Synod phases out K706m project in NB

Livingstonia Synod Aids Programme (Lisap) has phased out a K706 million (€1million)Community Empowerment for Sustainable Livelihood of Children project in Traditional Authority (T/A) Malanda in Nkhata Bay.

The project, which centred on children’s education, also looked into agriculture, health and other issues that impact on a child’s growth and promote education in the area.

The project which was funded by Help A Child (HAC) and targeted about 24 000 people empowering them with skills, equipment and other facilities. It run for five years.

As the project has phased out, people in the area have expressed satisfaction over its impact and called on Lisap to look into the possibility of bringing it back.

Speaking during a ceremony to mark the close of the project on Saturday, Lisap director Mphatso Nguluwe said the project has helped transform thousands of lives, especially learners.

She said drop out cases have dropped because the project addressed a number of the elements that forced children out of school.

Nguluwe said the project encouraged competition among children in schools by introducing awards which have helped motivate them. The project also introduced role models to motivate the children.

To ensure that there is a better pupil-teacher ratio, the project looked into training of teachers, including for special needs education.

The project also facilitated the construction of toilets, procurement of school materials and other necessities to keep children in school

Nkhata Bay district education manager (DEM) Mzondi Moyo said government will help in sustaining the project as a number of government officials have been trained on sustainability of the project.

However, he called on parents and leaders in the community to take a role in fight drug and alcohol abuse. He said most children are exposed to drug and alcohol at an early age which affects their education. n