SOS Children's Villages Malawi Empowers Communities in Anti-Corruption Efforts
SOS Children's Villages Malawi partners with the Anti-Corruption Bureau to equip communities with knowledge and skills to combat corruption and fraud.
LILONGWE, Malawi – SOS Children's Villages Malawi has taken proactive measures to equip communities across the country with knowledge and skills aimed at preventing corruption and fraud, writes Moses Nyirenda.
In collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), SOS Children's Villages Malawi organised a fraud and corruption sensitization exercise at Chadza community in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Connex Chirombo, the Internal Auditor for SOS Children's Villages Malawi, highlighted their efforts in enhancing systems to prevent corruption and fraud.
Speaking at the sensitization exercise, Chirombo emphasised two approaches being employed to combat corruption and fraud within the organisation.
"One of our approaches is focused on strengthening our institution's integrity system. We are enhancing the system at our institution to prevent fraud and corruption. Recently, we provided our staff with knowledge on fraud and corruption prevention," Chirombo explained.
"In addition, we have another approach that involves enhancing the system at the community level. That is why we are here today in Chadza, to equip community members with knowledge and skills on detecting and preventing corruption and fraud.”
Chirombo expressed confidence that these initiatives would foster accountability and transparency, not only with their partners but also with the communities they serve.
"We believe that through these efforts, we will maintain accountability and transparency with our partners, especially the donors, as well as the communities relying on us for the welfare of vulnerable children and families," Chirombo affirmed.
In addition to the Chadza community, SOS Children's Villages Malawi has extended their efforts to Ngabu in the Chikwawa district, equipping community members there with knowledge and skills related to fraud and corruption prevention.
In an interview, Pastor Davis Kalenga, Chairperson of the Nsoma Village Integrity Committee championed by SOS Children's Villages Malawi, shared positive results from their training efforts in Ngabu.
"Previously, corruption and fraud cases were prevalent in Ngabu communities, involving various authorities, including police officers and those responsible for social protection programmes," Pastor Kalenga said.
"But after receiving training on how to prevent corruption and fraud, we have witnessed a reduction in such cases within many communities in Ngabu.”
The collaborative efforts between SOS Children's Villages Malawi, the ACB, and the empowered communities demonstrate a commitment to combat corruption and fraud, fostering integrity and transparency for the betterment of society.