By Brighton Tchongwe
As one way of empowering and promoting community participation in development activities, members of Traditional Authority Chilooko in Ntchisi District have constructed a school block, toilets, and purchased a printing machine to help create a conducive learning environment at Mthawira Primary School.
Speaking during a media tour aimed at influencing decision-makers, raising awareness, and mobilizing support through various media houses organized by the Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC), at Malomo in Ntchisi Mthawira Primary School Headteacher, MCloyd Mchizampheta, commended community members for their efforts.
He said the construction of the school block and toilets will motivate learners to work harder, as they now have improved learning conditions.
“Currently, the school has three new classroom blocks, two constructed under the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), and one by community members,” said Mchizampheta.
“Previously, learners faced challenges as they were learning under trees. However, the project implemented by MHRRC, which encourages community participation in development, has greatly helped improve the school’s performance compared to previous years. As I am speaking, the community has also purchased a printing machine worth MK1.3 million,” he added.
One of the learners, Standard 8 pupil Laticia Likwemba, said the new classroom blocks have improved education standards at the school. She noted that in the past, many learners were absent during the rainy season due to inadequate classroom space.
BMTV, Ntanyiwa joins hands for foot soldiers concerns to Mutharika
Senior Group Village Headman Bowa urged other community members and leaders in the district to take a leading role in supporting education development to improve learning outcomes.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Ntchisi North, Arnold Kadzanja, commended the community and traditional leaders for their contributions, saying the developments will help improve pass rates and reduce school dropout rates.
During the tour, Journalists also visited Mbomba Primary School, where the tiled roofing of two classroom blocks is in poor condition, and Mtambalala Primary School, which lacks access to potable water.
Commenting on the challenges, Kadzanja pledged to ensure that Mbomba Primary School and other affected schools receive iron-sheet roofing through this year’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He also promised to facilitate access to potable water at Mtambalala Primary School and eight other schools.
AG Mbeta Snubs PAC Again Over Amaryllis Hotel Deal
MHRRC Capacity Development Associate Noel Msiska expressed appreciation to traditional leaders and community members for actively participating in development initiatives and governance processes.
He emphasized that such involvement enables government to better respond to challenges faced by communities.
Msiska further appealed to the government and Ntchisi District Council to prioritize the renovation of schools with damaged roofing and lack of potable water to ensure a conducive learning environment and reduce dropout rates, especially during the rainy season.
“As MHRRC, we are encouraging community members to actively participate in development activities in sectors such as education, health, and roads to ensure they benefit from resources allocated by councils and the central government,” said Msiska.
The Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre is currently implementing a project on Enhancing Citizen Voice and Action in Local Governance and Development Processes. The initiative targets all Traditional Authorities in Ntchisi, Dowa, and Nsanje districts, with support from Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid under the (NCA DCA) Malawi Joint Programme.
