NB CSOs drilled in citizen rights
To improve community participation through dialogue in advocating for services, World Vision Malawi (WVM) has equipped Nkhata Bay civil society organisations (CSOs) in citizen voice and action facilitation processes.
Speaking on the sidelines of a three-day training last Thursday, WVM maternal and newborn child development officer for Nkhata Bay, Kissinger Phiri said the training is a milestone in driving citizen’s actions to improve accessibility and quality of public services.
“These CSOs will assist the communities in facilitating collaborative and non-confrontational dialogue between the community and service providers, which is detrimental in fostering quick and inclusive solutions,” said Phiri.
He added that the tool empowers communities to monitor and seek accountability for service delivery; hence, triggering development in their areas.
In his remarks, chair of CSO groupings in the district, Wisdom Kanyamula, commended WVM for the training.
“I believe that the skills and technical expertise acquired here will go a long way in shaping the way communities advocate and lobby for services they lack in their areas from duty bearers,” said Kanyamula.
Meanwhile, WVM is running two other programmes at Sanga and Chikwina areas, impacting about 40 000 locals. n
