Gender project impresses Mangochi Diocese
Mangochi Diocese Vicar General Father Frank Chingale has commended the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) for being innovative in the implemention of a gender project in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chowe in the district.
CCJP, with funding from Millennium Challenge Account Malawi (MCA-M), is implementing a three-year Social and Gender Enhancement Fund (SGEF) Project at Lingamasa River where it is engaging 31 villages to conserve the Shire River catchment area.
Speaking during the field visit on Friday to appreciate progress of the project, Chingale said he was impressed to see communities engaging in activities that will regenerate forests and conserve the environment.
“Before I came here, I did not expect to find communities being involved in the creation of forest neither did I expect to find them in groups discussing pertinent issues that would elevate their families as opposed to cutting down trees for charcoal or firewood,” he said.
CCJP diocesan secretary for Mangochi Diocese Bruno Banda expressed optimism that his organisation would fulfill what they planned to achieve by the end of the project this year.
“We have planted over 50 000 trees, trained people in bee-keeping, formed adult literacy classes, provided people with livestock and established vibrant village savings and loans groups, among other viable groups; hence, I hope we will achieve our target,” he said.
