The Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) is appealing for additional financial support to expand its Ngoni language lessons project underway in Mzimba.
The project, which is now being implemented in traditional authorities (T/As) M’mbelwa, Mzu-kuzuku and Mabilabo, aims to preserve and promote the Ngoni language among the younger generation aged between three and 13.
Mziha general secretary Kingsley Jere said the organisation wants money to cater for the extension of the project to more areas.
“The project has started very well and the response has been positive that is why we want more support. This support is in form of monitoring, review meetings and capacity building sessions,” he said.
Jere also said some adults are approaching them to participate in the lessons.
“There is increasing demand from adults who are interested in learning the Ngoni language. But limited funds restrict them,” he said.
He said community members where the project is being implemented have identified fluent Ngoni speakers to teach the language.
The project initially began with support from the Copyright Fund which provided a grant of K5 million.
Copyright Fund manager Blessings Botha has since commended the initiative, calling it a unique effort to preserve Ngoni language.
“The initiative is a unique and important step in preserving indigenous languages. However, for it to have a significant impact, it needs collaboration from multiple stakeholders. We are encouraging partnerships to make the initiative a long-term success,” he said
