Nice engages local structures on MW2063

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has engaged area development committee (ADC) members from Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi on Malawi 2063 (MW2063) the country’s long-term development plan.

Speaking on Friday during the training, Nice Mangochi district civic education officer Joseph Chamambala said they wanted the members to become agents of change in their communities.

He said: “We want people to embrace mindset change and know about the driving pillars of development as supported by MW2063.

“We believe that when people know about the country’s development blueprint, they will venture into farming, businesses and manufacturing to develop the district and the country at large.”

One of the facilitators, Galasiano Nicholas from the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of Mangochi Diocese, asked the ADC members to be the change before changing others.

“Let us embrace mindset change ourselves first before we reach to others. It is possible. I also urge you to work with other leaders such as chiefs and the clergy,” he said.

Mponda ADC vice-chairperson James Chilombo said they will relay the message to community members.

“People are ready to embrace mindset change, but they feel discouraged when they hear about corruption at district or national level,” he said.

One of the ADC members, Margret Kaliwa, asked duty-bearers in the district to create a conducive environment for business and farming.

“People will only venture into farming and business if they feel they will gain profits. I, therefore, ask duty-bearers to ensure they support the youth and other groups to succeed in their endeavours,” she said.

Nice Trust held the meeting with funding from the Malawi Government.