Unicef has new country rep

Minister of Foreign Affairs  and International Cooperation Francis Kasaila has commended the impact Unicef programmes are having on Malawians.

The minister said this in Lilongwe on Friday when he received letters of credemce from new Unicef country representative Rudolf Schwenk.

“Unicef is touching the lives of so many children and mothers. Its presence is felt everywhere in the country and it is well appreciated.

“When you travel throughout Malawi, you can see the impact that Unicef has on the lives of the people,” he said.

In his remarks, Schwenk pledged his commitment to promote Unicef’s ideals in the country.

He said: “I am delighted to be here in Malawi and look forward to serving the children of this country through Unicef’s cooperation with the government and our many partners.

“Malawi is rightly known as the Warm Heart of Africa and I have received a very warm welcome. There are many challenges facing children and young people in this country, but also many opportunities and I am confident that together we can find effective and sustainable solutions, giving children a brighter future.”

So far, Schwenk has worked with United Nations (UN) for 24 years.

He started his career with non-governmental organisations in development cooperation in Germany.

In 1995, he joined the UN, working first with UNrwa in Jordan and, since 2 000, serving with Unicef in Niger, India, Denmark and Bhutan.

Schwenk has replaced Johannes Wedeneg, who left the country for other assignments within the Unicef establishment.