'Self-help key to development'-Senior Chief Mwankhunikira
Mwankhunikira added that many things are falling apart that could easily be handled by communities without government or donor support.
RUMPHI, Malawi - Senior Chief Mwankhunikira of Rumphi said Wednesday that self-help projects are critical to instilling self-reliance and a hardworking spirit among communities, and such projects need promotion if the country is to see tangible development, writes Manasse Nyirenda, MANA.
"There were many self-help projects during the one-party era that empowered communities to take care of their own communities through Youth Week, among other initiatives," Mwankhunikira said at a District Advisory Forum organized by the National Initiative for Civic Education Trust.
But he said the practice was abandoned at the dawn of multiparty democracy because it was likened to slavery.
Mwankhunikira, who chairs the Rumphi forum, called for enhanced civic education so people understand their rights and responsibilities better for Malawi's development.
"This was a very good community initiative. Young people were equipped with different skills as they gained hands-on experience working on the projects," he said.
Mwankhunikira added that many things are falling apart that could easily be handled by communities without government or donor support.
"Today, it is a pity that communities in almost all parts of the country always want government to shoulder everything," he said.
Mwankhunikira appealed to the government to consider reintroducing Youth Week to help achieve its 2063 agenda.
National Initiative for Civic Education Trust District Civic Education Officer Freency Mapanga commended the advisory board for supporting the trust's activities in Rumphi.
"A well-informed citizenry can contribute meaningfully to development," Mapanga said.
The trust plans to launch a project focused on democracy and governance to boost youth and women's participation in democratic processes.