Chief commends NGO for governance lessons

Traditional Authority Chilooko of Ntchisi has commended Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) for training his subjects in governance and development issues.

The centre trained area development committees (ADCs), youth clubs and women action group members in leadership skills and local governance structures under Enhancing Citizen Voice and Action in Local Governance and Development Project.

In an interview yesterday, the chief said he was pleased that his subjects now understand development and governance issues.

“People are also able to follow up on development issues in the area. Before the project, they had no knowledge of what role they can play in the development of their area,” said Chilooko.

He also commended organisations implementing various projects in the area which has a population of about 90 000.

Chilooko Youth Network chairperson Evelyn Malanda, who is also Chilooko ADC vice-chairperson, said the training has empowered young people to demand transparency in projects and do public expenditure tracking.

“Many people undermined the importance of youth clubs, but through this project, they have a different perception as the youth now participate in development activities,” she said.

Rose Tadeyu, a community member, said she will now be able to question duty-bearers on the progress of some projects in the area.

“There are some projects that take long to complete. With the training, we will be taking duty-bearers to task over such delays,” she said.

MHRRC capacity development officer Limbani Phiri said they are optimistic that the youth will take part in implementing various projects in the area.

The project is being funded by Dan Church Aid.