First Deputy Speaker Chilenje hails NICE
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Right Esther Mcheka Chilenje has hailed the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust for the role it is playing in transforming peoples’ lives in the country.
Chilenje made the remarks recently during a Malawi Broadcasting Cooperation (MBC) and Nsanje District Council open day in Nsanje where various organizations displayed their art in complementing government efforts in developing the country.
Speaking when she visited the NICE pavilion, Chilenje commended Nsanje NICE and encouraged the establishment to continue the good work it is doing in changing peoples’ lives in the district.
“What NICE is doing here in Nsanje is remarkable by civic educating the masses on crucial issues affecting their daily livelihoods,” said Chilenje.
Chilenje also emphasised the importance of civic educating citizens on various roles and responsibilities of duty bearers querying whether the trust educates citizens on what they should expect from their elected leaders.
On his part, Nsanje NICE District Civic Education Officer, Kondwani Malunga, said NICE, with funding from European Union (EU), is currently implementing the “Chilungamo Project” that will see the promotion of democracy and good governance in the country for accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction.
“Empowering citizens is what we do, we sensitize them on their roles and that of their elected leaders so that they should make realistic and informed demands whilst at the same time not being cheated by leaders who provide them with coffins for mere popularity instead of the development which they need,” said Malunga.
On his part, Innocent Tchapo of Traditional Authority (T/A) Makoko, said he has NICE to thank for a full primary school that was constructed in his area.
“Mbale Primary School had classes up to standard 6 for about 8 years which was a problem for us considering that pupils need to study up to standard 8. Using the knowledge and skills from NICE, we engaged our Ward Councilor who engaged the education office and standard seven was opened. Now Mbale is a full primary school and the right to education for our children is now respected,” Tchapo said.
Additionally, Bias Chuma of T/A Chimombo also commended NICE for assisting them to open an Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) depot in their area.
