Veep pushes for mindset change
Vice-President Saulos Chilima has challenged World Vision Malawi to scale-up its mindset change programme aimed at empowering Malawians economically.
He said the programme, Empowered World View Mindset Change Model project, has already shown potential in transforming lives.
Chilima, who is also Minister of Economic Planning, Development and Public Sector Reforms, said this in Ntchisi District on Thursday when he toured projects under the programme to appreciate the impact it is having on communities.
World Vision is implementing the project which seeks to benefit 20 000 households by promoting agribusiness, value addition for various farm produce, production of briquettes, honey and wine, among others.
While farmer-managed natural regeneration (natural forest) is targeting over 100 000 hectares.
The programme is also encouraging fish farming, production of feed for poultry and fish and village savings groups that have accumulated about K1.5 billion.
Chilima expressed satisfaction with the products being produced and impact the project is having on people.
He said: “The project is a clear manifestation that mindset change is key to empowering Malawians and developing the country. World Vision needs to scale-up the project so that it spreads to every part of the country.”
Chilima said if people embrace mindset change, the country will develop.
“God did not create Malawi as a poor nation. We need to work towards developing this country. Everyone should take part in ensuring a better Malawi,” he said.
In his remarks, World Vision director of operations Charles Chimombo said the mindset change programme will indeed be scaled-up across the country.
He said: “In the new strategy beginning from 2021 to 2025 we would like to scale-up this project because we have seen that it is one of the best models that we can pursue going forward.
“Yes we can build school blocks, we can bring water to communities or do whatever we can but mindset change is important because the basics help people earn a living by improving their economic activities.”
Chimombo said World Vision is working with over 30 percent of farmers in Malawi and since 2015 it has invested K29billion in agricultural programmes
The project is being piloted in Nkhata Bay, Lilongwe and Ntchisi districts.
