Tikondwere

Three things I do not like

2010-12-09T06:00:00.001+02:00

There are many things that I don’t like about Malawi. But to say the least three things seem to stand out among them all. These are our banks, the cell phone network providers and political parties with their leaders.

First things first, I should say at the outset that, In this case I 'don’t like' would mean there is no hatred. If the things I don’t like are improved chances are that there could be a change of heart that would lead in like all the three.

But why should I dislike the banks? Prior to the Consumer Association of Malawi’s (CAMA) petition to the Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor, I had already hard feelings about the services that our banks render to the customers across the country. CAMA petition among other things raises the issue of charges that are not known to the customers also some requirements that are asked if one is to open an account. In a country where about 80% of population resides in the country – side where utility provision services are unheard of.

It is absurd for someone to ask a village folk from Kazyozyo who might have a good fortunate with tobacco trying to open an account to be asked for a water bill or electricity bill. All these services have never been there ever since. I remember once I was applying for a visa to travel outside Malawi. The consular officer asked me to bring a bank statement. Knowing for sure that I had an account, I went to the branch where my account is maintained.

While I understand that the account remains the property of the said bank, but I have every right to ask for updates as regards my account. On this day, I was proved otherwise. The person I met at the inquiry said I should bring with me a letter from the embassy if they were to give me a statement. I asked this person, “whose account am I asking a statement for?” I said what? Is it mine or embassy’s? If it is my account, I do not need someone to write a letter to authorize any transaction about my account. He just said that’s the requirement. He went on doing other things before saying can you give room for others please. Then I said how you are going to help, the guy just said come again tomorrow in the afternoon. For three days I kept going to this bank, the statement could not be produced, as if this is not enough each day I came I had to start all again the whole story as each day I was finding a different person the desk.

After having enough of their songs I decided to seek the branch manager’s help. This was totally against what I had envisaged as it me producing a statement did not require a specialist to think through. I narrated the whole scenario and the experience I have had with his junior staff. It just took 10 minutes for him to order the same guys to produce the statement. Just like I had thought, he too asked me “whose account are you asking a statement for?” Unless the account was not yours then it could be prudent for you to ask a letter from the embassy. It is total foolhardy for so called Banker’s Association of Malawi to just lash at CAMA by saying the latter have generalized the issues about the banking sector. I thought that was the only way for the consumers to show that the services that these banks are provided are not satisfactory at all. At least this gives them an opportunity to improve and also putting their house, as an association, in order.

Most of the banks have been asking for water and electricity bill slips respectively from all its customers. For someone reside within the geographical area termed as towns or cities would not have problems in doing so. Though a lot more in these places do not have running in their housing units. For instance, Ntandire in Lilongwe, Ntopwa in Blantyre and such other place in Mzuzu. What more with someone from Gwaligwali in Mchinji, Marka in Nsanje and Misuku in Chitipa. Find better ways of verifying places of residences and all that, that’s what innovation is all about.

Then another group of service providers are in the cellphone network providers. The only lucky thing about them is that they have been allowed to provide their lousy services to the citizen of Malawi. As you and I may know that it takes long for Malawi citizens to speak out. They are such a patient people in the globe. They always give you a second chance. But it comes at a time when they feel enough is enough. Ask out politicians. There are more examples on that I need not to belabor the point. Reports are rife that either a phone is dropped or its quality is bad and one won’t be re-imbursed for that. One case in mind is when the country’s president (Bingu wa Mutharika) was infuriated after his own call was unknowingly dropped off. We may not know that he was in the middle of discussing issues with potential investors who would bring foreign direct investment (FDI). This is not to mention the rate which it is taking them to roll out to all parts of the country other than concentrating themselves in the so called major cities. For instance, the first commissioning of cellular network services conducted by Bakili Muluzi in December 1995, 15 years down the line cellphones are still an exclusive to many. For ground lines, we are about to just write an obituary as most parts will not get such service in the nearest future.

Then there is political party group. For more than 15 years Malawi has been under political pluralism. Those who happen to make names and fall out of grace of the powers that be have ended forming their own parties. Consequently, we have ended up having more than 30 parties in a country of about 13 million people. Uh!! It is ironical, look at US, their population about 300 million. They have two parties of course with a few splinter groups within the registered parties. One in question is the Tea Party movement in the Republican. The citizens choose to either belong to Republican (GOP), Democrat or none (Independents). But that is the issue. I do not like our parties because of lack of intra – party democracy. Some have had the audacity of claiming to be democrats when they are not. Then all our parties seem to be entities of their own separated from its membership. This masks the mandate that’s vested to the leadership by the citizenry. They are not accountable to the same let alone transparent. Some of them are touting that Malawi has developed beyond recognition to warrant spending huge sums of money on flag. The argument goes like the flag made sense when Malawi had a population of about 5million. That was in the early 1960s. Middle – aged used to get employment through TEBA. Some of us have grown to see people whose fortunes came about because of some stints in the mines. When Malawian youth used to give their energy in specially set aside week to contribute towards national development. The structures that were erected during such period can be seen sporadically in some schools especially in the rural areas.

When Malawi’s economy was still thriving before tumbling abysmally as been the case in the last few years. If one is to visit places west of Zomba city towards Changalume just before Shire river would agree with me that the area is still as virgin as it was left by the Britons some 45years ago.

Service Corps: Anything from Malawi?

2010-12-06T06:00:00.001+02:00

On October 14, 1960 the then United States Senator who later become the president of US John F. Kennedy made a speech at 2:00am at University of Michigan Student Union. This was during a campaign trail for elections of the president that were about two weeks away. He asked the graduating students to commit about 2years of their lives to serve overseas, especially in the developing world. To him, the purpose over having the young people serve overseas was to promote peace and friendship among the peoples of United States and those of the developing world. This would enable the US citizens understand some of the problems which plague the world at the same time allow the people of the world understand US as an ally and not a bully. Soon after his election as the

President, JFK as is popularly known, in March, 1961 he signed an executive order that sought to establish the Peace Corps Volunteers. Since then thousands of American young men and women have served in more than 100 countries around the globe. They have provided much need expertise in education, health, agriculture and many emerging areas such as Information Technology and HIV and AIDS management.

Malawi

as one of the developing country, and if truth were to be told a country that has had a serious requirement for massive trained human resource, has been hosting these benevolent Americans. Many people who had their secondary school education in 1960s to around late 1980s would attest that they used to have Azungu as teachers in different subjects. Many of them have fond memories how education was the best at that material time. Others even claim that education then was the best when they had Azungu teaching and not what we see these days. In the month of October 2010, after 50 years when the ground work for the corps started taking shape, Malawi is still benefitting from the program. I am sure she will continue for ages to come.

However, I feel that their presence has not helped in one way or another. We as a nation have not learnt from their experience in coming up with a national service, where either secondary school graduates or college would be allowed to commit part of time their towards national service. Creating a body that would allow young people sign up for assignments to be undertaken at Kazyozyo village in Mchinji, Nthalire in Chitipa or Dambe in Neno. This would in the process help such young men and women understand some issues affecting people in those hard to reach places. I understand a few years ago there was an attempt by the University of Malawi (UNIMA) students in coming up with an initiative. Am using an attempt because I have not heard how it went or how it is being run.

Over the years, the

has witnessed birth of several services corps. Most if not all have created an opportunity for young people acquire experience, that is most sought after by the prospective employers. It smacks foolhardy to be asking for experience when nobody ever tried to open an opportunity for someone to come and acquire such experience. Some of these are Teach for

America

, Atlas Service Corps and Global Health Corps (GHC). All these are in different fields. They have helped most Americans understand problems that are prevalent not only outside US but also within. For instance, Global Health Corps whose current president is Barbara Bush (daughter to G.W Bush President of US between 2001 and 2009) aims to mobilize a global community of young leaders to build a movement for health equity. This entails that there are problems which are affecting health service delivery in US and elsewhere. Recently, there was heated debate on Health care Reform which other quarters termed it as Obamacare. The subsequent passage of the bill meant that millions of US citizen are covered with insurance.

The unique thing about GHC which distinguish it with most corps in US is how it operates. In its first year (2009/10) of operation it had about 22 fellows. These were drawn from France, Haiti, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda and United States. They also made sure that at every hosting organization they post two fellows. The set is one citizen of the nation being hosted and an international fellow. For instance, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) there was Maggie Savage from North Carolina, USA and Richard Zule-Mbewe from Malawi (this writer). This pair worked on health literacy. Health Literacy has been noted to be a greatest predictor of quality health service delivery. So one would notice that it not only those from the developed worked who can come and work in developing world but also those from developing countries would go and work in countries like US and leave behind a long lasting impact and a legacy. Furthermore, the set up itself allows the team members learn from each other, socially and in other aspects of life. In 2009/10 GHC sent Emily Bearse from US and Jeffry Misomali from Malawi to work with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) – Malawi. The two were posted in Liwonde to work in project called Exper Client.

Perhaps that is not the topic for today. Having service corps have helped Americans help those in need are provided with the much needed personnel. I would guess we too could come up with initiatives like these. They will not only provide employment to the recent college graduates but also experience that is always emphasized in most job advertisements. Making deliberate efforts in building capacity of young people would help the nation. In so doing it would also help those who access public funding, sponsorship for their college education to give back what they owe the society. I would also think that young people will not only be tools for political manipulation as Malawi has come to witness for ages. There was once a group called the Youth League of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) whose activities were characterized by brutal actions meted out on the citizens. It was members of this league who would ask a pregnant mother buy a party membership card for the unborn baby. Yes, the same members would stand at the entrance of public establishments such as bus stations, markets requiring bear a card if is to access the service requires. Then another group came in Malawi, this in a way helped to distort the notion of democracy. It was called the Young Democrats under United Democratic Front (UDF); they turned out to be a menace to the society. One would shiver at the mention of this party wing. Now there is DPP Youth Morale who were about to pounce on an innocent journalist at Kamuzu International Airport. His sin was asking the president questions, in which were allegedly considered tough for the Kahuna and work of opposition. Please spare us from the menacing and violent population of the youth, where possible the law enforcers should tame such guys.

Therefore, it is only prudent for us as a nation we positively utilize the energy that is always exuded by the young people. However, this would not mean that when volunteers sign up for service corps they would not be supported to meet living expenses. At least a modest stipend will have to be offered to them. It would be absurd for anybody to dream of corps that will not commit itself in meeting some expenses which the corps would incur in the line of duty.

About the writer: He is a former Fellow and belongs to the inaugural class with Global Health Corps was based in Newark, New Jersey USA from August 2009 to end of July 2010. Currently based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

E-mail: kuthemba@gmail.com

We are sum total of the solution

2010-12-03T12:10:00.000+02:00

I believe in the service to humanity with compassion and humility. It pains me when the corridors of power decide to turn a blind eye on issues of maternal health. It is indeed disturbing to note that countries like Malawi in this era can still have maternal mortality rates as high as 890 deaths per 100,000 live births. Mothers in all parts of the world have the right to live and need not to die during child birth.

I believe that every person has a role to play in solving problems that plague our different societies. I believe that in us all is a sum total of the solution in fighting against Human Immuno-Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). I truly believe that we can manage to have a generation free of HIV and AIDS. Creating and providing information that is not only culturally appropriate but also easy to understand.

I also believe that a better solution lies in the hands of the beneficiaries and not the other way round. I believe what I would consider to be my problem is not the same to someone in the other part of the globe. I believe that aid should not be attached to the aspirations of the donor but what the recipients feel to make out of such aid. I believe in building capacities through competitive and transparent manner like the Global Health Corps (GHC) does.

GHC seeks to utilize a variety skill and experience that young people may have towards providing health. For instance, a skill in supply chain management acquired at GAP has proved to be useful in making sure that people living with HIV and AIDS in Zanzibar, Tanzania should have constant supply of Antiretroviral therapy. Similarly, knowledge on Policy analysis and experience in Monitoring and Evaluation has been put to use in creating a Health Literacy environment at the University Hospital in Newark, NJ.

I truly believe one size does not fit all. And, I believe we can all make this world a better place to live in.

Health Literacy: A virtue or vice in the fight against HIV and AIDS among the adolescents in Malawi.

2010-08-01T16:40:00.000+02:00

My issue of public health concern is how to assist the adolescents who are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Malawi. This would involve promotion of some behavior change intervention among this population.

HIV and AIDS is regarded as the main cause of death in most sub Saharan African countries. According to the UNAIDS reported in 2008 that the sub Saharan Africa is a host to about 22 million people living with HIV and AIDS. This has caused an enormous challenge both the public and clinical health sector respectively. Malawi has an estimated number of about 1million people living with the virus out of which 91, 000 are children below the age of 18years. As of June, 2009 about 10% of these children were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is believed that with the introduction of ART has led to a decrease in deaths occurring due to HIV/AIDS related illnesses in both adults and children. However, there is a need to consider giving the adolescents group in providing them with tools that will help the both psychosocially and attainment of self efficacy. These two aspects can be easily achieved through a Health Literacy initiative. Helping them in navigating the health system, obtaining information will be helpful for them to live a better and longer life. This is where the concept health literacy may come into play.

Health Literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Health People United States Department of Human and Health Services 2010). This takes into consideration all the health communication process. Health Literacy, like any aspect of public health is a means to an end in the communication process of health information. Therefore, bringing the issue to the adolescents in Malawi will aid in helping them make appropriate decisions? Optimistically, this can be achieved. There are very few programs that are specifically targeting the adolescents who are HIV positive. This age group that is as volatile as they are exploring what life is all about. So checking on health behavior through health literacy will not help each of them but also community in which they live.

The adolescent stage is a crucial stage in ones life and it is at this stage when one starts seeing the world making sense. It is even hard for the adolescent who are living with HIV and are also on antiretroviral therapies (ART). This project aims at providing tools to the adolescent population who are living with HIV and AIDS. Tools that will not only be friendly to the age group but also appropriate in terms of culturally appropriate in tune with society. This will ensure that they understand the basics of the health system in order for them to achieve positive psychosocial and health outcomes. Therefore, a program to address the psychosocial component in an adolescent friendly manner would help in achieving better health outcomes.

Objectives:

• Providing psychosocial support and creating an environment in which the children can explore their feelings about living with a chronic illness.

• To promote self efficacy in adolescents through providing life skills, information, and health resources necessary for academic and personal achievement

o Preventing further transmission of the virus

o Preventing re-infection from the virus

• Advocating within the public health system for the needs of the youth.

Methodologies:

A mix of activity would help in achieving the objectives as outlined above. The following will the mechanism. Adolescent who are in primary both HIV positive and negative will be organized in clubs. The clubs will be holding panel discussion, debates and role plays on themes chosen by the teachers. However, before the implementation a standard curriculum will be developed. This will call for concerted efforts from both the education and health sector respectively. The clinical people such as pediatricians, social workers among others will be consulted for their input. This will be coordinated by an administrator to be appointed. Then, the children who are on ART at clinics such Baylor Malawi will benefit as they are already organized in a club that meets every month. All activities will be augmented by sporting events such as soccer and other child friendly games. The project implementers will utilize the health systems channel to advocate for these children. This will include both at policy formulation level and international campaigns such as “world AIDS day” and candlelight memorial vigils.

Expected outcomes:

In the short term communities will know that they have adolescent who are HIV positive who also need support just like support given to adults who are in the same situation. Policies in the health system in Malawi will take due consideration of children who are growing and are HIV positive. Last but not least, the beneficiaries will have attained tools necessary for self efficacy, through behavior change intervention.

Conclusion and way forward:

There is a possibility that the adolescent who are HIV positive in Malawi are at risk of re-infection and transmitting the virus to others. This needs to e addressed in order for them to achieve better quality of life and grow in useful adults of the society. Having a voice that can explore the health system and any other system that is helpful to the children will enhance that all issues are taken care of at optimum levels.

**This is project is inspired in part by my prior work experience in Malawi and as Fellow with Global Health Corps (www.ghcorps.org) in New Jersey, United States of America. And, of course my own personal conviction and passion.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Recovery

Leading a discussion on HIV and AIDS

2010-06-06T01:45:00.001+02:00

Face AIDS a student organisation based out of Stanford, California aims to give face to the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa. They hold monthly calls on HIV and AIDS. I was honoured on May 6th, 2010 in leading a call on HIV/AIDS and Acess to treatment.
Listen here:

Unlocking the potential for development: Africa in perspective

2010-05-23T23:37:00.000+02:00

Every society and community has things that bond it together. For example, some societies are known by they story telling culture. So too are people of the same age group have some aspects that they tend to share. A young person in Cotonou, Benin and Toronto, Canada will share aspirations of hanging out with friends very often. Activeness of this age group should be used to drive the development agenda of the world. Though financial resources are always an issue in development circles, I also think developing and equipping human resources is pertinent in the same realm. This development of human resource may not only be the traditional classroom basis but also bringing those that may have less opportunities of being service to where they are needed. In places like Malawi there have been cats and dogs fight between the young people and older generation. The latter have always wanted the former to have experience in a particular field, yet they do not open up doors that would allow young people acquire such experience.

At the 2000 UN Summit in New York, about 189 states of the world adopted a development agenda for global development. This was to become a blue – print called 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). I would agree to have such guiding principles I order to be able to easily measure the successes and the challenges at the same time being accountable to those that are providing support and those at the receiving end. For those at the receiving end have in most development initiative not been actively involved as result they do not own such initiatives.

Monitoring reports about the trend of development in line with the MDGs do indicate that most countries will only be able to achieve about half of the eight goals. For instance, recent press reports on Malawi are indicative of this situation. I would guess that such is the case due to the way the development issues have been handled at the local levels as such issues are left to the elite and ‘educated’ who often feel are in the know. At the same time the ‘educated’ have not been made to value service first and the whatsoever material benefits second. Due to this disconnect this group has not been forthcoming to work in country sides. Their main stop has been major cities. I would think incorporating such in local governments’ development agenda would have had an impact much better than the present ones. Goals like reducing child mortality and improving maternal health would have been easily adopted by the local. It is disturbing to note that at this age some countries like Malawi have their maternal mortality rates as high as 890 per 100,000 live births. If every local person was not only made aware but also understand such issues I am certain that the situation would have not been gleam as is the situation now. Let the young adults take active role through creating an enabling environment to learn hands on would greatly help. It is worrisome to have such figures because these are estimates that may not correct as not all cases are reported to the ministry responsible. Data management is not all that robust. This is a challenge in itself. Interesting about the MDGs is that there is a mention of developing a global partnership for development. Partnerships have wherewithal to offer benefits that are mutually felt by the parties involved. Every party brings to table what it can do and can not.

Consequently, initiatives undertaken on a complementary basis by both parties take away mistrust that would erupt in cases where there was not mutual agreement. Furthermore, this goal emphasizes development of decent and productive work for youth. For ages, youth in most developing countries such as Africa have not been at the forefront in development work. They have only been used to promote the agenda of those with power and running their errand. They have been drawn into wars fighting on behalf others. Not much has been to done to use them as development vehicles. Stories are abounding that this group of people has been used to harass political opponents of those in the corridor of power. As a result the image of young people has been tarnished as they are regarded to be violent and can not be trusted to run important affairs. This mistrust takes a way any support that would have been going towards supporting novels coming from young people. Building capacity of this group through a thoughtful process without being confrontational of the existing powers would lead them into taking their right place in societies and be able to play a rightful role towards development.

However, I strongly believe global development rests in the hands of young people. For instance, currently statistics indicate that about 60% of Africa’s 800million people consists an age group of 15 to 49 years. Though, many are within the ages of 25 to 35 years. On a gleam side, this would also imply that it is the same age group that is great affected by HIV and AIDS. Most of them are either left vulnerable by the deaths of their parents at the tender or they are themselves living with the virus. Therefore, unraveling the potential through a thoughtful process from this age group would with certain unlock the development potential of the world. For example, matching programs like those espoused by the Global Health Corps are a better way of unlocking and realizing such massive potential. Unlike in the West (UK, USA, France and most EU member states) where opportunities for higher education are high and students are allowed to take a year off between college to travel and learn a new way of thinking helps a lot. Most of African universities are yet to realize the potential that rests in such interventions. It may not mean traveling across the global but rather encouraging students’ community engagement. Students would be assigned in those underserved places and provide service that is needed. Furthermore, volunteerism and community service by young people has not been on the agenda of the powers that be. I strongly believe horizontal integration among young people is keys to unbridled development. They would be used to educate their peers on the danger of HIV and AIDS.

A lot of young people exude confidence and exuberance that is never utilized until they get old which often than not such thinking becomes obsolete as the world is constantly changing. Therefore, it is apparent that models like those of Global Health Corps should spread across the different regions of the global, where people of the same zeal, goals and aspirations should be drawn together. That will be a better way of developing the capacities of the nation that are lagging. These capacities would allow young people use the hands on experience also develop a capacity of thinking outside the box. Such models would embrace all facets of development. This would be education, health to socio – economic development of different countries for example.

Therefore, it is imperative to support novel ideas that may be coming from young people and guiding through the process. Through this the latent potential will be fully realized and be put to a good use when it’s still relevant with time. Societies are developed by strengthening those that are deemed weak. In this regard, young people who mostly lack resources would be deemed the weak in the sense that they can not move forward unless resources and opportunities are made available.

Last but not least, though I focused on Africa, I have every reason that this can easily be replicated across the world.

The audacity to know more!!

2010-04-17T17:20:00.001+02:00

I will not falter or slack back in my quest to know and educate myself on the issue that seem to have torn apart Sub Saharan Africa more than any war in modern history.

Last time I did allude to the fact that there is a glimmer of hope in our endearvour to fight HIV and AIDS. This ranges from people reaction towards behaviour change interventions also an increase in number of people both accessing counseling and testing, and antiretroviral therapy. For instance, by 2004 in Malawi there were less than 20,000 people on ART compared to more than 250,000 people by December 2009. Of course we might have not been able to find a vaccine nor cure in the shortest possible time, but am optimist and sure that we will soldier on.

When the first ART regimen, what I would call “cocktail” of drugs around 1987 it was unfathomable for people in the sub Saharan Africa to partake of it as the drugs was expensive beyond the reach of many people in the region. Mind you this is a region where most of the poorest people live. Those who measure the level of poverty using monetary value do estimate that people in this region survive on less than $1.25 per day. This cocktail termed AZT enabled people living with HIV and AIDS to stay health and lead a productive life. At this stage AIDS had become more of a chronic disease just like may other diseases.

As the issue of Africa’s direness on the need to have support caught the internationally renowned celebrities such as Bono of the U2, Alicia Keyes, Madonna just to mention but a few. Most of these, in case of Bono have been pressing rich nation to make provision towards funding in programs that assists in HIV and AIDS care especially ART. They have met resistance in the process but that has not deterred them in the quest to achieve that. For instance, it is an open secret that some Officials in these rich countries thought is unattainable or impossible to provide ART to poor countries such as Malawi. The perception of these officials on this being that people in Africa can not follow the regular times for taking medications. To the people in Africa do not know how to tell time using wrist watch. And yet in my case I was born when my grandfather was already using a wrist watch with precision. Such illusion makes one wonder that in this era could there be a region in the world where the use of wrist watch is unheard. I do not know.

In the other post, I said that I had been looking at the statistically differences in terms of HIV prevalence rate across different regions of the world. This often times brings me to sub Saharan Africa where HIV and AIDS have reared its ugly face thereby affecting the social fabric of region. Socio-economically countries have been affected. Some studies have even indicated that between 1985 to 2000 sub Saharan Africa has lost a 1.5 years of productive life among its citizens. In the process this has affected output either on the fields or in offices. Agricultural production, which is still underdeveloped in most countries in this region, as there are still a lot of subsistence farmers, had been heavily affected between 1990 and 2000. Consequently, there has been shortage of food not only because of climatic condition but shortage of labour as many ends up being sick or taking care of the sick.

My crude assessment of such has led to conclude that in countries which include Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa, Malawi and many in this region have their rates unacceptably high. Sometimes have had a feeling that is there a correlation between relative political peace to the high HIV prevalence rate? This is in comparison to political volatile countries such as Somalia in the Horn of Africa or a country whose size could be much bigger as compared to countries in Western Europe. This is Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The country has been unstable since the ouster of the notorious dictator Mobuto Seseko. The dictator whose known to have been the richest in Africa and he had more 80% of the country’s wealth.

However, in my pursuit in search for truth without pointing fingers at anyone or blaming governments who were in denial about HIV and AIDS then. As that is much of history. Suffice to say that it includes my government. All we can do is to let the future determine our intervention and the past to learn from. The point I am trying to bring out is that I have a new understanding about this. In countries where there are conflicts there is likely less chances of reporting many health problems as most people are on the run. Then I have also come to learn that in some countries in the Africa’s great lakes region have used HIV and AIDS a weapon of war. Then in the Sub Saharan Africa we have not been able to build strong health systems that will report reliable data. Therefore, expecting top – notch information from such will be being naïve. Nonetheless, we at least make do with what have and has been reported either by governments or bodies like UNAIDS.

Most of information on HIV and AIDS do come as reports, either research or press respectively. There have been some attempts to put the same in a non – technical manner by a few writers. I came across a book authored by a Canadian based in Jo’burg, SA her name is Stephanie Nolen. Her expose on HIV and AIDS puts a human face on many people she has come in touch. The title of the book is “28 stories of AIDS in Africa”. Twenty – eight has been used like a metaphor representing the reported 28 million people who were believed to have been living with the virus the time she was writing her book. Reviewers such as Stephen Lewis UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa then do agree that Stephanie’s book could have helped in shaping public opinion as never before. Perhaps that’s why I have been able to think otherwise in terms of HIV prevalence rates between the troubled regions of Africa and those enjoying some relative political peace.

I found myself coming face to face with HIV from down South Africa to Ethiopia. She narrates every story with passion and respectfully. For instance, she has brought to light a story of a Ms Kadzanja who has live with HIV and AIDS for sometime. How she has been able to serve as a model among those living with HIV. She was also sent packing by her husband. Another story that comes to light is that of a nurse in DRC who despite being in a war torn country, her commitment to serving the patients with HIV in the city of Bukavu is imaginable. Then Pontiano Kaleeba an investigator based in Uganda who shows obsession in wanting to find a vaccine for HIV.

Stories that I have read in this book have inspired and made me feel that those living with HIV and AIDS are not alone but there are a lot of people who care about them. May be what remains is to connect the dots so that they realize people are doing all they can in order to lessen the problem. There are people who are selflessly serving and spending sleepless nights in order to make a difference.

It is my wish that I should be part of making and bringing that difference.

Our politics: For Joyce Banda

2010-04-05T16:13:00.001+02:00

When it was learnt that the Presidential candidate for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Bingu wa Mutharika, that he has partnered with lady everyone thought that’s the best way to empower our mothers. This climaxed when this woman was unveiled. The woman was no other Joyce Banda. She is an accomplished lady and she has contributed a lot to the nation. She is the brains behind NABW and her own foundation, Joyce Banda Foundation.

Therefore, it made sense to have her as a running mate who will in turn be the second most powerful citizen of the land. And it really showed how serious he was in making sure that women, our mothers, are being given positions of influence. Mind you Malawi has had only two male vice presidents since its independence more than forty years ago. These are Justin Malewezi and Cassim Chilumpha. She being the first female Vice President in the history of nthe socalled sovereign republic. It’s sad that Chilumpha was unfortunate to be linked to the alleged assassination plot of his boss. Consequently, he spent most of time answering charges and subsequent house arrests.

It is rather disturbing to learn that the post of Vice President appears to be useless looking at issues at hand. If we are to go by the press reports, it is clear that Joyce Banda was just used to appeal to the both 50-50 campaigners and her fellow women folks. She is being reduced to nothing by each passing day. After all, we have to believe the press reports because it the same medium that was used to unveil Joyce Banda as the running mate.

I do recall Joyce Banda said in her campaign trail that she was honoured to be made a running mate and she thanked Bingu for that. She went on to reveal how shaky was her relationship with Bakili Muluzi whom she used to call ‘brother.’ She said Muluzi had been ill teating her in bid to let her down. It was very sad to learn this from her and it reflected how political relationships can be precarious at times. Some people do say that history repeats itself. It seems it is doing so in Joyce Banda. Here we have her boss who is doing everything possible to make her fail her duties. It all started by making sure she does not get enough coverage on her duties through the state broadcasters. Then there was news that the fleet that her office was supposed to be using was not yet restored as it was removed when Cassim Chilumpha fell out of grace. Now she has been ordered that she is no longer as AU’s Good Will Ambassador on Motherhood. It is being rumoured that the portfolio will be assumed by the incoming first lady, who appears to have been unofficially become the first lady. I just hope us as nation will learn to realize that someone just want to use us, then reduce us to something not equal to any imaginable debris.

AIDS and Africa’s direness

2010-03-15T04:41:00.002+02:00

Myths, ideologies and models have for almost a quarter a century now have been tossed around regarding what would be behind the cause of AIDS. In 1983, in a rather dramatic scientific breakthrough, a French Scientist identified Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the deadly virus that causes AIDS. It came as a step in finding a solution to a problem that had started wrecking havoc in societies across the globe. By this time the disease was thought to for a certain class of people and not all. There were stories like the disease being a Gay related infectious disease (GRID) in USA. The first case to be diagnosed of HIV in Malawi was in 1985 at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Then it did not come as clear as what AIDS is and people nicknamed it "matenda a Boma" literal transalation would be "government disease."

In retrospect, some models have traced the origin of HIV. It is believed that the virus has been around for as long as the world has existed. Such a model has linked the virus to the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) which is found in African monkeys. This model goes on to say that the HIV might have migrated from such monkeys into human. It is further augmented that most of the symptoms related to HIV were being seen way before 1980s.

After more than 25 years when the virus was first noted to be behind AIDS, some societies have been the hardest hit as compared to other despite being a world pandemic. The UNAIDS (2007) estimates that about 33 million people live with the virus globally. It is rather disturbing to note that more than 20 million of these people live in the least developed world, the Sub Saharan Africa. Terrifyingly, a lot of people in this region live on less than $1.25 per day. The countries in this region are also known to host hundreds of malnourished children due to lack of essential food during a certain period of the year. They are yet to build robust and effective public health systems. This region which covers about 47 states of the 53 in Africa has the population of about 800 million. Rough estimates would mean the HIV prevalence rate would be at 2.5% above the world overall prevalence rate.

Studies have shown that most of deaths in the past 20 years have been due to AIDS in Africa. Most countries have had their life expectancies reduced to about 40years because of the same. Malawi for example has seen its life expectancy plummeting to 40 years. Furthermore, Malawi has seen an increase in child-headed households due to the deaths of parents due to AIDS. It has been estimated that about 15million orphans live in Africa.

Several experts of public health have studied AIDS in Africa. But there is one lady who has done so with lucidity and expose in her way of putting a face towards the suffering. This is Hellen Epstein. In her book called “The Invisible cure: Africa, the West and the fight against AIDS” she writes and I quote, “In East and Southern Africa, virtually everyone is at high risk of HIV infection, even though intravenous drug use is rare and few people have large numbers of sexual partners. Why has HIV spread so rapidly in East and Southern Africa? Because HIV prevalence in Africa is highest among heterosexual men and women, most people suspected it must have something to do with sex. But what were Africans doing differently?” page 50

She does also narrate most of the theories, myths and models about the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa. She exposes how some behaviours have been responsible to the high prevalence rates in Africa than any other region in the world. She brings out the multiple concurrent partners (MCP) as but one of the practices that could be attributed to this. MCP is seen to be a safe passage for the transmission of HIV. On the economic front, she does also bring out some of the practices that could potentially be responsible. This is migrant labour. When minerals were found in places like South Africa, a lot of people trekked down south for wage employment leaving behind families. Such practices have been on to this day, especially through cross boarder trader and trucks driving. Most goods in the sub Saharan Africa are delivered in respective countries by trucks. This migrant population is relative at risk of contracting HIV as they ply their business.

But why should Africa has been the hardest hit in this pandemic? This is one of the many questions that have been lingering on for sometime. One thing that I have ruled out is ‘foul play’ on it. This means that blaming other people will be my last thing to point at. Countries such as Malawi whose HIV prevalence rate is 12% among the world’s highest and Botswana, Swaziland have their rates also. One thing in common about these countries is that they have been at relative peace politically. If they are at war, then is to fight HIV and AIDS. In contrast, countries like DRC who have been at civil war their rates hover around 5%. In such a situation one would easily create a model claiming that prevalent political peace is correlated to high HIV prevalence rates.

Back to Epstein, she brings out an issue that attracted me. She wrote, “In late-nineteenth America, knowledge of the newly proven germ theory of disease saved millions of lives long before antibiotics, vaccines, and other technical advances based on this discovery became available decades later” p 256. This would mean understanding a few things about HIV and AIDS would be way to solving the HIV puzzle.

Then she digs deeper again, looking at what community engagement and involvement led to the development of public health education. “Women’s knowledge through newspaper articles launched a spontaneous public health campaigns. They taught about hygiene and distributed pamphlets. This resulted in reduction of infant mortality; they changed the entire culture”. This brings hope and optimism than disparity and pessimism that knowledge about the virus would make a difference.

Last but not least, Epstein talks about how local people in France were able to start family planning at their own volition. “As the population started growing, the French farmers through rudimentary condom fashioned from goat intestines. This was knowledge used on contraception then”. The French farmers knew their problems, that land was getting scarce and could not continue supporting the ever growing population. I just hope that we too would also realize that if we do not check HIV and AIDS the continent may be decimated.

It is her experience in public health, lucidness of expression that Epstein finds herself unraveling this episode that intrigues many in unconventional way. She brings out the wisdom that may be forsaken at the peril of Africa. As one of the reviewers notes, “A serious attempt to explore the epidemiology of thoughtfulness, as well as that of HIV. Epstein wants to know why clarity and honesty, as well as human lives, so often become casualties of AIDS” [New Statesman].

National Advisory Council for Strategic Planning

2010-02-18T20:39:00.004+02:00

Sometime in October, 2009 or thereabout rumours started making rounds that Malawi will soon have an advisory council to the President. It appears the council has bee named. From the press as reported by Nyasatimes online publication of February 18, 2010. The memberships includes retired civil servants and politicians respectively. One such example is Dr. Justin Malewezi former Vice President of the republic. Then there are number of ruling party's members these are Prof. Peter Mutharika, MP (Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister), Ken Kandodo, MP great-grandchild of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu, Chairman of BNL and current Finance Minister, Dr. Ken Lipenga, MP Abbie Shawa , MP (Minister of Economic Planning) Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda, MP and Nicholus Dausi, MP.

Dr. Mathews Chikaonda, Dr Maxwell Mkwezalamba, Former PAC Chairman Fr Boniface Tamani, Thembi Thadzi (Youth Activist) and Dyborn Chibonga are also members of the advisory council.

Others that have made it to the list are members of the civil society such as Andrew Kumbatira, Emma Kaliya and Seodi White. On the economics front Perks Ligoya (Reserve Bank Governor) and Dr. Thomas Munthali.

The statement from the OPC states that the "council will be advising the president and the cabinet on appropriate development policy... " Also any other task as assigned by the presdient to the council.

The council has been set and the only mandate is something equal to what I have quoted from Nyasatimes. What will be the whole Terms of References (ToRs). Will the members be getting sitting allowances and how much? The configuration of the council itself, seem to have favoured those above thirty years. The council appears to only have one youth representative (Thembi Thadzi), Ok, lets give her a benefit of doubt after having served as National Youth Council Chairperson for about a year, might have given her a better picture of what it means to develop the youth.

While I would not want to be a cynic or a pessimist on the council. I seem to have a question, will the other presidential advisors continue working in that capacity. Or they will cease to be advisors. If not what will they be advising the president on. Again, won't that be a worst of reasons having two groups of people advising the same office? Another interesting things in the heavy presence of politicians on the council seconded by the economists. Who will be think of bring issues of health to the council or health is not among the development agenda. Mind you will have been ravaged by HIV and AIDS already and we have many challenging issues on health. What about the curtailment of assistance to the lower health cadre of proffessionals. The long term effect of that is we continue to have few techs in our wards of Mchinji District Hospital, Chintheche Health Centre and many other places.

Otherwise, I am looking forward to the operations of the council and the Best of good to the members and the office to be advised on.

Life Expectancy: Is it HIV and AIDS only responsible or more?

2010-02-16T05:13:00.000+02:00

If somebody was to walk through the Mwenyekondo Market area from the east (Ma Tank) to west (Super Falls, Msonkhamanja) will notice that the living standards are almost horrible. For instance, there is a culvert that always blocks during the rainy making most of places water logged. This does not only harbour the malaria causing mosquitoes, the vectors of plasmodium, but also provides an ambient environment for cholera. During the 2008/09 rainy season Mwenyekondo was one of the targeted areas in cholera awareness. There were drama road shows to educate the residents on how to avoid cholera. But I would guess that Mwenyekondo was not the only place for this. Places like Ntandire, Mgona, Kauma should have been venues for all this awareness. Churches too, were good places to disseminate the information.

I remember, one Sunday morning during a church service Mr. Samson Nkhono speaking at Msonkhamanja CCAP as a representative of the Ministry of Health was giving out statistics of how many people had been affected and worse still how many had dies due cholera. Now one would ask why people should die of cholera, a disease that can be easily contained if there are enough sanitary conditions. Things like proper disposal of refusal, drinking clean and safe water. This may mean that most all the places given above lack a lot of infrastructural support to attain proper waste disposal. Imagine how refuse accumulate in all skips around Lilongwe City. One time it took the Zodiak Broadcasting Station going round to all place that are refuse collection and announce on the radio how much trash and garbage had accumulated that was not only a health hazard but all pungent causing uneasiness in breathing. After that broadcast the city moved in quickly to remove all such refuse. I guess ZBS had acted as a good citizen in raising alarm, but how can manage to be doing that? Perhaps the city that all collects tax should just be doing its job on time.

Of course issues of being under resourced always creeps in, but there has never been a time when its chief executive has foregone salary and/or benefits. Again, there have been issues that the community does not want to take part in making sure that the localities are kept clean. But how does the community gets involved when local governments are dysfunctional. Oops! There are not local representatives in the assemblies, soon to revert back to councils. I think the community would be part of such if proper channels are put in place.

Now what does all this boil down to. Well, we have sometime not made enough investments in public health sector. If even public health investments were made we could have not been grappling with prevention methods of cholera at the on set of rain season every year. Public Health is responsible for assessment of the situation about population health, policy development and giving assurance for continued good health. In developed countries like USA, they have been able to raise the life expectancy from 45 years at the beginning on 20th century to about 75 years now. They have made sure that systems are there to provide cleaner water and food, safe disposal of sewage, better nutrition and educating the population both on health and unhealthy behaviors. I have every reason to believe that HIV and AIDS only would have not been the only factor that has lead to the decrease in life expectancy of the Malawi population. Sad to note that is below years and yet we are led by guys who had been there times two that age.

I will dedicate 2010 to issues of Public Health and how it does affect not only health of the population but all the socio economic status of the same.

One week Old!!

2010-02-16T04:40:00.002+02:00

On day like this one February 8th, I commemorated by birthdate. It is truly believed that I was born on this date less than five decades ago. I therefore, consider myself to be one week old today.

For the first time, I remembered about the date before it passing by my mind. For some years, like 2008 I only remembered on February 9th that I was born on 8th. I do not know what that really means. But I would only speculate that, celebrating such a day is equal to acknowledging how days are being numbered and yet we are living in an era where people would not want to be deemed as very old. Again, the birthdate is there to mark a line that you have finished a 365-day cycle and you are about to embark on another cycle. So sometimes it fails to make sense to me. I guess the environment that I have found myself appreciates such days. Just today February 15th is a president's day. They celebrate a birthday of one of their presidents and it has been duly designated to celebrate birthdays of all presidents both serving and retired. To this end some places it was a public holiday in the USA. Whom am I not to mark a day like that last week? I guess I will have to make sure that in the subsequent years I should always remember. Furthermore, with the facebook messages, where before February 8th some places 5 to 7 hours ahead of me had already started sending "birthday messages". Thank you all people for taking time to such messages to me. I appreciate!!

Anyway, it was a good time to reflect on the ups and downs of 2009 which are not all that enough worthy to be documented. Because other than fellowship program, there is nothing that in 2009 was good enough. Being a staunch MCP supporter, seeing some people claiming victory under your nose it was a hard thing to swallow.

When I was expecting to be worthy the salt, it was not the case on the ground. Up to this day there almost that that could be shown that this is what I have invested in after coming out of college in 2005 and subsequent graduation in June, 2006. This sometimes reminds me of Lucius Banda's song that has something like, "Ponena nkumati kunalembedwa". Then he goes on to say "zimango khala nkhanza za anthu chabe". Yeah, what can deter someone from having such line of thinking?

I last wrote on December 1 2009, the world AIDS day and the message was to do with the theme of the day. This year I will be writing a lot on subjects to do with public health and how we can benefit from public health if we genuinely invest in it. If we can have a number of public health branches on study in our university not only environmental health as the situatuon is at Malawi Polytechnic at present, we will do ourselves great service.

Global Health and HIV and AIDS

2009-12-01T03:53:00.002+02:00

Every year on December 1, the world commemorates the “World Aids day” and each year has its theme. This is one of the important days on the fight against the pandemic. The other is the May, 18th when the world unites against in candle light memorial vigil. These day have made distinctive impact in the fight against the disease for more than two decades. World aids has been there since 1988 and the candle light memorial since 1983. And for the first time in the history of candle light memorial in 2008, the day was inaugurated by the Malawian President Dr. Mutharika in Africa. I am saying for the first because the day has always been inaugurated in the US.

For the 2008 candle light memorial vigil I was excited to have been invited to participate in the event that was held was in the Lilongwe Capital City’s soccer arena Civil ‘Civo’ Stadium. Soccer here has been used due to the diversity in the audience intended. You would agree with me that most African nations and indeed Europe they call the sport football, which is a different issue altogether in the US. So to avoid such misunderstanding better choose a term to be appreciated by many. Well, back to the issue, I was excited because my participation, rather our participation I was not invited as an individual. The invitation was extended to Baylor College of Medicine’s Children Foundation – Malawi (BCF – M). The foundation has runs the only specialized pediatric HIV and AIDS care services in Malawi and serves largely the central region. It has some presence in Zomba and Blantyre in the south and Mzuzu in the northern region respectively. The services range from the provision of antiretroviral therapy, nutritional support to psychosocial support to the population it serves. The psychosocial support, by June, 2009 it had registered about 150 children to its membership club called Teen Club. This does not any way mean that the foundation is only serving 150 children. Since its official inception in 2006 it has ever enrolled about 4000 patients under its care. The ages range from less than 6 months old to more 18 years. So being the largest facility providing care to this age group, the organizers of the event felt obliged to include us in the program. Therefore, we had to join the big walk at 6:00am from the Nico Center, popularly know as “Pa Hyper” after one of the building’s biggest client. The children came and participated in the march to the stadium, hoping that someone will also tackle the challenges that children with HIV and AIDS encounter in a day to day life. On personal note though, I was shocked on behalf of the children whom I had accompanied that there was nothing near addressing the plight of the children. To say the least I was shocked to the extent that if I did not accompany these children I would have walked out the stadium way before the candle was lit by the country’s president. Having about 90, 000 children who are eligible for ART and about 250,000 children orphaned due to deaths of parents due to HIV and AIDS related sickness bother me most. Furthermore, those at policy making level, makes me wonder if they have ever sat down and start think if it is prudent to think that there are no children who are HIV positive after having found out that the virus has been with the human population for more than half a century. Consider this; what could have happened to a mother was HIV positive say between 1985 to about early 2000 in Africa, when services like pMTCT where not known let alone available to many such people. For sure children being born to such mothers were at more risk to contracting the virus during birth as there was not prevention in place to protect such. So does it make sense for people to continue giving less regard to children who might have been in such a situation? Obviously no. Hence, my anger and frustration. For some of us and me in particular who really are passionate about helping the children have there voices heard are hardly given an opportunity to meet people like the Global Health Council president, the GHC is one of the greatest stakeholder in the organization of candle light memorial vigil. I don’t even know if the organizers had even thought of a post event analysis to think what went well and what was left out. If they did nothing was heard. Or I did not hear anything to that effect.

It is rather disturbing to realize that of 33.2million people living with HIV and AIDS as per UNAIDS and other bodies in the frontline fighting against the disease estimates, about 2.5million are children. They get infected before reaching 25 years and are killed by AIDS before they are 35 years.

It is no secret on my part that I have an infliching passion about serving the underserved especially children living with HIV. Until three months ago I was available for children in Malawi to offer my support psychosocially. The support transcended across my professional attachment with Baylor. I just had to be by them every third Saturday of the month. Have them address me as ARichaR, it really made feel good.

However, it is only good to say that there are some people who are working day and night to make sure that HIV and AIDS is dealt with. This is either through conducting the vaccine trial. One of such is the Thailand vaccine trial that has managed to let scientist that if we all put efforts we will conquer AIDS. As one of the investigators, “though the trial showed 31% effectiveness in preventing HIV, but it should be said that it is still significant.” There are also other organizations like Clinton HIV and AIDS Initiative (CHAI), Baylor International Pediatric HIV and AIDS Initiative (BIPAI), Partners In Health (PIH) that are doing an incredible job in the fight against HIV and AIDS. For instance, BIPAI has made itself a champion in pediatric HIV across the Sub-Saharan Africa. It has a network of clinics in Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania and partnered with others in South Africa, Mozambique and Libya. the other good thing is that they have tried to build capacity on local staff on HIV management through the national foundations.

As we commemorate the “World AIDS Day” under the theme, “Universal access and Human rights” we should be mindful of the both the strides made in the last quarter century and the challenges that are so enormous.

I dedicate this piece to the two children who died in 2008. These are YM who died a day after I had promised to give him a camera in January. And BP an energetic 15year old boy who died on the Christmas Eve (24th December). May the souls of the two children continue to rest in peace. Acronyms have been used because I did not had a chance of asking the guardians to use full names.

Of Stinking Cities II

2009-11-17T03:00:00.002+02:00

In September, 2009; I wrote about the sorry state that our four cities are in terms of public health service provision. This starts from refuse collection to having no restrooms or simply put "public convience". If the toilets are available to the public then one ahs to dig not less than Mk20.00 to access the service. As if that is enough, despite paying the standard of care in such paying facilities leaves alot to be desired. I lamented over this, saying how could the city be paying rates, what are the rates beign used for. Over above that all the four cities should also be receiving some funding from the central government. As we all know, the central govt purse has stakes from all citizenry. This is made possible through the 16.5% contribution made to all the purchases that one makes. Unless one chooses to buys goods from the tax evaders whom we all know. Such guys will say ok, I will sell this at MK1000, instead of MK1165.00 if you are not claiming a receipt. As vulnerable most of us just ok, what does a receipt mean afterall. Fine do not give a receipt, I am buying this item at Mk1000. Little this unsuspecting citizen is evading tax under the guise of cheap item. Today, thats not the point.

I am rather on the moon to notice that a few people have had views at least similar to mine. Just last week Daily Times, a certain writer thought of saying almost the same in the paper. I am not quite sure if we heading for the same conclusion with this writer. But this can not only the source of the excitement. I am excited because of what the department of environmental affairs (EA) has done to the Lilongwe City Assembly (LCA). The EA has a meted out a punishment on the city assembly due to its failure to maintain a sewer line in Lumbadzi and it says it is going on with the excercise. Many more are doing to pay through the nose because of their negligence in just doing what they are supposed to do. To this effect the Lilongwe City Assembly, we will to part away with its hard earned income in a region of MK2,000,000.00 (US$14,084.51) as a fine the EA.

Perhaps this will be a wake call to not only the LCA but all the assemblies across the country. I in my loudest voice cry, Bravo the Environmental Affairs!!!!!!! I hope this is the first and last. Because I believe there are many culprits than the LCA here.

Not yet registered enough bests and worsts!!

2009-11-13T23:40:00.001+02:00

It is hard to document what would be the best 10s and worst 10s in the last quarter of the fellowship program. Suffice to say there are some issues that came out in the process that are worth remembering and/or share.

At least it will be good for me and Maggie to say that we are excited that our three months work, where we attained the status of being “flies on the wall”, then went to do desk research pulling out literature that document the benefits of having a population that is health literate and subsequent presentation of the report to the Executive Leadership.

Just on Thursday 11/12 we presented the reported to the Executive Leadership, where we ably generated positive feedback. It’s not easy for such leadership to be seen nodding heads in agreement to what you are saying. And at the end saying oh! Some of the things we have been saying we needed to change long ago. It’s great that some people coming from outside can still notice the same things. It means there is great need to do things in much better way. On the hindsight let me point out a few things that I have experienced in this first quarter of the fellowship. I keep mentioning the time period so that someone should not be caught off guard when is asked to apply for an extension of my visa, hahaha! Get that Jonny, Katie, Dave and Barbara?

I should say that I am in this great nation where you would fault no body if he claims that, “we are great nation”. Listening to a lecture from Stephen Baker, MD (the University Hospital) in conference with the future radiologist a picture of how USA is great easily comes to mind. For instance, he asked the audience, “Where else in the world do you find an examining board for radiologist?” I being among the audience started searching for one perhaps Japan, what about Russia, and then United Kingdom. You will notice most of the answers were towards the east, eastern and Western Europe and more so the whole western world. He came back on our senses and proudly said no, no it is only USA that has a board and it is the only nation that produces specialists in radiology. Quote me right, I am saying specialist. This is but one of the lectures that I have attended a part from going into consultation room observe. Hospital procedures have to be based on ethical principles too. Upon the mention of this what comes to mind is the lecture by Pat Murphy, a lady who is able to give true life experiences and how people in the process have goofed and/or made successes.

The State of New Jersey and the UMDNJ in particular is cultural diverse. Both in terms of people of who come to access care and treatment and the personnel employed. It is estimated that UMDNJ has about forty – eight ethnic groups with not less than fifteen religious affiliations. Is not it wonderful to have such a mix? Obviously it is. The Human Resource and Training does a good job by orientating all the new staff members on cultural competency, so that each understands the community that will be working. This came through a one day orientation workshop at the hospital.

Why do I have to belabor myself in putting all this? Well this is part of learning the ABC of the UMDNJ and the University Hospital (UH) in particular. To me the UH is a wonderful facility. Of course this is comparison to the facilities that we call major referral hospitals like Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe and the one named after the Queen of England Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. I would say by far there is great disparity into of care between what I observed here and of the two hospitals I have mentioned. Perhaps this helps to explain the fact put forward by Melissa Médecines Sans Électricité in Rwanda. That is not an isolated case in Africa.

Pre Fellowship era
One thing that I like is looking back and see what I have done, focus on the failures with the aim of making sure that I should not fall into the same failure in the future. Or at least be able to offer advice to someone who may be experiencing the same things as I did. So please forgive me when I am being too historical. By June 2009 I could not start to thinking of Health Literacy both in my vocabulary and my career. Then I would only be able to respond to a data query either from my supervisor or any user. I would advise how to collect quality and reliable data that would enable managers make informed decisions. I would help in checking the effectiveness of an intervention through evaluations. Sometimes, if one asked me, Richard what would you do to monitor and evaluate an integrated program that seeks to provide ART, to both adults and peds, PMTCT, Nutrition support? Simple answers like “well first I need to know the instruments that we will use and also know what the national standards are”. I would also stand at a national conference and talk about the best way to support more than 100 children with chronic illness such as HIV and AIDS. In the process joggling people minds into thinking how such programs can be replicated in other areas across Malawi.

Other side of life
First things one would notice in US, huge cars (trucks), by this Katie would remember what I said on 08/11 when she came to welcome at La Guardia Airport. I said “It appears you Americans like fancy things that are not only beautiful but also huge?” She laughed and said “I guess so”. What about huge meals I hope one will not dare to notice huge bodies, of course not because of obesity, hahaha!

What about stone skiing in the river? One can throw a stone about 2.5meters, sorry I don’t know what is that distance in feet. Oh then tree leaves are changing color, going out to see the leaves changing color. Sorry most of these are yet to make sense to me.
I need to improve on the media relations like augmenting some of these with pictures and of course a better language, which does not only conform to being health literate but also culturally competent. So next time watch out on what I have learnt on cultural competency.

Becoming more of a Newarker…

2009-11-05T05:38:00.000+02:00

Today (November 02), my former co-worker at Baylor then, based in UK, asked me, and “how are things three months after being decorated as a fellow”. I said wow! You are kidding me; you mean I have spent three months already with Global Health Corp? He said yes, and I did my arithmetic and found that indeed it is almost three months now. So if the program was a 12weeks fellowship, by now I would have been thinking of flying through Dulles International Airport either via Newark or La Guardia. At least I can remember the exits.

Sometimes, you feel like writing something that needs to be shared. But on second thought, you find yourself saying no, there is nothing here that is “news worthy”. News worthy, here is used in a context of what has been happening in Malawi for a couple of years now. It all started when the head of state left the country for an international summit. Upon arrival from the sojourn he called for a press conference with the home paparazzi. He had taken his time to outline what engagements he had accomplished while outside. Like the pledges and promises that were made by some powerful world leaders. It was said that some of the pledges were fiscal support to our national budget. Some of you have already started saying, wow! That might have been a fruitful meeting for the big kahuna of Malawi. Lest we forget, to pledge or to use the biblical term “promise’ is one thing and fulfillment of such is another thing. Under this guise, the paparazzi thought, may be it may not be relevant to ask the president what he had outlined because it was cogently done and he had promised to give them a communiqué to that effect.
Now what follows, question time by the press. Mr. President, “we have heard that you went on vacation under the auspices of the multi – National Corporation that has interests in opening some mines in some parts of the country. During your inaugural you promise the nation that your leadership will implement zero – tolerance on corruption. Having this mind Sir, does this not amount to corruption?” The day that has started well was seen tumbling before the pressmen. As a result, the president got annoyed by such kind of the question. He pondered and wondered why of all issues they would ask him such instead of asking more about the pledges and perhaps at least some praises. “You the Malawian press is very sick. Instead of wanting to know more what I have brought for the nation, you are asking me such no sense. I am calling off this conference.” Indeed the conference was called off. That was the first time the conference was called off, of course in my life time.

At this point, questions, stones and every weapon are being thrown at this. As I can understand this there is nothing to do with global health equity and justice. It appears there is more political undertone to it than it is to health. Mind you, even the health systems that we are trying to navigate, or advocate for, the politics of the nations have much stake to it than anyone else. Therefore, it is good to understand what it takes to convince leadership, a little of praise will make them feel good. But it should not be overdone as it is done in most countries east of the GMT.

A couple of weeks ago, Maggie posted “No longer a fly on the wall” in which she documented some issues on Health Literacy, both at the University Hospital and nationally. She said, Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Health People 2010). This is the basic definition that both Department of Health and Human Services and Institute of Medicine (IoM) agree on. I and Maggie agreed also to make use of this definition whenever we are presenting issues on Health Literacy to the leadership of the hospital at UMDNJ.

We a six week period of observing, sticking ourselves to the wall as flies would do and assume that we are not doing anything that should jeopardize the consultation process between the provider and the patient. (The use of “we” here reflects more of team work than anything else; it has to be regarded in that way). Of course, she said what are the benefits for implementing health literacy initiatives and for that you might as well consider reading it again. All our observations, literature review of some white papers, peer reviewed journals have been presented to the practice managers in October. We wait the convening of the executive leadership meeting on November 12 to present the material to them. From there I assume will be on the operations side of the Health Literacy.

What else should I share about the Health Literacy? That’s where my earlier observation comes in. The kinda of feeling where you censure oneself, that it may not be necessary. I will definitely find something to share next time.

For time being, I have enjoyed the “Super Size Me” some of you might have forgotten about the movie. If you need it I may ask my good friend Maggie to find one for you. I should also say I have come to learn about some American social issues through watching a number of movies. So “super size me” came out topping the list. Guess what, I already had a negative feeling about the MacDonalds, Burger King (BK), not because you would not find them in Malawi, but the junkness of the food. So what this movie did to me is to augment that earlier predisposition on the food issue.

http://fellows.ghcorps.org/?p=772

Is two weeks enough...

2009-11-03T05:38:00.000+02:00

Being my first post on GHC blog, it is only natural for me to at least post a longer write up of events. Therefore, you will excuse me for doing that. I have no excuse of not being a blogger before. I have one (http://www.zulembewe.blogspot.com/) though I only have few posts on it, but at least I had an opportunity of having it. If you have time you visit it. As for errors in language mechanics, well that will be borne by that fact that a learned language is not easily mastered.
Maggie, that is my partner, did a job commendable for posting a video which was introducing me to the fellows. It was only proper for her to just do that because apart from an in-country fellow she was the first to come over to Newark, NJ.
I am around, lest I may only exist as in the eyes of very few people among the fellowship fraternity of the GHC. For I know the team at Covenant House, Newark, NJ and CHAI, Liwonde, Malawi respectively have at least seen and heard me talking. I have a chance to chatting with Emily and Jeffry before I had embarked on an arduous flight to US. Meeting them was like opening the door for my departure and I started feeling the connection among the fellows.
Perhaps flash back of the trip would be helpful at this point because Monday August 24, 2009 marked two weeks of my stay in the U.S.A. therefore, I feel it is proper now to say “Muli bwanji nonse?” (How are you all?). I am sure this expression should not be strange to Emily, Maggie I doubt if Edwin know anything about it. Yes the first country, though at times it becoming hard for me to regard US as such because if I compare it with my own then US is a continent, I have been to apart from Malawi.
You know what, when I get this offer I was very much excited and I am still excited. But the immigration processes that I had to undertake nearly took away my euphoria and thrill a bit. Imagine someone packing things ready for the trip on July 10th visa application appointment was only available on July 22nd. As if that is not enough, on July, 22nd the officer at the consular sending me back because in his wisdom I did not had enough backing documents. Mind you I was thinking that by July 24th or latest 25th I will depart. I had to oblige to that to avoid jeopardizing my desire of becoming a fellow. The extra documents that they were looking were sought in no time and went back on July 29th. The visa was issued the following day that was the time I started seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I said, “Ah what is separating me and health literacy consultant is the Atlantic Ocean, otherwise I would have just walked” at the site of the visa. Anyway, I have taken all this experience that deprived me a chance of attending the Palo Alto training at Stanford University the back of my mind. After all, I have a partner, Maggie, who is capable enough to guide and offer advice where need be.
First things first, August 09, 2009 were wonderful day for me. This was the day I left my country for first time in my history. And taking on what I would a long flight. I was in air in a period of not less 26hours. After such a long flight I was finally in Washington DC on August 10 where I waited for so called national flight to La Guardia Airport in New York before proceeding to the heart of New York City I suppose. On the day NYC was very humid and made appreciate most of geography lessons that I had learnt since my primary school. At time did I experience that level of humidity? The following day I was in Newark, NJ where now I call my home nestling in UMDNJ Student Housing Complex along the 180 West Market Street. Here I found Maggie, my partner waiting to welcome “a newcomer” in America. She really did a wonderful job on the day. She introduced me to Ketline and Christine on the same day together we went to Top Diners for dinner. Being someone who knows “Nsima” and perhaps rice, it was a little bit hard to choose a meal at this point. However, I did try because I knew no-one would prepare that kind of dish at that moment. Next time I will try to ask for it, who knows I may be given. As I had just arrived I need a few groceries, we on her wheels going about shopping. The next day was for us to have a kick-off meeting with some stakeholders of the University Hospital the hub of our fellowship I guess. Then, of course shadowing and observing how the health literacy environment is. (“Flies in the wall” as well put by Maggie).
My other exciting moment were about to come, and they came following day and days after. They were exciting because they were punctuated with questions like where do you coming from. Well anywhere in the world one would be asked such a question. But my answer to this question made me a feel like a “hero” I am the only person in the midst of many who say something about my country and the US. Where Malawi is and what is it known for? My answer has been Malawi is in the south-eastern part of Africa and I am about to acquire information to do with latitudes and longitudes. Well it is now being known by Madonna’s adoption of David Banda of Mchinji. At least such response sent stitches of laughter amongst what I would call my admirers. Then series of other equally interesting questions follow gushing like waters at Victoria Falls on Zambezi River. (Victoria Falls may be an area of interest to visit while you are in Africa) Such as have you been to US before and are you excited that you are the US? Honestly, this is my first time I am in US and for sure I am excited to be here because I will learn a few things here and will help me continue celebrating diversity. At least, if I were a politician back home I would have been considered for a post of presidential advisor on international relations.
The long and short of it is that I am settling down in Newark, NJ that is socially and I feel welcomed and all the nervousness that I earlier seems to have waned away. I am still learning the ABC of both Newark, NJ and the US as a whole. Therefore, expect my better picture and perception of these in my other posts to come. As fellowship and what it demands of us will follow later.
Zikomo Kwambiri! (Thank you very much)

Bono Vox Hewson's U2

2009-09-25T13:05:00.002+02:00

On 24th September, 2009 Paul David "Bono" Hewson was on stage the Giants Stadium in Meadowland, New Jersey. The stadium is estimated to have a capacity of 80,000 people. That is when games are played on the arena. But the 09/24 was different as on the arena itself there were lots of people including me. it was such a good environment to be and spend some night hours away.

Getting in the stadium's precincts at about 05:30pm and entered the stadium at about 06:20pm with lots of standing and at some points sitting down was a best option. But when the performance started, standing and singing along on the arena was beautiful.

One thing I noted is that people's behaviour in live shows or bands do not differ. Things like having at least more one of the too drinks, especially alcohol based. But them are clever as they sell such drinks at such venues in plastic bottles. May be we should try this in Malawi.

There was a vidoe interlude featuring Desmond Tutu who thanked the gathering for voicing out many ills and also appeal for assistance in making ART available to Africa.

Our stinking cities: Malawi in perspective

2009-09-19T22:27:00.000+02:00

Sometimes we have questioned the wisdom of our city fathers in most African cities and Malawi in particular. Blantyre the acclaimed commercial city in Malawi has places like Mibawa stage where commuter minibuses pick and drop passengers in the heart of the city. People have always lamented over the level of sanitation around this stage. This includes the Mudi River that passes along them same and the Blantyre produce market. A few months ago a real picture of how failed sanitary standards were shown on the national television. If my memory is right this was soon after Bingu Wa Mutharika, the country’s president got his second and last constitutional mandate to lead the country for next five years. Reactions for the motion picture on the national tube were both for and against. Those for showing the pictures were soon perceived to be in the opposition and others who saw no reason as to why the jobs of the Lester Bandawe’s to be publicly seen were regarded to be the supporters of the ruling. This is not an isolated case or is the Blantyre city only but also the cities like Lilongwe, Mzuzu and the new declared Zomba. In whatever school of thought people might have belonged, one thing remains that same that the sanitary standards in all Malawi cities are below any imaginable standard.

In most public places say, markets, areas around sports arenas and such other venues one is bound to experience an odour that is stenchingly uncomfortable. This comes from acts like irresponsible urination from the male folks. These creatures do not find hard to stand aside like just below the Lilongwe Bridge curb to urinate and no one cares about. Serve for only occasion in January, 2007 the Japanese volunteers together with the area MP, a Mr. Robert Bondo tried to clear the curb in question. What about in most beer holes, people do relieve themselves just at the door step or the perimeters of the rest rooms. So is the case in places like Katawa in Mzuzu.

However, I have had second thoughts on such a behaviour. Mostly is due to lop – sided goals and policies that our city managers set for better and clean cities. It is hard for someone to travel, for instance, from Area 25C in the city of Lilongwe to the Central Business District, popularly known as “town” some ten kilometers away. In between one hardly finds a public convenience and yet he might have left soon after taking at least some kind of drink. It is even hard to our female folks who do not want to expose themselves to such behaviour of finding it suitable to urinate in the open. And yet it is believed that the longer you keep urine in the bladder the higher the chances of experiencing an infection. So watch out. .

What does lead us to then? The city managers should make sure that they are providing the resources such toilets that are affordable and also making sure that are accessible and clean. Affordable because with the concepts of public – private partnerships. You might have seen a toilet close to the mini bus depot for one to go into at least has to pay so too at the main bus depot.

In places like U.S, of course developed and one may not expect such kind of behaviour. And yet they have several rights and many of them are ready to claim their rights at any time. But you won’t see them standing at any tree in the name of rights whatsoever. They too, it is believed went through this stage, where people could be seen doing just exactly what we and even spitting anyhow. But in around 1880’s the public health practitioners went on the campaign to dissuade people from such habits. In the process making sure that facilities like toilets are accessible. Up to this day it is seen as taboo for someone to spit, urinate in public places. This is regarded as one mile stone of the public health sector in the USA. I was wondering if the civil society that are so vigilant in the political and anything to do with HIV and AIDS to emulate such. Where proposal will crafted in order to provide public, if its possible, state of the art toilet facilities. I am sure my colleagues in the public health sector would see sense in this. Yes the Storn Kabuluzi of this world and equally important figures at the Malawi Ministry of Health would not only help our city managers but the citizenry in general to live in an environment ambient enough for everything to thrive well. I sure the stinking state of our cities will be history.

FareWell at Baylor Malawi - COE

2009-09-11T01:27:00.004+02:00

Soon after tendering my note of resignation, the Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation - Malawi as per its tradition organised a Farewell get together on 07/13/2009. The party was organised for two people I and Andy Smith who was one of the Pediatric HIV and AIDS Corps (PAC) in Malawi. He headed back home to care for his family and and probably advance his career. Mine I would say was done quick to make use of the time of Andy's outgoing. I did not anticipate the foundation to organise such a party. To me it could have just been enough if I could just have walked out of the green gate without such a gathering. Perhaps it was the foundation's prerogative to offer that to all outgoing staff. Whether they were assets or liabilities. I may not know to which group I might have belonged. They should know better.

Some of the remarks that came out from my former colleagues and friends were so touching and I felt like I think my departure was too soon to be sure. I felt the urge in me that I might have been doing well while I was with them in most of the activities.

Dr Peter N. Kazembe, Executive Director of the Foundation had this to say, "Ladies and Gentlemen I hope we all know why we have gathered here. Usually, when we gather in the morning like this in this Breakroom, its that we about to bid farewell someone. Today, we are also here exactly for that. I am also sure that you know that one of young guys is leaving for US on a fellowship program. We are proud of that. But may before I go into that, because I will leave that to him to say more about it. We have too people who are leaving us. The peculiar thing about them is that they are two people with totally different backgrounds both in what they were contributing to Baylor and even nationalities. Richard and Andy Smith have been M&E Officer and PAC Doctor respectively. Richard has been with once since November, 2006, we are really appreciatitive to him for what has been doing both in his domain and coordinating projects such as Teen Club and Picturing Hope. He immensely involved himself in tasks that were not limited to his domain. We hope what he had been doing here he will continue doing that to where he is going". This was how the ED had to portray the character in me. When he was saying all this, I was going through all what I had been doing then. And as I had said before to a few people, that 'I like being of service to those that are in need and the underserved. And things should not fail when I am there." Perhaps that had be my guiding principle in most of my endearvours.

The came my immediate supervisor then, Dr. Mark Mugo Kabue, Mark had been more than just a supervisor to me but an intrinsic mentor and brother respectively. His advice and counsel has always been my other torch. Mark, had this to say, "As far I know Richard, he is destined for greater things in life. He is such a guy where one could not spend time explain a thing, and committed to learning and embracing new things that enhances his service. Therefore, Richard focus towards what you would want the world would remember you for". oh! this was a huge task for one to do.

I will truncate the rest of the remarks made during the members of staff farewell, because in the process I was about to cry as they were so moving and touching.

Suffice to say that the children had their take about my departure. On the morning of saturday the 18th July, 2009; the came as usual for Teen Club. A day for fun and celebration of humanity amongst the children that I cared for. Days like this, they were allowed to discuss HIV and AIDS more freely and be able to learn how others are dealing with the chronic illness let alone taking of the antiretroviral therapy on a daily basis. Linda and Carrie, let the children to assemble this was soon after all activities were done and I almsot participated in every activity. I did not want them to notice something before it was communicated formally to them. Linda, said, "when one works is destined for greater things in life. ARicha, as they kids would love to address me is leaving for US. The kids were obviously caught unawares or just off guard. How and why? is ARicha leaving us, who going to be with us, this was another moment that I realised again that I might have been a person who cared for them and selfishlessly served them. One kid came, "alright zachita kuti aRicha akupita ku America, amenewa apite. Koma please do not bring a woman from there. Chifukwa tikudziwa kuti munyamuka nokha". (Alright, there is nothing we do other then allowing him go to USA. But please on returning who do not bring us a woman. because you will be leaving alone from here). We all laughed. I just said, I have taken heed of the advise. But know that I will totally miss you guys. You have been more than my friends. And if there was a group of people that I care for its you. We dispensed afterwards for lunch.

Such was how I was bade farewell.

A Journey of thousands miles begins with a single step

2009-06-30T01:26:00.000+02:00

The Chinese proverb has had not much sense in my life, until just recently. Perhaps a little of looking back my help. Other say lets learn from the past, live the present and look forward to the future. Here we go.

In October, 2001 I entered the corridors of the University of Malawi through one of its constituent colleges. Thus, Malawi Polytechnic situated along the then Kamuzu Highway now H. Masauko Highway at Chichiri in Blanytre City. The programme that I was admitted into did not flicker an idea of what really it meant. Mind you with only two State Universities the other being Mzuzu in Mzuzu City, one do not have that much choice when it comes into entering university. In the same spirit, I thought of giving it a trial at Technical Education as it was the program of study to be embraced for the next four years.

The fours were a little bit traumatic with the feeling of becoming a teacher after graduating. It is a known fact that a Bingu of today was under tutelage of a certain teacher yesterday. Or simple put, to every president there is a teacher behind. However, it is unfortunate that after such a teacher has toiled so hard to mould a good citizen is the least respected and rewarded. Now what a teacher gets is mockery for producing a good citizen. It was under this guise that at times I was not feeling at ease at the mention of TED its popular acronym. It was pure a teacher of mathematics, physics, technical subjects such as drawing, metal work and others. However, after much thought about the same acceptance of the verdict crept into me and I started enjoying it and looked forward to becoming one. During vacation, I would heckle at some students in class and some up to now do recognize me as their teacher.

Fast forward to 2006, the unexpected happened in my life. I got a chance of testing some components of data management such as data entry, verification, cleaning and analysis to some extent. This was after in February of the said year Management Solutions Consulting (Mw) Limited picked me as an Associate Consultant. The company had got a contract with National AIDS Commission of Malawi on data capture, verification and partial analysis. I was an associate due to my inexperience in the world of work. I remember having asked Mr. Mavunganya Chirwa the company Deputy Director on the possibility of making me a full time consultant. He was so blunt in answering and I really liked his sincerity. Look Richard, “you need to at least work for not less than five years to become one”. In pain I swallowed the statement; I continued working up to September, 2006 with the company. It is the same month of September when my grandpa Mr Mickson Senard Zule Mbewe passed away. Actually it was on the September 25th. Once told that in his middle age he once taught at junior primary school before heading to Salisbury now Harare, Zimbabwe. Perhaps that is where the traits of teaching descended from. He is the one who gave me the trade name of “Zule”, may the soul of our beloved agogo continue to rest in peace.

Then came October, 2006 another calling for different task came on my door step. This time I had to test the status of being a Research assistant with yet another consulting firm, Millennium Consulting Group. The assignment was for 21 days utmost. It gave me an opportunity to visit some remotest parts of the Lower Shire’s east bank. Places like Nthabwa, Mankhwira in Chikwawa. Then some parts of Chiradzulo. This was an experience of its own. It gave me a chance to apply the research paradigms that I had learnt in college let alone used during my dissertation for the degree. Towards the end of October, 2006 a certain lady from an organistion that was not none then called at around 10:00am. She had this to say, “Hallo, are you Mr. Richard Mbewe?” I said yes, in fact I am Richard Zule-Mbewe. She said alright. You are being informed that Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Malawi, what a long name, has offered you a job in the M&E department. My life style is that of being cool headedness and confident. I said thank you madam. Then rest could actually be declared history. Then in November the same year I started working there as one of Data Officers. This is where issues in public health started to developed and I was made the M&E Officer in September, 2007. Yes after a toil of almost one year. In the process, I got enthralled with organization’s programmes on psychosocial support rendered to the adolescents who access treatment and care at the foundation’s Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, known among its folks and admirers alike as COE. Well the foundation has through programme under its fold in implementing psychosocial support. These are Teen Club the biggest of the three. It has membership of about 150 children aged 10 to 18 and above. Every third Saturday of the month the children meet at the clinic grounds to share ideas, aspirations, challenges with their peers directed by able hands of both COE’s staff and a shoal of volunteers under the banner Abstrak Beatz Entertainment (ABE). Between February 2007 to July, 2009 I was one of the faces behind, sorry to say, the success of teen club. The other two are Picturing Hope, which I was Project Coordinator for three sites. These are COE, KASO at Area 25 both in Lilongwe and MASO in Dowa. I was responsible for all its activities starting from planning to its implementation. The last one is Camp Hope, I am proud to say that I am one of the few staff members, as of May, 2009 to have accompanied three groups of children to camp. The first two was in 2008 where the children camped at Chintheche Inn along the lakeshore in Nkhata bay district. The last one was in april, 2009 when the other group of children was taken to Malawi Children’s Village along Monkey Road in Mangochi. Actually the place is about 10km north of the boma. Little did I know that this would be my last trip for camp? Soon after camp I went on a week vacation in May, 2009. After a short while I went back to vacation, where I assisted my friend in a consultancy project on organization assessment and needs assessment for local farmers in selected districts across the country. This took me up to June 19th, 2009. The process involved the use of SWOT analysis and integrated organization model (IOM). The farmers were being made to find problems that affect their farming, suggest solutions, seeing the potential in their endearvour, weaknesses and strengths. At the end suggestion of solutions on how to combat each of the problems rose. This too was very exciting and enriching.

Surprises and surprises never cease in ones life. And very often they show up when one least expects them. On June 22nd, I found an e-mail that exclaimed, Welcome to GHC! I got amazed and I was about to suspect it as one of the spam mails that one receives. And that time I did not even had the zeal either of checking my inbox. Lazily I opened the inbox and went straight to my suspected mail. It read, you have been offered a fellowship position with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. I what, I going to US and by then I had already nicked name US as Obamaland. That was the only thing I could do to honour the first African American President.

No let me take a break a bit...!

What a wonder working GOD!

2009-06-24T11:22:00.003+02:00

I have more than once sung a hymn in my Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) both Blantyre and Nkhoma synod, that has "what a wonder working power" without wanting to change the hymn I hereby proclaim that we have a wonder working GOD. He is a very able GOD and everything is possible. I have always to land in the land of opportunities (US of America), YES!! that nation that has its first ever African-America President in the name of Barack Hussein Obama who has inspired many including this writer. I have considered America for my career development has the nation has very many institutions of higher learning. The institutions that will help me take a step further in Public health. The field of health that requires vast knowledge coupled with skills that would a exude ideas, concepts for solving many of public health issues. There is issue of international health, global health equity and many others, all these needs practitioners that call the shots. I recall to having thought about USA on that pretext only, moreso with the financial crisis that has made the US a hardest hit economy, nobody from this part of the world would fathom of getting either a fellowship or a full time job in the land.

Here I am as I say that GOD is a working power, who is his wisdom thought that I should have the opportunity of show casing my talent in the New Jersey (NJ) area. I have been offered a fellowship post in the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ. The fellowship programme is being coordinated by Global Health Corps (GHC) in partnership with Partners in Health (PIH). This therefore, means that I gonna become a corp.

I am just looking forward when all the paper will be finalised and board my self a plane to the land of opportunities.

Kamuzu Day

2009-05-14T07:25:00.001+02:00

The month of May in Malawi and beyond appears to be pregnant with very things that have both political and historical significance. Why beyond? For information sake it is in May especially on the 11th when the rastafarians remember the demise of Bob Marley. Again, it is the 25th May when Africa celebrates its day chartered by the then OAU now AU. However, these may be of little significance as compared to Kamuzu Day that had to take the National Assembly debate and revert back to the Kamuzu Day. Everyone wants to make use of the name Kamuzu. In the political arena people are battling it out using this name. I have heard more than once that so and so was/is trying to erase the history of Kamuzu Banda. The other guys had to say no, I do not want to be haunted by the spirit of Kamuzu Banda. But why? I was made to make oath of allegiance under him not to allow so and so to be a leader.

Anyway, what I want to state that on the 14th of May we are to celebrate the Kamuzu day and it has been made a public holiday. If we all agree that Kamuzu was a public figure and a statesman, then we should allow everyone to participate in the writing of this enviable history. With elections around, it appears that political parties are geared to make use of the day. The day has not been characterised by what I anticipated perhaps because of the call made by former Official Hostess Mama Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira who called on all Malawians to desist from make use of the name Kamuzu willy- nilly if his spirit is rest in peace. The day, after the unveiling of a MK26mn at the new but yet to be declared Heroes park at Area 14 North, was a normal campaign business day. All the politicinas were busy conducting rallies across the country. Who would rest as the seats and positions are a stake. You rest at your own peril.

At least there were not much accusations and counter-accusations apart from that all the opposition leader shunned the unveiling function.

Lets forge ahead in our quest to put historical facts correctly.

Blogsphere, Social Networking

2009-03-11T08:51:00.002+02:00

Malawi seem to be endowed and blessed with the digital divide. I remember having read on the Nyasatimes that Malawians are doing well on blogging and there many that have blogs, thus the blogsphere. I also learnt that Malawi was one of the very first country to go GSM technology before Nigeria and Zambia had theirs. This reminded of the time the first time when Cellphone was launched in December, 1995 by Bakili Muluzi, the President of our republic. He said look at at the science of our colleagues, we have been enabled to speak using wireless gadgets with people from across the globe. Why do not we utilise our famous science of going to Jo'burg in 2 minutes and save money. You know what I mean. (That quotation not verbatim). Last year in 2008 the world witnessed an election that was a history in itself. Why? It is to everyone's knowledge that Barack H. Obama (the democrat) the senator of Illinios then of black origin contested against John McCain of the Republican. His first take was stand for nomination in his party with Hillary Rodman Clinton now the Secretary of state, it was not easy at all. Back home many were thinking that our political parties and their leadership will emulate on how to make elections democratic. No single party portrayed the nearness of democratic practices of friends. Barack Obama went digital by among other things he developed his own website where one was able to access the policies his administration would adopt and and how will wishers would be involved in his campaign drive. Mind you Obama made use of the common people and not otherwise. Then he made sure that he networks with people by using Facebook, Hi5, mySpace other social networking engines. In all these he was updating almost everyday, and one was having a feeling it was him doing that.

At least a sign of relief came to me when I noticed on the social networking front, our potential candidates have emulated. The first news to come out was that of Dr. Muluzi the UDF candidate launching his own website and then we learnt that he has signed up to Facebook. Not much was said about Dr. Mutharika and JZU Tembo about their zeal on the issue. Until recently, it's when I have learnt that they too have signed up for facebook. They all have their fans on their pages. The last time I checked on JZU's he had about 77 fans, due to lack of time I did not manage to check on the number of the fans for Muluzu and Mutharika. On JZU's facebook, it is said the JZU Tembo 2009-The Change we need. It is yet to be established if really we gonna have a change with these three contenders. They have been there for decades and for them to adopt what is happening now, I am not.

Otherwise, we will be able to network with our potential candidates. By the way, why potential? I guess coz the MEC have not made their determination on who is eligible and I am told the nation will have to wait a little longer until the 20th March, 2009. This will be after campaign period has been declared.

Have good time!!!

Reading: Source of Knowledge

2009-03-04T07:23:00.002+02:00

Ah!! what a coincedence. About a year ago I was telling a friend that I was to build three virtues in my life and make sure that I will live by them. I was saying "knowledge elucidates intelligence and wisdom". How can that be, probably may be the question as was the case with friend of mine. I said when we are at secondary school we are always forced to for prep so that we read and gain knowledge that will in turn give light to the two. But one can not have the knowledge in this era if does not give oneself to reading.

Hence, when I saw an article on the Memoirs of Ganizani in the Malawi News, I said yes wanting to know, has to go hand in hand with with reading. No matter what we say, oh no technology has not giving us a chance to the kids to read, but then those of us in the know should have time to tell the youths that whoever came up with say a TV set took time to read and came with that thing. The article also riminded of an e-mail that was making rounds in 2005 that was purported to have originated from the Azungu, yes our former aTsamunda, who were saying in you want to hide pertinent information to Africans, then have it in the book. The africans are still living in and oratory age where reading is not part of them. But come to think, for about a century, when schools were introduced in our land, we should have by now developed that culture that would have even surpassed them. Perhaps we have failed because of the regimes that we had soon after independence, where the powers that be could scorn whoever had university education. I recall having read a book on african history spanning the perion 1955 to 2005; where the author talked about a Central African Republic president who was good at harrassing anyone in the university. These were lecturers, students and anyone who seemed to care about the same. And this was not an isolated case.

However, Kenani did not touch on my raw nerve but rekindled my earlier thoughts about source of knowledge.

Welcome

2009-02-20T11:39:00.002+02:00

You may be wonder to be receiving e-mails from Kuthemba. Much as I know this may be more of diary, but sharing such things will do us good in one way or another. Therefore, I thought of linking you people with my blog.

The goals of my postings will range from personal to what is happening in Malawi.

Have good time!!!

What an Experience

2009-02-20T10:54:00.002+02:00

Politically Malawi can serve well as a laboratory for its science. It's the Boniface Dulani of this world will not need to spend money and time to travel to far places such as Michigan University in order to study the same. Imagine, the constitution says that no person shall present nomanation papers if he not an MP or in appointed into the public office. This seems to have caught off guard some of our candidates. Some of them are JZU and his number two, Joyce Banda a runningmate to Bingu Wa Mutharika, Stambuli second in command on Muluzi's UDF ticket. At least JZU did not mince words or did not pretend to know of the provision. He said I did not know that there is that provision in the supreme law of the land.

On another note, today reminds me of once good times I used to enjoy with one Enie, she came by at my workplace to discuss about her offer of employment. She thought of asking about me. To me is a plus after cutting ties in a polarised manner. It was traumatic to server.

Enter 2009

2009-01-26T14:44:00.002+02:00

I have had enough of 2008. To me it was a year that I goofed alot. From being deserted by Ene to not securing another challenging job. However, it had its good side. It is 2008 when the world witnessed the election of an African-American to the office of USA presidency. The post that has eluded many other deserving people such as Jesse Jackson and others.

The short side of 2008 is that Malawi did not progress even an inch in terms of political maturity thereby making it difficult for our nascent democracy to deliver what the proponents had during the 1993 national referendum. All this is because a certain branch of government headquartered at Capitol hill Lilongwe could not have anything from the Legislature headquartered at Mbelwa House (Lilongwe City Center) but chambers at New State House where the president resides. the president could open and close the chambers at will. This will not escape in the minds of many.

Being deserted by Ene, I took it as it came and I literally had nothing to do to salvage the relationship.Because I was not told of what had gone wrong. In such instance its not easy. I look through the wilderness again and find someone who will be willing to take up the place left by Ene.

On another note, 2009 has come the harder way. I have had no free time since 05th Jan., 2009 when I reported back for work.

I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging 2009.

ART Supervision

2008-10-20T16:03:00.002+02:00

Since joining Baylor in 2006; I never had a chance of leading a team in data management on ART. The point person used to be my pal (M&E Officer). Hence, he was the one leading all the operations on ART. We have changed roles this year as of July. Since that time I have been at the helm of ART data management.

To this end we had to host a team of MoH guys to do their supervision and see if we are following the set guideline in the implementation package of ART Scale up drive in malawi. They did come on 09th October, 2008. I kind felt unease at first instance. Not because it was my first time to lead the team, but coz the Head of M&E was out of the country two weeks prior to the visit. Now it would have been hard to present data that leaves a lot to be desired.

Not only luck was on our side by hardwork led to the team to accord us a certificate of excellence.

Mother's day

2008-10-20T14:59:00.002+02:00

Did I say that public holidays are bad? NO, especially in Malawi it is a norm to have such holidays. I have had an opportunity of looking at the archives as to why the first head of state Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda thought of having a mother's day. It is said that there used to be a bank holiday sometime in august I guess. After that one another was the Christmas an subsquent Christmas box which others have had second thoughts of striking it out of the calender. It was seen that there was need for people to have time to relax between the September to December. Hence, Dr. Banda came up with 17th October for that purspose. But it could not just hang like that without anything of importance attached to the day. He therefore, the day should be dedicated to the mothers. To him it is far much important to have a mother than a father. He gave an example of his kinsmen and folks that, in Kasungu people use the money of the first salary to buy things for their mothers.

Their the mother's day was born. When I read about it the ideas that some people have been advancing to extent the day was set in honour of certain secretary flee from me. Because no where was it mentioned.

When leadership changed hands some thought of celebrating a mother's day on a second monday in the month of October. In the third administration, it has been thought it wise that the day should be static and to this end it is 15th October. Coincedentally, I am told that it is all an international day for Rural Women. Perhaps, it is giving more honour to the rural women of this world. Luck enough my mother is in the village in mchinji. I don't know if she celebrated as a rural woman or as a mother's day or both. I am yet to visit her again for a post mortem of the day.

Good tidings my pal.

Eid El-Furtl

2008-10-20T14:48:00.002+02:00

In Malawi we have choosen a line where we should appease each and sundry. To this end the big kahuna of the land directed in 2006 that the day our brethren in the religion (Moslem) the last day of fasting should be celebrated and marked with a public holiday. A country whose calender is loaded with public holidays could afford to have an extra one. Some quarters have said that the Kahuna wanted to make it equal with the christians who have public holidays during the Christmas period. But I wondered why should we strive to bring equality in areas that are not even equal. If we go by some statistics it is claimed that the Moslems account for about 20% against an aggregated Christians of about 79%. One would wonder again that these figures can not make 100%. Mind you this country has the Kavala Nkhwende of the this world. Another question, who is he? Ok, he is the leader of African Traditional Region, they claim that only Mbona is a true representative of god. Therefore, they would not bow down and pray to astrange GOD has proclaimed by the Christains. These plus other pagan and non believers make up about the remain 1%.

WE might find ourselves in a country that has a lot of religious based holidays. Anyway, at least we had a day off, yes a weekend coming rather early. Who does not want to have a holiday, moreso no body would deduct anything from already thin takehome.

In all fairness it was nice to have this day.

Good tidings pals once again.

Last Quarter

2008-10-01T07:30:00.000+02:00

The last quarter of 2008 is fast on the heels coming to an end. It seems the year has been on the roller-coaster. Where it is not just gliding. If a look back to the three quarter of the year not much can be written home about. This is in consideration of the aspirations that were laid down as the year was knocking on the door.

Hopefully, when another set of 12 months comes knocking again in the name of 2009 will have aspirations that are not only realistic but also achievable.

Good tidings by pal.

August

2008-09-01T11:53:00.002+02:00

There was not much in August that could be written about. However, for the first in the multiparty era the Malawi Congress Party held a Fundraising Dinner and Dance at Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. It was held on 29th August at the Marquee, which was filled to capacity. Those interested were being asked to contribute Mk7,000.00 for single and Mk12,000.00 for double. Glad to say that there was an overwhelming response from many players. These included the Vice President of PPM Hon. Mark Katsonga Phiri, M.P; Hon Leonard Mangulama, M.P whose is also the UDF's deputy chief whip in the National Assembly. The Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Louis J. Chimango was also present at the function. The wrap it all the President of MCP Hon. John Tembo graced the occassion and was the guest of honour.

There was excitement amongst the patrons as prior to the function there was less hullabaloos and it was soon after the passing and adoption of the National Budget in the National Assembly. You would remember that as a country we have had no such a document for a close to two months running.

We are yet to know how that function managed to raise.
Keep posted.

Zochitika Pa Malawi

2008-07-30T11:33:00.003+02:00

I will take time to address a number of issues here and I will direct some of the issues to specific individuals. So don't get bored in the course of reading. I would also be happy if I could be getting some sort of a feedback.

To start with I had an opportunity of tuning to the vibrant Zodiak Broadcasting Station. A certain Kambani Banda was reporting on an issue that bordered on politics. Mind you politiking is second to people attending to some religious ceremonies in Malawi. You may also be knowledgeable that the General Elections are coming nigh, not later than 19th May, 2009 yes according to the Malawi Electrol Commission's Elections Calender. Now having looked at the time remaining for us to find ourselves in May too short that short itself. This reporter want to sought views from spokesperson of the various political parties. One of them was a GS of a certain blue party, the defacto "ruling" party in Malawi. Mind you this party has never contested in any general elections save for the by elections that saw one purse keeper seeing himself at national assembly. "Would you please tell us as to when will your party hold its convention?" a reporter asked. The GS was at pains to explain saying that has never been discussed at any party forum, therefore he was non-commital. The follow up question was, "what does your party constitution say about choosing of presidential candidates let alone the convention itself?" This was where I was perturbed to the bone. This GS said, "The party's constitution does not say anything about these two issues". A question would come as to why I should have been perturbed, the answer is a little bit simple. I know for a group of individuals seeking to register a political party they need to present themselves to the registrar of such groupings with mandatory documentations. Among such documents are constitution and such likes. My little understanding in legal matters tells me that a constitution has to clearly state who will be what, the procedure to the followed in coming up with the leader which implicitly will have to state how a presidential candidate will be identified. Now here we are, where a political party that claims to have been duly registered has a constitution that does not state such issues. How could any sane registrar register such a grouping, is it because a certain big kahuna is the one behind its formation.

Away from the politics. I will start by saying, Malawi is a beatiful God given nation, with rolling hills, plains and Mulanje Massif. It does not end there, for it is also blessed with vibrant people. Amongst them are Davie kavala, please Davie wherever you are sitting can you wave your hand in the air for people to see you. Then there is sister Chrissie Chigawa you are such an amazing sister, please continue being good not only to me your brother but all people. Lest I forget there is one brother of mine by the name of Onjezani Kenani. You are such a blessing not only to our community (Kadifula or thereabout) but to Malawi as a whole. Let me take this opportunity for your appointment and that appointment is nowhere in Malawi but abroad. Should I say we have already turned Malawi into a predominantly exporting country as somebody would made us to believe. I should ask the forum to give a round of applause by clapping hands as you are standing for all to see you. The text in different colour from black is an addendum, not that I had forgetten but the tech could not allow me finish when I was writing.

All the same byee..

Last Half

2008-07-28T13:24:00.002+02:00

30th June, 2008 marked the end of the first half in the 2008. In this half we had different challanges. Some of the could be described as a storm in the cup; while others have had a magnitude equal to the crisis. Of course not in the Mbeki way. I mean a crisis. By this day I was no where near Lilongwe my base. I had left on 29th June for tour of duty in the Northern Region. Guess what? I had found myself at Euthini Trading Centre some 100Km from Mzuzu City. Yes you get to pass through this road whose ground breaking took place sometime in May, 2008 by His Excellence Dr Mutharika. Do not ask me if this groundbreaking ceremony was taking place on the carpet. Afterall, the President deserves a red carpet. This was my first chance to see some of the beautiful houses that were built by Dr Kamuzu Banda's administration to the Ngoni Chiefs.

The next day, I was at Luwerezi health centre via Katete Rural Hospital, yes at this place where there was once a University of the North, St John Bosco. The following morning I had to be at Bolero, if your guess is Rumphi then you are right.

This was a marathon tour of the northern region because after touring Bolero then Mhuju we proceeded to Karonga through Chiweta, Kaziwiziwi and such like places. While in Karonga we had an opportunity of admiring the magnificent newly built Karonga National Bank branch. The places which were visited are Kaporo, Karonga District Hospital and Nyungwe Health Centre 50km south of Karonga Boma.

We had to drive back to Mzuzu City as the following day we had to be in Nkhatabay. the places visited were Nkhatabay District Hospital and Chintheche Health Centre located at 50km south of Nkhatabay Boma.

Then we left Nkhatabay for our camp base (Mzuzu). Lest I forget to say that during this week, Mzuzu was busy because of the 44th Independence Celebration that was attended by Dr Mutharika. Prior to the main event on the 06th July, he officially inaugurated the start of the construction of Mzuzu Reserve Bank branch. Then he attended National Prayers at Mzuzu Teacher's Training College, oops now it is called Mzuzu University.

Oh!!! it was so hilarious visiting the bushy parts of Malawi and Rumphi in particular.

Later in the evening I left Mzuzu for Lilongwe by AXA City Trouper arriving at Bus depot at around 00:02am on saturday. Let me go and sleep now.

June 27, 2008

2008-06-27T07:51:00.002+02:00

I would say that this day of the month in the year 2008 will be a fateful day for the Zimbabweans. It is the day that a controversial "run-off elections" are being held. This against world wide condemnation to withhold the elections as there has been a wave of violence soon after the tripartite elections on 29 March, 2008. The violence is purportedly alleged that it is a state-sponsored one. Robert Mugabe who has been at the helm of power since 1980 when Zimbabwe got its independence from Britain. He has been known to have a very poor relationship with other political parties in the country. It is alleged that he was in a very poor relationship with Joshua Mkomo's party. And sad still there are also issues to do with mass killings in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. Others have even go a mile further by claiming that what happened in Bulawayo amounts to genocide.

However, my diary today wants to start looking back in the past 6months. This against the background that when the year started I had some resolutions that needed to have been halfway implemented are achieved. Sad to say that the gem or epitome of love went out of her way. This is to say that when I had thought that I am done with finding my life long partner, contrariwise I have been taken back to square one. As I have to starting looking for another and build a relation that would stand the test of time. If it happens that someone finds oneself closer I will come back in not a distant future to commune with you my diary.

I had also put forward the need to build a structure better than a shack for Ms Mary Kamchikwe-Mbewe (Mum) at her home Plotazzio Village, Ludzi Parish, Mchinji. That has been done yet. I hope to live up to that dream before the year bids byee.

The last phase of Mid-year review will come sometime next week.

Pharaohs consumes the Flames

2008-06-23T10:41:00.002+02:00

How do I start when history is keeping on reapeting itself. I do recall that on 14th June, 2008 when the "minnows" Flames trounced the Pharaohs there were a lot of hullabaloos around all cities. Others went overboard by digging into history shelves and issues to do with what happened in 1992 at Kamuzu Stadium repeated itself 16years later. And they went on to say that after that match in Blantyre the return leg was a bit of nightmare for our flames as they were beaten, I don't know by what margin.

A lot of companies splashed the boys with prizes for winning against the Pharaohs which did not happen when the Flames had beaten the Shoremen. There was less hype and razzmatazz after that victory. On the Pharaohs win, some soccer administrators, captains respectively and ministers responsible for sports and information had all the praises on Mose wa Lero. They claim that victories are coming because of wise and dynamic leadership of this Moses of the Latter days. I just hope our Mose will make it to canaan as his predecesor did not make it to the Promised land. I think it was enough for him to lead the Israelites our of the Pharaoh's land and not see the benefits of that adventure.

Back to the soccer frenzy Malawi. Yesterday, Malawi "Flames" lost to the Pharaohs by a 2 goal margin. Before the team left for North African country, there was an issue of playing under the Floodlights which our team is not exposed to. I hope that will not be an excuse for the loss. A loss is a loss and always it shall be. Shall the concerned soccer stakeholders come back and say that the loss is because of the visionless and lousy leadership of this Mose or what. The best that I could have done if I were given a chance to praise anyone on the Flames' exploits I would have started by making mention of the coaching panel being headed by Kinnah Phiri and the rest of backroom staff. I do not why we fail to point at nitty gritties of issues before making any pronouncements. Not long ago Malawi debt was cancelled, the likes of Goodal Gondwe were no near the pat on the back. Yes others were saying that it is the political will that necessisated that to happen. But I beg to differ a little bit. That political will without sound technocratic acumen is nothing. The technocrats did play a crucial role for the nation to achieve that. So too with soccer we are supposed to give credit where it is due.

Coming back, my phone is calling please!!!!

Politics of recycled politicians II

2008-06-06T09:51:00.004+02:00

You would recall that I promised to come back with part II of this topic. I am glad to come and indeed present what I consider are the recycled politicians. Perhaps in the first place I should be allowed to digress and talk a little bit of “recycling of materials”. I am sure we are all aware that shoe companies such as the renowned Bata Shoe Co., yes the former sponsors of the then Bata Bullets (football team) are among those calling for old sofia shoes. Have you forgotten the once popular trademark amongst Malawian ladies who used to put on this material? The aim for calling for such old and used shoes is to recycle them into making new ones. The list for recycled products goes on and on, especially in metallurgy industries. So you can see that we want to make use of a raw material whose function has already been tested. For sure that product will not have a longer life like the previous product.

In our scenario, I had asked someone to school me on who are the so called recycled politicians. In the first place he was kind enough to say, these recycled politicians are those that were active in the pre-independence era, through the 31years of Kamuzu Banda to the 15years of multiparty democracy. Examples that were freely given are Hetherwick Ntaba, John Tembo, Aleke Banda, Bakili Muluzi, Gwanda Chakuamba. And I would continue to include others who were not in the main political frame but still have been influential in almost all eras. These are Henry Mussa, Joyce Banda, Bingu wa Mutharika. And I am sure the list will be endless.

All these people that have been mentioned have had there times in all eras. And almost all of them have been echoing the adage, youths are leaders of tomorrow. This tomorrow has not even dawn on them. I am looking forward to the time they will call it quit and let the youthful people pick up the daunting task of taking care of the nation.

Politics of recycled politicians

2008-06-03T10:51:00.002+02:00

In Malawi the word "recycled politicians" is constantly making rounds amongst people. People have aligned some figures in politics as being recycled. Sorry to say that many that are tagged as such are mainly those that are not part of the executive branch of government.

Despite living on earth for a very few years, that is looking at the life of people. You know if I can go by the jewish and most of the middle east tradition, one is regarded mature when is 30yrs and above. Unfortunately, I am below that. However, I am of the view that I am a mature person in one way or another. I have gone beyond the age limit for voting, that is 18yrs and am far above that age that enables a Malawian citizen to stand for MP. Now looking at these two parameters I am comfortable to claim that am old enough that I can make a decision without any duress from anyone. Furthermore, I have led some histories which put me in a better position to understand what has been happening in this part of a great rift valley. Some of you might have forgetten that beautiful standard six geography. This geography had the audicity of schooling us that, there a great rift valley that starts from the horn of Africa where there is Red Sea. The sea also its own significance both historically and spiritually. This is where Moses and the Israelites had walked on a dry land only amaze the Egyptians that could not make it to the other side of the sea. Sorry, I had to side step, from the red sea the valley goes through where there is Nile, to Tanganyika all the way to Lake Malawi (Nyasa). Then it goes down to Shire until it makes it way to Indian Ocean through the Zambezi river. Mind you Zambezi river is a host of Victoria Falls, but am not sure if it really does the same to a Man-made Caobora Bassa.

All these are so rich in me, to an extent that I feel I can positively contribute to the national development of the country, perhaps with the Help of GOD and some of these recycled politicians. This should now take me back to the issue. Recycled politicians are people believed to have practiced politics in all most all stages that Malawi as a sovereign state has gone through. These are:
1. Pre-independence era (Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland)
2. Independence era (1964-1994)
3. Multiparty democarcy era (1994 to present)

You will notice that in Malawi's politics, there are people who have been influential in all these eras. There are people in all political divides that are now still practicing politics. What amazes me is that all these are infatuated with there adage, "that says youths are leaders of tomorrow". Perhaps that tomorrow never comes. That is why they are not calling it quit and play some advisory roles to those taking over from them.

I will come with part II, as I will have to do one or two things that will keep me going in the city.

Feedback-Kenani

2008-05-26T14:21:00.000+02:00

Preamble:
I have this privilege to write to you because I know for sure. However, a question would arise like how long I have I know Mr. Kenani. I started reading about Kenani in the papers in issues to do with recitals, yes poetry. Since then I have been an ardent follower of Mr. Kenani. When he was an executive member if not President of, was MAWU or poetry association I followed him too. All along I knew Kenani as someone who could have been given Quinine or LA in case SP has failed in the linguistics. I got amazed when in 2005 you were at MCA and sharing a room with my playmate at secondary school one Masida Nyoni doing some charted accounting stuff. When was I amazed I have already alluded to the fact that you are in writing business only. I am sure that, this is the picture that those that do not have a chance of being close to you have.

Main Issues:
Now what has made me to come out of the cocoon and write you one piece? I have been following the memoirs when they were still of Ganizani until now when they are coming from a common man. And what has prompted to write today is to give some feedback some articles.

What are the roles of MPs?
This exactly the same question I have always had. But Kenani although I do not subscribe to the notion of blame game; but today I will blame the civil society groups in the name of Human Rights. These people could have sensitized the people both rural and urban on what are the roles of the MPs. You would recall that when we had the Councillors, there was an ensuing feud amongst them, where both of these groups were claiming to be development initiators. The little knowledge I have about our constitution is that the MPs are legislators. But what these guys are doing is contrary to what their JDs stipulate. Anyway, this is as a result of the situation that we have been.

Xenophobic Attack in the RSA
This Brother has infuriated me also. Yes we might have been regarded as a Makwerekwere but we deserve some dignity. They, the South Africans should not continue blaming for their own mishaps. They once blamed violence on apartheid and it was us the poor who gave most of their sons. The likes of Thabo Mbeki and his Father were welcomed in Zimbabwe and Zambia. And like you said our own Ngwazi Kamuzu Banda assisted ANC financially and Madiba Nelson Mandela has always acknowledged that. In itself Kamuzu Banda had a belief in regional integration, despite he then was friendly to the Botha’s govt.

Nonetheless, we should continue to condemn this inhuman act. To you write more shortly.

Lastly, I have written this in my blogspot, this is my virtual diary.

On a lighter note, I have always wanted to ask have you ever been in a drama group that was doing well at Kasungu Boma then. I remember in1997-98 a certain drama group visited Chayamba Secondary School. In the cast of the play that was showcased had some one who name resemble yours.

Anniversary, that Never be

2008-05-22T15:28:00.003+02:00

Sometimes anniversaries are meant to register celebrations and also as a mark of sadness. I had anticipated that today it will be six months is an affair. But alas!! the anniversary never came to be for celebration but miserable memory. This is against the way the affair was botched during its third month of existence. With bitter memories coupled with sadness, I hereby remind myself of an anniversary that failed to be celebrated.

Life that is lived once, and indeed once we live.

International Candlelight Memorial Vigil

2008-05-22T14:17:00.002+02:00

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial vigil took place on 18th May, 2008. Historically, this is the first time for this happen outside USA. It has always been conducted in Washington. It is after a period of 25 years when it has been launched and held outside the borders of USA. The launch was graced by His Excellence the State President Dr. Bingu Wa Mutharika, Former head of state of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda and the Global Health Council Vice President Mr Maurice Middleberg. It took place at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.

The theme for the vigil, "Never give up, never forget". This theme was touching in itself. But I was pertubed that there was almost nothing that was said tackling the issue of children that have HIV and AIDS. It was a situation which was portraying that it is the adults who have the virus and/or AIDS. I hope next time those of us that are actively involved in looking after children that have the virus will be at the centre of organising such events. It was a mockery a function of international acclaim to forget addressing issues of children. We all agree that the future of every nation is inbedded in them. So how do we ensure the future if we fail address other issues. Otherwise the future is at our peril.

On a lighter note, I only heard from one District HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee Coordinator from Karonga who made mention of the plight of the children who are suffering from the disease. I think we team up with people like them we'll hopefully conquer the problem.

Kamuzu Day

2008-05-14T10:02:00.000+02:00

At the dawn of Nationalism in Africa people were busy looking for someone to help them in seeking freedom form the colonialists. This led to the birth of recalling all sons of Africa back home. As most of them had stayed in Europe where most of our colonialists came from. We would recall that education then was not easy to access. Just imagine the first government secondary school was opened in 1940s. Not to mention about a university as that was a far-fetched dream. So most of those who got western type of education had to have such from outside the country. The likes of Professor David Rubadiri had his university education at Makerere University in Uganda. He is among many who underwent such.

Now as the philosophy of nationalism was blowing across Africa, Malawians (Nyasaa then) were not left alone. Them too organised themselves and decided to call back Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda. He came back home in 1958 through Chileka Airport in Blantyre. Upon his arrival the political landscape took a new look. Consequently, there were mayhem and upheavals. This led into some violence and the then federal government had to arrest some people and others were even killed in the process.

It is believed that Kamuzu Banda was born in around 1898; but officially the date is indicated as 14th May, 1906 from the Chayamba's of Mtuthama, Kasungu. When he was young and in his pursuit for higher education he left Malawi through Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia,then) where he had worked for very short before proceeding the sojourn to South Africa. From there he left for U.S then to UK. In this years between 1920 to 1958 he had been to also Ghana where he had set up his medical practicing clinic. It is believed that while in Ghana he had good time with Kwame Nkruma the first president of the independent Ghana (Gold Coast).

Upon his return and the subsequent declaration of self government, Dr Banda became the country's Prime minister and later a President was Malawi was accorded a republican status in July, 1966.

Dr Banda ruled Malawi for more than three decades. in the process he had made both friends and foes. In his leadership, it became a routine that the whole country would celebrate his birthday on the 14th may every year. Thus the beginning the of Kamuzu day.

In reminiscent of what used to happen then, the Government of the Republic of Malawi has thought it wise that despite some shortfalls during his leadership, Kamuzu Banda deserves a day to remember him.

40th Session of Malawi National Assembly

2008-05-02T08:26:00.000+02:00

Since Dr. Mutharika part ways with the United Democratic Front (UDF) the party that helped him become a State President, he has had tough time when the National Assembly is in session. Historically, he is believed to be a hard a candidate to sell to the electorate. It had to take Bakili Muluzi in his personal vandetta to annoint him. In February, 2005 during an Anti-corruption day the president had announced to the nation that he was qitting UDF and he immediately did so. The reasons were the people in UDF did not want to support his zero-tolerance on corruption drive and that UDF had accepted that it rigged elections. To him did not want to be part to such a grouping. At that point people though that we may have a state president who is independent from any political party. It came as a suprise after some months to learn that he was forming his own party. Thus, the birth of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). With this new party that had no representation in the national assembly to with it some legislators form the same UDF the president had ditched and other political parties such as Malawi Congress Party (MCP), People Progressive Movement (PPM), Republican Party (RP) and People's Transformation party (PETRA). Now with this scenario, it meant all legislators that had followed him had crossed the floor. This act alone contravenes the statutes as contained in the section 65. This section has even overshadowed the very principles of democracy in terms of its popularity. This has happened because those in the "Ruling" party are scared of the section.

Camp Hope I

2008-02-06T09:10:00.001+02:00

On the 05th February, 2008; I left COE for Camp with the Kids at Chintheche Camping Site. I was chosen to be with them because of my being close with them in most situations. Of significance are the Teen Club and Picturing Hope.

I cherish a lot being close to the children who are so loving and have trust in me that I am capable of assisting them.

New Year "2008"

2008-01-04T12:51:00.000+02:00

When 2007 was knocking on the door to announce its arrival on the scene, little did we know that there shall come a time when it will have to leave the stage and pave way for another year. This is to say 2007 had to go a give room to 2008. Here we are in a brand new year. Before 2008 is highly celebrated it will be good to look back and see where one stumbled and where somebody stood firm and lofty. Because there is a belief that there is no today without yesterday and never we have a tomorrow with today. Hence, looking back will assist in one way or another.

In my view 2007 had come with its own challenges that are so unique. It started like any other period in my life time. I had set a number of resolutions that were to serve as a blue print in my quest for success. Like King Solomon once said a nation without a vision is doomed to perish. Therefore, for me it was not proper to just sit without articulating issues that would help me. I had resolved that 2007 will be a year when I will have to draw myself closer to GOd through Jesus Christ. It was to be achieved by constant going to church for congregationship and partnership. This was also to be bolstered by taking part in youth led church activities. One of which is enhancing FoCCAPSO membership. Unfortunately not much was done towards achieving this. The others were finding a life time partner. I have been lucky that this has come to pass. It has been fulfilled by having Eneless Fulaye whom we first met just a week after drafting the resolutions. It has taken me almost eleven months to come to terms with her in terms of living for each each for the rest of our life.

Other equally important resolutions that have been fulfilled are personal development in terms of education. In june I sat for PAEC/ACCA foundation stage. Though not done in flying colours but I have something under my laps. I have passed through the stage by passing all the four subjects at that level.

I have also in the process been a catalyst in most of family affair issues both in Kasungu and Mchinji.

Now as 2008 has come the first resolution of the 2007 will be carried forward into this year. Having found and fell in love with Eneless we will just need to know each other further and see to it that we are able to live for each other.

I will also take a personal initiative that I pursue further the ACCA studies. To this end I will see the possibility of sittig for two subjects during december, 2008 examinations.

I will also continue being of help in all the family affair issues. With special emphasis to mama Ms Mary Kamchikwe. She will, by the end of 2008, sleep in a house of her own built by her own son.

Lastly, I am wishing all people of the world and my found love Eneless the best of success and let this year bring prosperity and be progressive enough in most endearvours.

Christmas comes...

2007-12-27T15:41:00.000+02:00

I would say Christmas comes but once a year. It is a date (25/12) set aside where christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Though it is believed that he might have not been born on this date, but at least people from different walks of life do have time to think about this so wonderful birth to have taken place among mankind. Jesus Christ did not enjoy the comfort of being born at an ultra modern maternity wing or hospital. As if that is not enough baby Jesus had to be kept in manger in animal kraal. It was the shepherd swho first got the message that a King is born and shall save the world. What an amazing experience for all well meant and living mankind.

All this comes to reality when the day comes. However, prior to the day people do alot of things. They throw parties of different magnitude so to say. In view of this Baylor Social Welfare Committee organised on one. I being the committee's chair overseen the whole process of bringing to light the party. It has so far been hailed by many that being the first time it was well organised and people enjoyed. This will be part of my measure of success in the years to come.

On saturday, the 22 December, 2007 I and my girl friend whom I love so much were at Baylor COE where I was working then, Carrie Cox MD told Eneless that " am very good organiser, and she should feel that way".

Merry Christmas

2007-12-21T09:46:00.000+02:00

All most every year in Christian dominated societies the month of December the 12th on the calender is very significant. The significance comes about because is so synonymous with the festivity. On 25th December, people especially the christians celebrate the birth of Christ. To all christians across the globe I am wishing you a merry christmas. Now looking at this event, somebody realises that the new is come, again I am wishing all people a happy and properous 2008.

Mose wa lero: Wa Mutharika

2007-12-10T14:34:00.000+02:00

Those that answer to a name of being artist amazes me always. When you think that there is nothing that one can sing about it is when somebody composes one. What is the rationale behind this? Our airwaves of late have had blast of one piece by one Phungu Nkasa. He has come up with a piece that is portraying Mutharika as Moses of the latter days. I am a christian by faith and know about Biblical Moses who was a God-sent person to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He successfully did so with the help of the almighty GOD. He was assisted when they were at Red Sea to cross this water body.

In his thinking Nkasa feels Mutharika has just done what this Moses managed to do then. Moses as in bible had his shortfalls to the extent that he did not live to see the promised land, Canaan. he was just taken to the Mt Horeb to see the picturesque view of the land without him reaching there. It is believed that this happened because he was not taking some instructions correctly. Let me hope the Moses of the latter days will not perform like his predecessor.

Once a Tutor always one

2007-12-07T13:27:00.000+02:00

Enie-Merry was sitting for ABE exams from Wednesday through Thursday, the first papers she claimed that were fair. And she said that we should hope for the better in those first two papers. The last two papers especially the IQM has posed a threat in her quest to passing her exams. She alludes that we should just wait for the results to be out. But I am sure Enie-Merry my dear darling is to perform well in the said exams.

On the lighter note one of my students says the CAT5 exams were fair. She too is hoping for the better out of her toil. This gives me more vigour continue my noble duty to train as many as I can in the management studies. I am like a pregnant woman who is not yet on labour. But even if not on labour such a woman expects nothing but a live baby.

Reward of an orator

2007-12-06T15:30:00.000+02:00

There have been developments on the political front in Malawi. The “ruling” Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of the State President Dr Mutharika has elevated Mr. Nicholas Dausi to the post of party’s Publicity Secretary replacing Dr Ntaba who was doubling as a General Secretary. Dausi, who until his resignation in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was the Vice president and Publicity secretary, He is known for his strong English language which most often confuses people. But he at times articulates issues to the amusement of many. He also shows that he has read history, perhaps following the foot-steps of his mentor, Dr H.K Banda, the first independent Malawi president.

Dausi’s defection to the ruling was not expected as he was in the forefront agitating for the application of the controversial Section 65, which bars legislators from switching parties any-how. This came hot soon after the ruling by the Supreme Court on 15th June, 2007; the ruling declared that the section is valid and does not contradict any act of constitution. The jury advised that the constitution has to been read as a whole and not just make reference to a few sections in it.

On Sunday, the 02nd December, 2007, the DPP’s president announced that Dausi is the assuming the post of publicity secretary and he will also be the advisor to the president on National Unity. This to many has proved to be a reward to Dausi, as he has just joined the party whose beliefs were deeply rooted in the MCP. Others are speculating that this is a sign of lack of intra-party democracy. This is against the background that most if not all positions in the DPP are all appointed. At no time has the membership been given a chance to elect its own leaders. This is also happened other major parties, for instance, MCP and UDF. Most of leaders’ are appointed by the top leadership.

On the other note, Malawi has for close to two growing seasons harvested enough to feed itself in terms of maize. And in 2006/07 growing Malawi produced with surplus of close 1.3million metric tones as per ministry agriculture’s statistics. This alone has done Malawi proud as it used to be a beggar, but now has exported some to Zimbabwe and has made donations to two southern African kingdom states of Swaziland and Lesotho. This surplus production has been made possible because of good rainfall and some initiative by government. This has been made possible of course with the support of all other stakeholders. “Stakeholders” here mean all those that are part and parcel of the government machinery. That is to say, all the political parties represented in the National assembly inclusive.

The crux of the matter is that any mishaps that this programme is finding those that are in charge of the executive branch of government are finding faults in the opposition. The state president had the audacity to tell the nation that all the problems are coming because of JZU Tembo and his opposition leader counterpart Bakili Muluzi. I have more once bemoaned the tendency of our leaders who first find fault in others before they themselves they diagnose the problem. I would like to appeal to every well meant Malawian that it is high time we started looking at problems as they come and not otherwise.

Dedication

2007-12-05T10:54:00.000+02:00

My diary today is going to take a dedication for my lovely "darling" Enie-Merry, who today 05th December,2007 is starting her ABE Exams certificate level. I already wish her well in other fronts, but I have this feeling that I should also be at liberty to express the same in my diary. To you Enie-Merry is all the best wishes. Time for exams do come and go. But utilise this time to the best of your advantage. I know we always have the feeling that exams are tough. My observation sometime has proved contrary to this. This depends on how we have prepared and at some stage, this reminds me of this, "failing to prepare is preparing to fail", this used to be the thinking of my headmaster at Liwaladzi in Nkhotakota, Mr Chunda.

Once again, I wish you well.

Stop AIDS Keep the Promise: With Emphasis on Leadership

2007-12-02T14:22:00.000+02:00

This is theme for the world AIDS day is Stop AIDS, keep the promise: has an emphasis on leadership. This is against the background that people would love to emulate what leaders are doing. This would either be positive or negative. The global fight against the pandemic is being compromised to some extent because of lack of leadership will. This is across all kinds of leadership. However, it is being highly compromised by the political leadership. For instance, on this day there was an arrangement that activities marking the day should take place at some place in Ntcheu. Purportedly the guest of honour to the occassion was supposed to be Marjorie Ngaunje, MP. But the venue within the district happened to be in the area of an opposition MP. To the chagrin of many Ngaunje who is also the Minister of Health did not show up for the function. The implications here are many. Money went down the drain because what was intended did not take place.

I am sure we are going to tackle the pandemic with renewed commitment regardless of our political affliation whatsoever.

Frustrations

2007-11-28T13:41:00.000+02:00

When I begin to understand the mystery that surrounds frustrations, I normally fail to reach a conclusion. This is so because some of these come about not necessarily oneself is bad, but they my emanate from other people's ineffectiveness. How can one fail to come to a discussion table with his juniors for a period of 30 or so days. The juniors asks for you audience, you promise to see them in next two days time. This does not happen, the senior does not even want to explain to them as to why the meeting has failed. Do he want them to come ask for the failure. Two or three weeks later, the juniors remind this person and he promptly responds lets meet at 15:00pm. This time again, it fails. Postponed to monday, 08:00am, for the third time it fails and nobody explains.

I would wish that if these seniors were considerate enough would have done everything possible in making sure that explanations are given out. Otherwise, the juniors will have so many questions which seem to have answers. Consequently, because they have been affected to psychological warfare, their performance will be affected. Do they want such situtions? Why do not you just come out. Remember, confidence and trust has to be mutual, it is not exclusively applied.

Love Birds

2007-11-23T05:37:00.000+02:00

It has be to registered that I and Enie-Merry (Eneless) have entered into a serious affair that will see us going into some life long relationship. How I wish this was there before. But anyway everything has its own time, perhaps the time has come for us to come together for common good. "I promise her that I will be there for her in time of sweetness (celebration), trouble and trying moments".

1st Anniversary

2007-11-06T13:18:00.000+02:00

Sometimes, when times is elapsing little does a person that time has engaged into some irreversible gear. True to this assertion, it seems for me the time has exactly done that. I joined Baylor on November 06th, 2006. One can hardly realise that twelve months have elapsed.

Ooops, my foot!

2007-10-03T10:55:00.000+02:00

Sometimes life tends to be dramatic. And indeed it as dramatic as in the "Accidental Death of Democracy" by Nanzikambe. When I first joined Baylor Children's Foundation-Malawi, little did I know that it was a beginning of my aspirations. For Information sake, when I had walked out of the University of Malawi's Polytechnic in 2005 I keenly awaited a time when I will work as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&E O). Then I hardly knew which organisation would hire as an M&E Officer let alone Data Officer. My first degree has Mathematics, applied for that matter and Science and Technology (Physics) as my majors. With this in mind I was not sure if that opportunity will come onto me. The only thing I could do was to start at the most bottom level, yes the level that would at some stage take me to where I wanted. Two months down the line I bumped into consultancy. I got picked by Management Solutions Consulting (Malawi) Ltd (MSC). With MSC I was involved in data management, basically the clerical aspect at National AIDS Commission (NAC). In this I were capturing, retrieving, analysing data from across the country. NAC receives reports from all the organisations that are implementing HIV/AIDS policies. I did this with my zeal and did not leave any dent neither a blemish save for a personality problem with the one whom I was responsible to when I am there.

I did this between February through september, 2006. In the process, I won recognition among many. One being my Deputy director Mr M Chirwa. Mr Chirwa had been more than my manager but my uncle. The relationship that existed and continues to do so up this day makes assured that there people who are destined to help and assist people who do not have a voice. Mr Chirwa continues to be a role model and my mentor.

Now, almost 12months down line I have assumed the role of a M&E Officer.

International Community

2007-09-20T10:29:00.000+02:00

Today the 19th september, 2007 the state president Dr Mutharika has left for United States of America where among other things he is to attend the 62nd Assembly of the UN. He is also scheduled to address some other high level gatherings like the University of Columbia. The UN summit is on 26th September.

He has directed that Henry Chimunthu-Banda the Minister of Energy and mining who is also the Leader of govt business in the National Assembly to act in a caretaker status in all affairs of state that would normally be acted upon by the president.

I am wishing the UN summit all the success and the continued peace in the world.

Malawi II

2007-09-18T14:57:00.000+02:00

After a battle of words in the process in the media. For instance in a State run broadcasters in Malawi were running statements that the opposition is the wrong for advancing the implementation of the Section 65. It was purported as being against development agenda as proposed in the national budget. And the budget itself described as Pro-poor. Those the executive had to gone flat out to say the budget has everything that a poor person would need. Therefore, advancing section 65 is tantamount to denying such a poor person from Bwengu, Rumphi; Chizewo, Nkhotakota; Kaphuka, Dedza, Kazyozyo, Mchinji and Sojini, Nsanje. We are yet to see if the people from the places would sing a different story come the next budget session.

While the executive was busy demonising and castigating the opposition, the oppostion itself stood its guns that if the section is not going to be invoked on the stray MPs then budget session should come to a halt. While this was being said sooner than later one Yunus Mussa got an injunction from the high court restraining the Speaker from invoking the section on those deemed to have crossed the floor. After Mussa's injunction then others injuctions followed gagging the speaker.

Malawi

2007-09-18T14:37:00.000+02:00

After all most four in Malawi when all things were poiting at political deadlock. This was soon after the what was termed as the landmark ruling as regards Section 65.

For interest sake, in February, 2005 Dr Mutharika dumped UDF the party that vehemently supported his candidancy in 2004 general elections. He won by 35% of total eligible voters in malawi. As a result of dumping this party it was not easy for him to remain without a party. hence he formed his DPP. In a de facto status DPP become a ruling party in Malawi. It was only wise for the beleaguered president to woo support from members of his former party. In succession the MPs from UDF defected to DPP in the name of assisting the government. In legal framework of Malawi, the defection of the MPs was violating the constitution's section 65. The consequence of this action is to declare the seat of such a member vacant. When the seat has been declared vacant the former MP was free to stand again to seek a new mandate from the constituent.

Sensing that Dr Mutharika would loose many that support the agenda of the executive branch he made a referral to the courts of law to interpret the legality of the section. In Nov., 2006 the High Court upheld the constitutionality of the said section. Having been not satisfied with the ruling the president appealed to the supreme.

Then on June 15, 2007 the Supreme Court led by the Retired Chief Justice Leonard Unyolo, the jury sitting on the date unanimously upheld the High court ruling. This therefore, menat that the MPs who had crossed the floor had to have there seats declared vacant. This had concoicided with the Budget session sitting.

More to come!!!

Loss

2007-09-12T16:30:00.000+02:00

On 12th September, 2007 we buried Grandfather Mr Chepesani Mbewe who passed away on Monday night (10th Sep 2007). This is barely after a year when we yet buried his brother on 25th September, 2007 at Kazyozyo Cemetery in Mchinji. This was the last of the four. The first one was the youngest of them Mr Yiyaka, then the eldest Mr Million beleived to have been born in 1918 then Mr Mickson Zule Mbewe (1922). Therefore, the death of Mr Chepesani chronicles the lineage of the four.

He is believe to have died from pnemonia at the age of 73 (born 1933). Mr Chepesani was burried at Mphita Cemetery at Mphita Village in the area of Chief Mkanda. Village Headman kawere, kazyozyo, mphita and poko respectively spoke through their representatives. In the eulogies of the four they said he was one whom they were asking for wisdom. While Mkanda bemoaned what had fallen in his area of jurisdiction as almost everyday he receives death messages.

may the soul of granny Chepesani rest in eternal peace.

Journey

2007-09-11T16:14:00.000+02:00

This serves as the beginning of the journey to some destination. Like the Chinese proverb says, a journey of thousand miles starts with a single step. Hence, this blog will play host to some issues that are of social concern in Malawi that will have a bearing on adolescents and the whole youth fraternity.

I hope to accomplish this, so help me GOD through Jesus christ.

Resume

2007-09-02T08:53:00.000+02:00

Curriculum Vitae
Richard Glasten Zule Mbewe
Baylor Children’s Foundation-Malawi (BCF-Mw)
Private Bag B397
LILONGWE 3.
Tel.:01 753 098/ 01 750 679/08 397 329
E-mail:kuthemba@hotmail.com

Date of Birth: 08 February, 1980 Religion: Christianity
Marital Status: Single Nationality: Malawian
Languages: English and Chichewa (both very Good)

1. WORK EXPERIENCE
Organization: Baylor Children’s Foundation-Malawi
Period: 01st November, 2006 to date
Position: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Duties & Responsibilities:

Responsible to M&E Specialist, who coordinates the M&E activities across the Sub-Saharan Region under Baylor International Paediatric HIV/AIDS Initiative (BIPAI).

Core duties
o Data capture, collection and analysis
o Data cleaning and retrieval
o Data checking and verification
o An assistant to the Monitoring and evaluation specialist
o Summarizing survey data & Outreach surveys
o Producing weekly and monthly reports on work assigned
o Database management as in SPSS, Excel, Access and more advanced Epi-Info and STATA statistical packages.
Programme Coordinator
An overarching philosophy is to provide psychosocial support to the HIV/AIDS to infected and affected young persons. So to achieve this goal we are running a project called “Picturing Hope.”
o Career guidance and counseling to the teen at the Foundation
o Designing, coordinating, facilitating of meetings and trainings in HIV and AIDS for the teenagers.
o Member the team that provides leadership and management to the affairs of Teen club which is integral for the programmes of the foundation in Malawi.
o Appraise and motivate the teenagers in enhancing the achievement of the goals, hopes and aspirations.

Organization: Millennium Consulting Group
Year: 1st October to 31st October, 2006
Position: Research Assistant
Duties & Responsibilities:
o Data collection
o Conducting in-depth discussion with respondents
o Map reading so as to locate the Enumeration Area
o Ensuring that data is correct
o Ensuring that data and respondent are treated with strict confidentiality

Organization: Management Solutions Consulting /NAC (FMA) Project
Year: Feb 2006 to 31st January, 2007
Position: Associate Consultant
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Making sure that raw data received from organization are well-kept.
· Making sure that, data received from those organizations are correctly entered.
· Maintaining confidentiality of the received data
· Statistical analysis
· Production of statistic
· Provision of technical advice to Management Solutions Consulting on the status of the service at National AIDS Commission.
· And other duties as assigned by the Management Solutions Consulting.

Organization: Namitete Technical College
Year: 2004 (August to October)
Position: Tutor
Duties:
o Providing training to Students and managing the class
o Assisting students that are slow in learning through make-up classes
o Assisting the examinations officer in drafting a time table
o Ensuring that students have some entertainment during weekends

Organization: Mziza Mission Secondary School
Year: 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Position: Teacher

Organization: Dzenza Secondary School
Year: 2002 (August to October)
Position: Student-Teacher

2. A. Educational Qualification:
BSc. Technical Education: University of Malawi- Polytechnic (2005)

Educational Studies
Courses Courses
Administration and Leadership Philosophy
Curriculum Design & Development Instruction Media
Assessment, Evaluation and Testing Research Methods
Business Communication Studies Psychology

Science & Technology Studies
Courses Courses
Engineering Science Mathematics (calculus, algebra, set theory, trig.)
Design Technology (D&T) Information Technology

Production Technology Chemistry
· Appropriate Technology Engineering Drawing
· Allied Technology

2. B. Other Professional Studies

Short course in Statistical Methods in Research, University of Malawi, Chancellor College’s Mathematical Department. July 16th to 20th, 2007

2. C. Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)-2000 at New Era Boys Secondary

3. Requisite Skills
Skill Skill
Communication Designing
Teaching & training Assessment techniques
Administration Research & proposal writing
Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Report Writing
Computer applications (MS Word, Excel, Access Power Point, Epi-Info, STATA and SPSS)

4. Research and Consultancy
· Dissertation: “Impact of Tobacco Industry on Primary Education in Kasungu South” Blantyre: Malawi Polytechnic, University of Malawi
· Design and Realization (D&T): “Modification of a Groundnut-Sheller” Blantyre: Malawi Polytechnic, University of Malawi
· Micro research: “The Role of Parents on discipline of Malawi Polytechnic students” Blantyre: Malawi Polytechnic, University of Malawi
· Analysis of National Youth Policies: Malawi in perspective. Lilongwe

5. PERSONAL TRAITS
Ø High personal integrity and able to relate and create trust in all.
Ø Highly articulate, confident and persuasive team builder, able to motivate and communicate to achieve exceptional performance.
Ø Dependable and reliable in supporting and enabling team effort to produce genuine long term and sustainable development.
Ø Knowledgeable of Malawi’s status of the impact of HIV and AIDS has impacted on the lives of people and children in particular.
Ø Excellent listening, Communication and Writing Skills coupled with fluency in English and Chichewa languages respectively.

6. AFFILIATIONS
2003-07 General Secretary- Youth Motivation Organization
May, 2003 Took active role during the launch of Youth Initiative in Water Development at the Malawi Polytechnic
2002-03 President- Polytechnic Technical Education Society
2002-03 Civic Education Director-Poly Anti-Corruption Awareness Society
1998-99 Headboy-Chayamba Secondary School

7. HOBBIES
Sightseeing Reading (Books &Newspapers)
Watching Movies Travelling
Running Chatting
8. REFEREES

M G Chirwa, Management Solutions Consulting (Mw), Kang’ombe House 5th Floor, Private Bag B326, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Tel: 01 771 701,Cell# 09256126

Dr. Mbendera, Head of Department, Technical Education Dept., Polytechnic, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, BT 3. Tel 01 670 411

Dr Mark Mugo Kabue, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPIA), Private Bag B397, Lilongwe 3, Cell# 09713700