NGOs intensify Wash, climate change projects
United Purpose (UP) and Self Help Africa have pledged to intensify interventions in water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) as well as climate change in Dowa District.
Speaking on Thursday in the district when the two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) announced plans to merge, Self Help Africa country director Kate Louis said the rebranding is a big milestone in contributing towards the achievement of Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development strategy.
She said: “We have a commitment to support the Malawi 2063 and the district development plan through our strategic development. We will expand our programmes in Dowa from Wash to other programmes.
“The five-year strategic programme launched today is focusing on climate change. We recognise that we need to do more on environment conservation as it won’t be the same the next five years.”
Louis said the five-year strategy builds on 57 years of combined experience of United Purpose and Self Help Africa in the country.
She said the strategy provides a framework for the organisation to support the government to progress towards a self-reliant Malawi.
Dowa District Council chairperson Mayamiko Kambewa said the two organisations have been helping people in the district in different programmes.
“We have heard that their mission is to alleviate hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change. Again, they will implement programmes to help people access nutritious food and clean water,” he said.
A community member, Gerald Alipo from Traditional Authority Chiwere commended the two NGOs for promoting access to clean water through the installation of water points.
