishah Kampesi, an architect and interior designer running her own business recently made the Forbes Africa under 30 list for 2017.

Forbes Africa released this year’s edition of its illustrious list of 30 people which identifies the most successful and promising African entrepreneurs under the age of 30, who are building empires, creating jobs and transforming Africa, according to Mwaishah.

She says this is a list of young people who are game changers, fighting for financial freedom and promising to be billionaires of tomorrow.

Mwaishah started her entrepreneurship journey a few years back, with In-House interiors- a design consultancy covering all architectural work stages of the project life cycle from floor designing, interior designing and space plan layout; construction as well as project management.

“We also do interior space accessories’ design and manufacturing furniture, side lamps and wall hangings. This is a line we call In-House ‘katundu’. It is a customised boutique for space accessories that compliments In-House Interiors. We have furniture and space accessories for local clients and export. We have sold to South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria and Mozambique,” she says.

The entrepreneur says even people outside Africa appreciate the accessories they make, as lately they have been exporting to Europe.

“Our best selling product from the boutique is the side lamp, made from recycled wine bottles and local cloth from Malawi – ‘chitenje’. The fusion of modern touch and the African aspect is what sets it apart.

“We also sell imported furniture and décor accessories and I currently employ a total of 25 people comprising 18 local hand skilled women under In-House ‘katundu’ and six professionals under In-House interiors,” says the proprietor.

Each year Forbes Africa Magazine gets thousands of nominations of young entrepreneurs from across the continent. Only 30 make the list and Mwaishah went through the same process.

“I got an email from Forbes one day telling me that I have been nominated. I didn’t believe it. I remember sending it to my sister and one of my close friends saying look what got into my mail. And I remember my friend telling me it was spam and that I should ignore it; so I did.

“Days later, I decided to respond to the email from Forbes and they wrote back with a long questionnaire enquiring about my business. They requested for copies of my identification to verify my age, financial statements and they spoke to my competitors and my past colleagues to understand my character and business ethic,” she explains.

Mwaishah does not hide her joy and says making the Forbes under 30 list was humbling.

“When it comes to business magazine and platform, it doesn’t get better than Forbes. I am getting a lot of congratulatory emails, texts and calls from friends and colleagues. x

“It’s definitely a humbling experience. It will create a lot of opportunities for me. This is not a mean achievement. I am grateful and thank God I have hit this milestone in my life. I take it as the beginning of real entrepreneurship,” she points out.

Her father Juao Kampesi is also an entrepreneur and she asserts that he created the entrepreneurship monster in her.

Studying architecture and interior designing was just a gate way to starting In-House Interiors and In-House ‘katundu’. Naturally, the young woman loves decorating and designing and she decided to make money off her passion.

“I started designing furniture at a very young age in high school, but for my own use. When people asked, I would make and sell to them,” she adds.

Mwaishah regrets however, that over the years, companies have gotten used to hiring international decorators for their office spaces and as such, convincing them that it can be done by locals is a challenge.

Says she: “When I walk into meeting rooms, I constantly face skepticism from big organisations because I am young until I prove myself capable and

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We all are born, we live, age and die. Life does not give us the luxury of prediction in terms of who dies first or last. A newborn may never live to see a day. Toddlers, children and teenagers are all prone to death. So is every adult, the elderly inclusive. The point here is that we are all human beings. There is no handbook to refer to in terms of who lives longer or shorter. We are all frail and vulnerable. Nobody chooses a lifespan so that those who are gifted to live longer must never be punished for their wonderful gift and crown of grey hair.

The atrocities being committed to the elderly, according to our Brains story of page 3 are despicable. Such abuse as accusations of witchcraft must cause emotional and physical turmoil to the aged who should otherwise be taken care of and nurtured for a job well done in raising the current generation.

I heard about an old woman who was chased to the nearby mountains of her village in one northern district to keep her way from humanity as she was being accused of killing it one by one. It is a cold area and here she was forced to live under the harsh elements. A meal was sent over to the hills for the sustainability of her tortured existence. I understand that it rains most of the times in the mountains and she was mostly found shivering and wet under the make shift shelter. She was literally left for dead.

Although this old woman was eventually rescued, the plight of many nationwide requires urgent intervention before they all are sent down that painful road to death over witchcraft allegations. From the little knowledge I have about witchcraft, anybody and everyone is free to practise regardless of one’s age. Why then does it become easy to spot the same in the elderly than any other age? Have we ever asked ourselves how we still have generations after generations today which the same old people raised to adulthood without killing only for them to turn into monsters at the very frail moments of their lives?

This hunt for old people is taking out the positive energy required to deal with real issues such as crime, early marriages, meaningful development and co-existence in our communities. The real criminals are not these grannies. Real criminals are hiding out there in the bushes confusing everyone by diverting attention while getting way with atrocities. If we live recklessly and push the blame on the innocent, we will have more blood on our hands than we are accusing this aged population.

It is and should never be a crime to grow old. We need to celebrate old age, especially in these times when the lifespan has decreased from changing times that include HIV and Aids. Let us identify real causes of early deaths than pin it erroneously. Let us be the first to stop this barbarism and task those perpetrating it. n

The post When humanity becomes the real enemy appeared first on The Nation Online.

Fat shaming is common among peers, siblings, parents and partners among others. For some people it brings about positive results as they are inspired to do something about their weight. It did for 36-year-old Mac Zakulanda.

“I started exercising because of my wife Gertrude. She always mocked me of being lazy and idle; just eating, getting fat without exercise. I then started running, but could hardly cover a one kilometre stretch. I joined one of the gyms, but only with the intention of lifting weights. A trainer advised me to start cardiovascular exercises until I lost some kilogrammes,” he explains.

He remembers the trainer telling him how bad he was, being so obese.

“I hated him for this, because I felt good being big. I thought it meant greatness. I then joined aerobics and this changed my mindset entirely,” says Zakulanda who currently weighs 91 kilogrammes having lost 30 kilogrammes.

He was amazed to see women jump so high. Zakulanda says in a team of almost 20, only three were men and he admits that the women who could run, skip, sprint up the Kamuzu Stadium stands- something that was a challenge to him.

Now he is a source of motivation for others through his Facebook posts. Looking at his ‘before and after’ photographs, one would think he took herbs or medicines to shed off weight, but he claims he has never taken any slimming pills.

Zakulanda’s jogs and still goes for aerobics, boxing and treadmills, coupled with proper dieting.

“I cut down on carbohydrates, sugars and fatty foods. My diet comprises brown rice or mgaiwa, high-fibre cereals, fruits and vegetables. I substitute honey for sugar and also drink a lot of water. I have made exercise part of me, training twice daily. I am into body building to tone my body,” says Zakulanda who was also named the Ulaya Classics Most Transformed Man.

He testifies that his life has improved tremendously with his new lifestyle. He now sleeps without snoring and has even changed his clothes’ size from 44 to 34/36.

He advises all who would like to start exercising that it is never too late to go for it.

“The beginning is always hard, but do not give up, you will make it. Go for skipping, running or aerobics. You never know what will work well for you,” he advises. n

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Children with disabilities face a myriad of challenges. For nine-year-old Roselyn, the troubles began when she was born. It was hard for her mother to come to terms with the fact that the child she had carried for nine months had a disability.

The mother was shocked, anxious, afraid, desperate and in denial. She hoped it was all just a dream.

She was uncomfortable to take Roselyn to public places and as she grew older, she could not even allow her to play with friends. Every time she went out, the girl was locked her up in the house.

Many children with disabilities face similar challenges, infringing on their rights to play with friends their age and develop skills.

At a consultative meeting of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities on Monday, members discussed ways of revising the Disability Act to ensure the rights of children with disabilities are not infringed upon.

Head of programmes for Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (Fedoma) Simon Munde observed that children with disabilities are disadvantaged and vulnerable.

“We want to ensure that their rights are promoted and protected. The current Disability Act has a number of areas that still need to be reviewed in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“For instance, we would like to see full implementation of inclusive education nationwide. Every child with a disability should be able to learn in a conventional classroom instead of going to special needs schools. We would also like to ensure that we have a database of all children with disabilities to make it easier to reach them,” he said.

Munde said different stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring the rights of these children are observed.

“The government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and parents have an obligation to ensure these rights are protected and promoted. We want our recommendations disseminated and captured by different players,” he says.

Representative of the Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (Podcam) Sangwani Nyirenda  stressed the need for children with disabilities to get inclusiveness in schools, hospitals and other services just like any other citizen of Malawi.

He stressed the importance of minimising challenges they face.

Among other organisations, Fedoma Youth Wing, Deaf/Blind Malawi, National Epilepsy Association and the Malawi National Association of the Deaf were represented at the consultative meeting.

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Newly appointed Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) chief executive officer Vera Kamtukule says she will advance the development of vulnerable, isolated and impoverished communities in the country.

Kamtukule plans to achieve this by strengthening existing and new civil society links with Scotland through advocacy, capacity building and coordination of effort.

“By drawing on the energies of the MaSP team, its members, promoting leadership and meaningful partnerships, we will create a coordinating hub for Malawian organisations linked with Scotland.

“Further, MaSP will leverage partnerships to provide advocacy, training and capacity building, resulting in less duplication, sharing of relevant skills, experience and the establishment of a resource base for vulnerable and isolated communities to be better equipped to counter poverty,” she explains.

Her appointment, she says, is both an honour and an opportunity to raise the profile of the work that civil society organisations (CSOs), companies and individuals with links to Scotland are doing.

Kamtukule adds that this appointment also signifies the opening of a door for the Scottish Government and its citizens to maximise on the 158-year-old relationship the two nations have enjoyed.

MaSP is an independent national umbrella organisation which exists to inspire the people and organisations of Malawi to be involved with Scotland in an informed, coordinated and effective way for the benefit of both nations.

It was established in 2005 under the Company’s Act. Among other objectives, MaSP is there to support the coordination of Malawi’s links with Scotland, contribute to effective advocacy and enhance the capacity of civil society organisations in the country.

The new CEO was born in Blantyre at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). Third born in a family of six children, she is married to Edson Kamtukule and together they have two children, Tamanda and Talandila.

She admits that the life of a working mother and a wife is generally tough, but is quick to say that it all lies in the planning of work and activities.

“Without proper planning and prioritising, it is almost impossible to fully commit in these diverse roles. But I must say, with God’s help all things are possible and I am able to divide my time and manage it effectively. I have an understanding and loving husband without whose help I could not have achieved what I have managed at this stage in my life,” she says.

Kamtukule’s late father came from Dowa and her mother is from Nkhata Bay.

She was raised mostly by her mother and her grandmother from the age of nine.

Her father passed away as she was writing her end of year examinations in first year at Chancellor College.

She says: “I come from a family which is highly supportive and that always pushed me to be better.”

The new broom at the helm of MaSP has a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Management obtained from the University of Derby (UK). She also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities from Chancellor College, a Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Land Management and Informal Settlement Regularisation from Erasmus University, Netherlands.

She has more than 12 years experience in programme management at senior levels from working with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public sector and donor organisations.

Kamtukule is also a skilled writer and has authored a book on the ‘Supply and Demand of Housing in Malawi’.

She also established Patch Malawi Limited, a social enterprise which works in disenfranchised poor urban communities on issues of youth development, education, women empowerment and promotion of the rights of vulnerable people in society.

“Patch is a social enterprise that was set up to balance and strengthen linkages among social, economic as well as psychological needs of people in Malawi. Poverty in the country is characterised by the lack of productive means to fulfill basic needs such as food, water, shelter, education and health.

“The enterprise’s business model is founded on the premise that there is potential for greatness in every human being and this is used to motivate people to achieve their fullest potential in whatever they do,” she explains.

She notes that due to the mismatch between the country’s education system and the ever changing needs and demands of the labour market; most people, especially young persons, even those with a formal education are unemployable.

Kamtukule adds that Patch Malawi, therefore, offers a refreshing approach to life by nurturing and supporting people’s skills to help them perform better in their jobs as well as create sustainable employment both for themselves and others.

According to her, the organisation provides enhanced critical and technical skills to improve performance. It also provides skills to help people manage the effects of various social ills.

The mother of two confesses that life comes with various challenges. She points out that for women in particular, such challenges are coupled with responsibilities of managing the home and raising children.

However, Kamtukule argues that it is not what life provides, but what anybody does with what comes their way that makes the difference between success and failure.

Girls are so dear to her heart and she believes it is the reason God blessed her with daughters.

As such, her advice to girls is: “When you overcome your greatest fear, that’s the day you start living and achieve anything. However, this comes at a price; you need to be disciplined, focused and consistent in everything”.

One of her closest friends, Tiwonge Gawa described her as someone who knows what she wants.

“And when she does, she goes at it with all of her heart and takes other people along because she has a way of making people see just how important that particular issue is.

“She is a hard worker and works for others as she would for her own family.  She taught me how to share- this is one of her biggest marks on me. Above all she is wise,” says Gawa.

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