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JB clinches deal with Direct Aid of Kuwait

Deal sealed: Chiume signing the MoU as President Banda and other officials look on.
Deal sealed: Chiume signing the MoU as President Banda and other officials look on.

Direct Aid formerly the Africa Muslims Agency, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malawi Government that will see a cross section of the society in the country benefit from the organization through the provision of various social amenities.

The signing ceremony that took place at the Jumeriah Messilah Beach Hotel in Kuwait on Sunday marks yet another chapter in the organization’s charitable work which started in 1981 in Mangochi when the organisation was called the Malawi Muslim Committee before it changed to Africa Muslim Agency.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ephraim Mganda Chiume signed the MoU on behalf of the Malawi Government while Abdul Rahman Al Muhailan, Board Chairperson for Direct Aid signed on behalf of his organisation in the presence of President Dr Joyce Banda.

In her remarks, Joyce Banda said she was delighted to witness the signing of the MoU which she said would enable Direct Aid operate as a fully fledged international entity in Malawi thereby making Malawians benefit fully from its programmes.

“As many of you may be aware, Direct Aid which is now operating in 30 African countries, has changed its name in line with its international rebranding. Since its inception, Direct Aid has supported programmes in education, health and social welfare in Malawi.

“However, in spite of starting its operations in the country, Malawi has not benefited much from the organization’s programmes compared to other countries like South Africa, Kenya and Siera Leone to mention but a few.

“I am therefore pleased that the signing of the MoU will open new opportunities for the country so that many Malawians benefit in various sectors of economic and social development,” observed President Banda.

Banda said she was particularly happy with the organization’s pledge to construct a University in the country that will focus on provision of technical education.

“This will help some of the youth to acquire the much needed skills for self employment and also for entry into the industry,” she noted.

President Banda further appealed to Direct Aid to help construct a grand Mosque in Mangochi, a request she said she had made to the organisation earlier on.

Said Banda: “At this point, let me also kindly ask you Mr Chairperson to favourably prioritise the request that I made to Direct Aid to construct a grand Mosque in Mangochi. As you are aware, the recent statistics show that the Muslim population in Malawi is significant at about 12 percent, therefore, this grand Mosque when constructed, will inspire our Muslim brothers and sisters not only in Mangochi, but the country as whole.”

On his part, Direct Aid Board Chair, Abdul Rahman Al Mahailan said he cherishes the fact that his organization had its foundation in Malawi about 30 years ago.

“Let me announce that the Board of Directors for Direct Aid have agreed to start construction of the University in Malawi very soon,” he said. Adding that Direct Aid will complete old schools while building new ones as well as sinking fresh water boreholes.

While in Kuwait, President Banda is expected to attend the third Arab-Africa Summit where she is expected to deliver a speech as the current African Union Chairperson.

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3 Comments

  1. The media has a duty to inform and educate the masses on the adverse effects of some of these public policies. Exportation of labor to the Middle East must be carefully analyzed before implementation, considering all the well documented evils and inhuman treatment of foreign labor force in this region. All this information is already in the public domain, next is to question the policy makers as to why they are exposing their citizens to such an environment without clearly defined safeguards and public disclosure of such risks.

  2. Where was Lutepo before his arrest? Is our police playing double standards on Lutepos issue? Wld those who have the power to unearth the truth abt his whereabouts do so for the benefit of the country?

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