A local non-governmental organization, Mudzi Connect, has called on communities to embrace a culture of local giving as a sustainable way of addressing social and economic challenges affecting their areas.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Karonga, Mudzi Connect Programmes Manager Ruth Chamangwana said strengthening community philanthropy is essential to improving livelihoods, as it empowers communities to mobilize their own resources and support local development initiatives.
Chamangwana said the organization’s partnership with TWESA in Community Development (TICOD) was motivated by TWESA’s commitment to mobilizing resources and implementing initiatives that benefit rural communities.
TWESA Executive Director Jimmy Mzilahowa said the partnership will strengthen the organization’s institutional capacity, enabling it to identify community needs, develop appropriate solutions, and mobilize resources for sustainable community development.
Meanwhile, stakeholder Macfalen Chunda welcomed the initiative, saying it will help accelerate development in communities surrounding TWESA. He noted that although there are about 13 villages in the area, only 10 have Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), expressing hope that the partnership will support the establishment of CBOs in the remaining three villages.
Under the partnership, Mudzi Connect will provide institutional capacity support and other assistance to strengthen TWESA’s community development work in Karonga.
Written by James Kaonga.