#ligongwe

By Alfred Mthandizi

In a bid to block street children to continue flooding the Malawi towns and cities, the Malawian government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, has engaged the Indian Business Community who according to their religion find it normal to give money to children. They want to stop people from distributing cash to the children, but instead contribute the same monies to one fund.

Ministry of Gender Disability Children and Social Welfare in conjunction with Chisomo Children Club have jointly told Malawians of Asian origins to discontinue the current system which they said attracts young people to flood the streets.

According to a closed door meeting which took place in area 2 Moslem Sports Club, distribution of monies by Malawians of Indian origin owned shops, has been given as one key factor that’s helping to increase the begging system.

Director of administration in the Ministry, Mrs. Makhumula said that the leadership should instead channel the money to the special fund basket which represents the Asian community. “You can channel the funds into special fund which can help deal with the problem once and for all. Currently it is difficult for the children connected to the streets to stop because you are giving them what they want. What we are saying ia that the same money you are spending can help generate activities for the families of these same children,” Mrs. Makhumula said it is unfortunate that the numbers of these children are increasing, hence the need for increased effort in partnership.

Chisomo Children Club Executive Director Charles Gwengwe gave a brief presentation detailing status of how giving money to street connected children is increasing begging. Gwengwe said everyone is aware that the Lilongwe business community already has the ability to collaborate on pressing social issues. “Chisomo is keen on helpping you to reflect on what could be possible ways forward to make a lasting and sustainable impact for the good of society and the improvement of the local Lilongwe business environment,” said Gwengwe.

Members of Indian Business Community pledged to adhere to new methods of assisting the poor and vulnerable. “We are ready to comply but there should be massive civic education on the issue.” said one member only identified as Sattar. The members said they will report the issue to their fellow members.

Studies which Chisomo did recently indicated that Lilongwe is the home to 2,389 street connected children while Blantyre harbors 1,776 Children connected with the streets.

Alfred Mthandizi

Community Against Diabetes & Hypertension (CADH) has reiterated its commitment to serve diabetes and other non-communicable diseases patients using peer supporting groups’ model. CADH has been raising diabetes and hypertension awareness in rural and urban Lilongwe through peer supporting groups that it established in 2015.

As a way of enhancing sustainability of these peer supporting groups on Saturday, CADH held a get together at its secretariat in Lilongwe. The organization’s Board Chairperson, Dr. Isaac Chirwa believes the peer groups are the best way to deal with chronic illnesses especially non-communicable diseases including diabetes. “Through the groups, we have seen tremendous improvement in people’s self-diabetes management and better understanding of relationship between diabetes and hypertension”, he said. “We therefore want to extend this model to other districts to fight non-communicable diseases”, added Dr. Chirwa.

Reacting to the purpose of the get together, founder of the organization, Sister Olive Kadzakumanja, emphasized the need to share experiences of the groups which she believes is vital in sustaining the groups. CADH programs are focused on patient education and services among all age groups and they implement their objectives through peer supporting groups. She admits that it is not easy to sustain such groups without adequate resources hence the gathering acts as a motivation. “The group members encourage each other during such gatherings since they appreciate what others with the same condition are doing”, she said.

One of the members from Chalendewa Peer Supporting Group in the Traditional Authority Chadza Edward Kalenga, who is diabetic, described the peer groups as a tool that makes him feel comfortable with his condition. “I used to feel isolated with my condition and lost hope, but when I joined the peer supporting group, my friends encouraged me to follow best practices” Kalenga said.

Community Against Diabetes & Hypertension-CADH is a local organization that serves local communities in awareness for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and hypertension and its main objective is to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes in its prevention, management and cure.

By Alfred Mthandizi

Dr. Bikoko speaking in support of the environmental friendly city

Lilongwe City Mayor Councilor, Dr. Desmond Bikoko, has appealed for improved outlook regarding the City of Lilongwe. Bikoko said he is not happy with the general out look of the city.

“I went to have one on one discussions and appreciate the work that Environment, Parks and Recreation Department employees are doing, as well as express my concerns with the general outlook of the city for which the department is responsible for.” said Bikoko.

During the visit, Bikoko shared his vision with them. He reminded them that his vision is for a better and clean city for Lilongwe. Bikoko said his vision cannot be achieved without their support and encouraged them to work hard collectively.

During the meeting, employees assured him of their support and their commitment to Lilongwe City Council. “In fact, within the team there were about 15 employees who have worked with Lilongwe City Council for more than 20 years and expressed sadness with lack of developmental progress with Lilongwe City Council compared to the Lilongwe of the 1980. They put the blame on lack of support from in terms of tools and departmental funding.” said Bikoko.

  Lilongwe City Council Mayor, Dr. Desmond Bikoko wants green city.

According to Bikoko, some of the challenges faced by the team are: Lack of basic working tools such as hoes, wheel barrows, slashers and that the department does not have a vehicle for use by the supervisor to inspect projects.

“There are no polythene tubes for seedling and that there is a lot of vacancies at supervisory level and now recruitment of promotion is underway,” The employees told the Mayor that there is lack of skill training for employees who could ably upgrade their skills and apply for promotions.