President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says government considers cultural groups as strategic partners in national development.

The Malawi leader was speaking at Mangochi Stadium at this year’s Chiwanja Cha Ayao Cultural Festival.

In his address, Dr Chakwera observed that a nation that develops its infrastructure and industries without developing its cultural identity is a nation without values.

The Malawi leader hailed the Yao Community for succeeding in preserving their tradition without isolating themselves from active participation in matters of national interest.

He noted that the Yao Community is contributing positively towards ending child marriages by doing away with harmful cultural practices and promoting education by outlawing initiation camps when schools are in session.

This year’s Chiwanja Cha Ayao was celebrated under the theme: ‘Our Culture, Our Pride: Promoting Development through Culture.’

M