Pamoza Social Enterprise Malawi has organised Mlowe Cultural Arts Festival to be held at Mlowe Village, Traditional Authority Mwamlowe in Rumphi from Friday to Saturday.
It mainly focuses on harnessing the power of local culture, addressing mental health challenges and fighiting gender-based violence (GBV).
Pamoza Social Enterprise Malawi founder Peace Kalua said in an interview on Sunday that the motivation is to open Mlowe Community Centre.
“The centre will help to create employment, promote environmental conservation and raise mental health awareness,” he said.
Kalua said the festival will also focus on social issues after observing increased cases of child marriages, school dropouts and GBV in the area.
He said the festival will primarily feature local arts from the Northern Region.
“The groups will present their cultural artifacts and compete for prizes which will include three goats. It is intended to empower them and provide sustainable funding for their groups,” said Kalua.
He encouraged people to attend and participate in the festival to make it a success.
Kalua also disclosed plans to rotate the festival within the district.
Clinical psychologist and festival organiser Annabel Jaccard said the festival uses traditional Malawian arts and dances to communicate to the people of Mlowe.
“Everything is related to art because we believe that through art, we can raise awareness on pressing issues. Culture and tradition have significant impact on people as they can easily be understood,” she said.
Jaccard added that local counsellors and psychologists will be available at the festival to provide guidance on mental health and GBV.
She emphasised the festival’s focus on GBV, noting that November coincides with the 15 Days of Activism Against GBV and the centre’s opening.
Jaccard urged the public to engage in open dialogue about mental health and GBV issues, saying they have potential of impacting on people’s well-being and national development.
She also appealed to well-wishers and donors to support Pamoza Social Enterprise’s initiative.
Other activities at the festival will include traditional dances, well-being workshops, poetry and theatre.
