Development Project Management Consultants (DPM) is a registered Malawian consulting firm in the areas of Project Management, Public Policy, Public Relations and Information Systems. It was registered in 2006 by a consortium of young Malawian Professionals who saw a gap in the provision of customized, distinct and quality consulting services in the Malawi Market especially relating to solutions for the many funded development projects. It also provides policy analysis services to government and non-governmental organisations to respond to the everchanging world environment.
Development Project Management Consultants has a team of 10 consultants in the different fields who pool their wide experience in specific areas and in general to provide requisite solutions to clients. Two of its key members, Booker Matemvu and Zadziko Mankhambo, have over the years partnered to provide seamless solutions in Public Relations and development Commuincations, a demanding and emerging field in Malawi. Booker and Zadziko worked together at MASAF and were instrumental in the development of the first IEC strategy in a World Bank funded project in Malawi and have ever since provided assistance and support to most donor funded projects in Malawi including Community Based Rural Land Project (CBRLP), Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, Infrastructure Services Project and National Water Project. They have also developed Communication strategies for Blantyre Water Board, World Vision and MACRA in Malawi.
Individually they have also provided inputs into the Communication Strategies of Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), Northern Uganda Social Action Fund, Sierra Leone Reconstruction Programme and Jamaica Social Investment Fund. They have are key in the provision of public relations services for key government departments by helping in the organisation and management of high profile meetings and conferences through logistical management, speech writing, report backs and follow up on key resolutions.
Booker Matemvu is our Lead Consultant. He is a member of the International Public Relations Association (UK) since 2006 and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Development Economics obtained in 1997. He has worked in various challenging positions in both the private and public organizations since 1994 when he graduated from Chancellor College with a degree in Social Sciences.
Booker Matemvu has worked with the Malawi Social Action Fund since 2001 serving as Office Manager responsible for public relations and communications in the office of the Executive Director. He has also served as Head of Development Communications and Development Communications Specialist responsible the development and management of the MASAF Development Communications Strategy. He has a lot of practical experience in the development of communications strategies targeted at mobilization and empowerment of rural communities taking part in local development activities. Booker Matemvu is also a Trainer of Trainers in Participatory Rural Communication Methods and has supported and helped build capacities at community and Local Assembly levels.
Booker Matemvu has developed communication strategies for MASAF, Tanzania Social Action Fund, World Vision, Infrastructure Services Project (ISP), Roads Authority and the Improved Rural Livelihoods Project funded by ADB in the Ministry of Finance. He also provides technical advise in the programming and scripting of radio and TV development programs contracted to Zodiak Broadcasting and Kings Multimedia.
Zadziko Mankhambo is our Public Relations Specialist and Partner. He holds a Masters Degree from the University Of Leceister in the UK. He has vast experience in event organisation and management. He has been key in the skills development of our partner institutions having served as a Public Relations Manager for MACRA for the past 8 years.
He has partnered with Booker in the delivery and development of Public Relations and Communications Strategies that are practical and implementable thus adding value to organisations investing in the development of communication strategies.
Alfred Nyasulu is our Principal Consultant. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Surrey in UK. He has extensive experience in public service delivery having worked with the Malawi Government in various key positions including as District Commissioner and Deputy Director of Budget and Finance in the Ministry of Finance. He has over 15 years of public service experience and leads our team in Policy Analysis, Project designs and Budgeting.
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
Booker Matemvu
1994: Graduated from University of Malawi with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with Credit majoring in Computer Sciences and Economics. Booker Matemvu joined Lonrho Group of Companies as management trainee responsible for ICT. Booker underwent various management and supervisory trainings within the Lonrho group of companies and elsewhere including India and United Kingdom.
1995: Promoted to position of ICT Manager responsible for technology upgrades and communications. Booker was later offered a scholarship to study for a Master’s Degree in Economics under a collaborative Master’s programme between the University of Malawi and University of Nairobi.
1997: Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Development Economics. Booker later joined ICL (Malawi) as Director responsible for Customer Services and Technical Support where he was responsible for the installation and support of ATMs in Southern Africa.
1998: Booker Matemvu was appointed Programme Manager for IFMIS in the Ministry of Finance where he served until 2001.
2001: Booker joined MASAF as Office Manager responsible for PR and Communications in the office of the Executive Director handling all public relations activities and supporting the roll out of IEC activities. He helped in the building of networks with both the private and public media houses.
2004: Booker headed the Development Communications Unit until June, 2008 and was responsible for the development and management of development communication strategy and the planning and rolling out of IEC activities.
2008 todate: He is currently working as a Consultant in Project Management and leads our teams in Communications, Monitoring and Evaluation, Management Information Systems and Knowledge Management.
ZADZIKO ALEX MANKHAMBO
Zadziko Mankhambo is a member of the National Union of Journalists and hold a Bachelors degree in Communications and Biblical Studies, Postgraduate diploma in Jaournalism, Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies (pending) and MA Communications Management (pending). He has worked in various management positions in private and public organizations since 1997.
Zadziko Mankhambo has worked with the Malawi Social Action Fund since 1998 as Assistant Head of Development Communication. He has also served as Communications Manager for National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM), Public Relations Officer for Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA and Assistant Manager for Radio ABC.
Throughout the last thirteen years Zadziko has participated in the development of a communications strategy for Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF), Infrastructure Services Project (ISP) and Malawi Growth Development Strategy (MGDS) both under the Ministry of Development planning and corporation.
Zadziko plays an advisory role on communications issues to a number of institution in the Malawi.
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
1997: Graduated from African Bible College, Lilongwe, Malawi with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Biblical Studies majoring in Communication. The same year was among the selected few young professional Malawi Government trained in Television Journalism through UNESCO in preparation for the Establishment of Television Malawi.
1998: Joined Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) as Communications Officer and after a year was promoted to Assistant Head of Development Communication responsible for Communications Management until 2002.
2002: Pursued a Postgraduate Diploma course in Management Studies at KingsBridge College in London, United Kingdom.
2003: Pursued a Postgraduate Diploma course in Journalism at the London School of Journalism. During this period he was working as a Communications Cordinator for Livingwaters International in Chelmsford, Essex until 2004.
2005: served as Communications Manager for National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM) until 2006. He was responsible for communications management and branding of the organization.
2006: Served as a Public Relations Officer for Malawi Revenue Authority responsible for development of Information Education and Communications Strategies and image promotion.
Zadziko has received various trainings in Communications Strategy development at AIMs College, Ghana and Pan African Development Institutions.
CHARLES WILIAM CHIKAPA
Charles Chikapa is a Broadcast Journalist with over twenty years experience. He holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from the Institute of Mass Communications in Nairobi, Kenya and a Post Diploma Certificate in Radio and Television Journalism from Brighton Polytechnic, Sussex, in The United Kingdom. He has had a brief experience working in the Print Media (Daily Times) as an intern, but most of his professional career has been with the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
He has worked in various positions in Radio, including that of Chief Reporter, Assistant Controller of News and Current Affairs, Regional Manager (Northern Region), Regional Manager (Central Region), Controller of Projects and Research and Training, Acting Director of News and Current Affairs, and currently Controller (Public Relations). He has been actively involved in designing and implementing Radio Programmes on MBC, as well as assisting in developing Communications and Media initiatives for a number of institutions including the National Assembly, the Society of Women and Aids in Malawi, the Malawi Electoral Commission and the Decentralization Secretariat. He also served for a time on the Tender Board of MASAF FOR Radio and Television Programmes. He was a member of the Technical Team responsible for Communications (Radio and Television) during the drafting of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy
He is a member of several media institutions including the Media Institute of Southern Africa, the Commonwealth Journalists Association, the World Association of Science Journalists, and is currently Chairperson of the Media Committee on the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy. He is currently involved in assisting the National Assembly and the Malawi Electoral Commission in developing communications.
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Thursday, February 3, 2011
THE CONSTITUTION OF MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
P.O BOX 2353
LILONGWE
CELL: +265 (0) 881244603/999 110 199
E-MAIL: malawienvironmentalwatchp@yahoo.com
wilasibu@yahoo.com
ATTENTION: WILSON DAMIEN ASIBU
An alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector including the media, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment
Table of Contents
Table of Contents page 2
Article 1: Organization name page 3
Article 2: Address and contacts page 3
Article 3: Vision page 3
Article 4: Aims page 3
Article 5: Objectives page 3
Article 6: Activities page 4
Article 7: Organs page 4
Article 8: The Board of Trustees page 4
Article 9: The Executive Committee page 6
Article 10: The General Assembly page 7
Article 11: The Secretariat page 7
Article 12: District and Community Environmental Watches page 7
Article 13: Finance page 7
Article 14: Loans and Scholarships page 8
Article 15: The Common Seal page 8
Article 16: Logo, Colours, Symbols & Stamps page 8
Article 17: By-Laws & Rules of Procedure page 8
Article 18: Amendments to the Constitution page 8
Article 19: Dissolution and Disposal page 9
Article 20: Association page 9
ARTICLE 1: NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The registered name of the organization is Malawi Environmental Watch herein referred to as a network alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment, and that support the nation to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the impact of climate change in Malawi. The programme works in line with the Millennium Development Goal 7, as well as Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS)
ARTICLE 2: ADDRESS AND CONTACTS
The organization’s Secretariat is in Lilongwe, housed in Kamuzu Institute for Sports building, Kawale II, Lilongwe, Malawi. The postal address and contacts are: Malawi Environmental Watch, Post Office Box 2353, Lilongwe. Malawi. Cell: +265 (0) 881244603; E-mail: malawienvironmentalwatchp@yahoo.com
ARTICLE 3: VISION
The vision of the Malawi Environmental Watch is a Malawi nation that is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected.
ARTICLE 4: AIMS
The main aims of the initiative is support the Malawi nation in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environmental resources, whilst supporting the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of environmental degradation and climate change in Malawi; ii) assisting the Malawi nation to address the major national environmental threats and reclaim the depleted natural and environmental resources in Malawi by 2015 in line with Millennium Development Goal 7, and Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).
ARTICLE 5: OBJECTIVES
1. To raise awareness on environmental issues, threats and endangered environmental and natural resources that needs protection and replacing in Malawi for stakeholders to address
2. To create platforms where environmental issues will be discussed, solutions generated and best practices shared as a way of replicating them and building competences in addressing environmental challenges in Malawi
3. To conduct evidence-based advocacy and dialogue with government, concerned parties and relevant stakeholders to influence policy and practice that protects, preserve and reclaim the Malawi environment
4. To support better management and governance of environmental and natural resources in Malawi such as water, air, forests, fisheries, land and biodiversity, etc
5. To create partnerships and collaborations country-wide in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and natural resources through building of alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and support the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change
6. To create a watchdog that ensures policies, practice and behaviors which promotes the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and ensure a Malawi nation which is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected
ARTICLE 6: ACTIVITIES
1. Carry out awareness activities on the environment and climate change
2. Mobilize human, material, financial and technical resources for the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment
3. Capacity building initiatives for its membership to ably address environmental and climate change issues competently in Malawi.
4. Establish local environmental networks called district and community environmental watches which will be responsible for implementation of activities at district and local level
5. Coordinate national action for environmental sustainability programmes within its membership and create platforms for sharing and learning of information and experiences
6. Carry out advocacy campaigns to influence policy and practice that protects, preserve and reclaim the Malawi environment
7. Conduct research relevant to the environmental sustainability in Malawi
8. Network and collaborate with similar institutions and organizations in Malawi and globally in the furtherance of its aims and objectives
ARTICLE 7: ORGANS OF MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
a. The following shall be the organs of the organization:
1. The Board of Trustees
2. The Executive Committee
3. The General Assembly
4. The Secretariat
5. District and Community Environmental Watches
b. The Board of Trustees shall be a governance organ and custodians of the organization comprised of such natural persons as shall be appointed to the Board by the General Assembly of the membership
c. The Executive Committee comprises of three arms of the organization namely Planning and Development Committee, Finance and Fundraising Committee, and Welfare and Personnel Committee
d. The General Assembly is the membership of the Malawi Environmental Watch responsible for making binding decisions of the organization which shall meet at least one a year.
e. The Secretariat shall be a professional technical organ of the organization recruited in such a manner as the Board may direct or in accordance to this constitution.
f. The District and Community Environmental Watches shall be established across the country and shall be responsible for implementation of environmental programmes at district and community levels and shall have its committees and management teams, but shall be answerable to the Malawi Environmental Watch Secretariat
ARTICLE 8: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Malawi Environmental Watch shall be comprised of at least five and not more than nine members
The Board membership should be gender-sensitive at all times
8.1. Office bearers of the Board of Trustees
The Board shall comprise of the following office bearers:
1. The Chairperson
2. The Vice Chairperson
3. Board Secretary who shall be the head of the Malawi Environmental Watch Secretariat
4. And Ordinary Members
8.2. Tenure of Office
Members of the Board shall hold office for a renewable term of five years
8.3. Qualification
A person shall not qualify as a member of the Board unless he/she is 21 years old and above with a demonstrated record of zeal for the environment and development issues
8.4. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board
The Board shall have, exercise and perform the following powers, functions and duties:
• Uphold the values, vision, mission, identity, policies and standards of the organization
• Formulate organization’s policies and strategies aimed at realizing the values, vision, mission, objectives and aspirations of the organization
• Monitor and oversee management actions in the utilization of the organization’s resources in accordance with the organization’s policies and strategies
• Provide the Secretariat with policy guidance on the strategic direction of the organization
• Assisted with recommendations made by the Coordinator, the Board must approve the organization’s budgets and financial reports, secure financial control of the organization as well as the administrative procedures
• To participate in fundraising for the organization
• To vary and amend the constitution of this organization with the approval of the general Assembly
• With the Coordinator, formulate, review and amend the rules and regulations governing all matters not covered or adequately provided for by this constitution
8.5. Meetings of the Board
• The Board of Trustees shall meet and transact its ordinary business at least three times every calendar year
• At all its meetings shall cause to be recorded and kept minutes of all deliberations which shall be circulated to all Board members at least twenty one days after the meeting in question
• The quorum at all Board meetings shall be constituted by the presence of at least 50 percent of all the Board members
• If after one hour of the time scheduled for the Board meeting, there are less than half of the members present then the meeting shall stand adjourned to another time.
• Extraordinary Board meetings shall be called for if the need shall arise and the procedures applicable to ordinary Board meetings shall apply as well, unless otherwise the meeting may adopt any such procedures as the circumstance may demand
• Board members shall not receive any salary or honoree and to preserve their independence they work as volunteers
• The organization or other well wishers shall shoulder the costs of the Board meeting.
6.6. Termination of the Office of the Board of Trustees
a. The General Assembly shall have authority to replace and elect new Board members in case of withdrawal of if a member does not keep the terms laid down for the Board members.
b. Any Board member who fails to attend three successive meetings without a proper reason or excuse shall be considered withdrawn as the member of the Board
c. Death of a Board member
d. A Board member may resign by writing to the Chairperson of the Board at least three month in advance
ARTICLE 9: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND ITS OPERATIONS
a) OPERATION
• There shall be an Executive Committee transacting business on behalf of the Trustees Board and in between Trustees Board meeting
• The Executive Committee shall comprise of three committees namely: Planning & Development Committee, Finance & Fundraising Committee, and Welfare and Personnel Committee. A committee chairperson shall head each committee.
• What these committees shall discuss and recommend shall be presented to the whole Board and the General Assembly for approval, and committee chairs shall be responsible for presentations on behalf of the entire committee.
b) COMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES
Planning & Development Committee
• Shall be responsible for the development of high level organizational plans and programmatic areas
• There shall always be a requirement that the Head of the Secretariat be in the Planning and Development Committee
• It shall be responsible for the development of short term, medium term and long term plans
• The Committee through its chairperson shall submit their plans to the whole Board and the general Assembly for approval
Finance & Fundraising Committee
• Shall be responsible for fundraising and financial issues of the organization. They shall develop fundraising strategies, financial systems and policies as well as monitor and approve financial management.
• It shall recommend budgets for the organization’s operations
• It shall submit its work to the entire Board and the General Assembly for approval
Welfare & Personnel Committee
• The welfare and personnel committee shall be responsible for the development of welfare and personnel policies, systems and procedures
• Shall be responsible for the oversight function of the day-to-day operations of the organization including on conflicts, employees welfare, funerals, operational issues, salaries, etc
• It shall submit its issues to the entire Board and General Assembly for approval
ARTICLE 10: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
• This is the membership of Malawi Environmental Watch as it meets in its annual meetings
• The general assembly is the absolute authority in decision-making process especially regarding policy and practice of the organization
• The decision in the general assembly shall be made or carried out basing on a simple majority of membership voting.
• Shall be responsible for electing and of Board of Trustees and Executive Committee members a well as relieving them of their duties
• The general assembly shall at least meet once in a year to transact the business of the organization which shall also include reviewing report and progress, financial management and policies
ARTICLE 11: THE SECRETARIAT
• The Secretariat shall be the headquarters of the organization
• The secretariat shall be responsible for overall management, control and general administration of all matters of the organization on a day-to-day basis
• The Coordinator shall be the head of the Secretariat headquarters of the organization
• The Secretariat shall have such persons employed as well as volunteers to fill positions that will help efficient and effective running and management of the organization as well as its programmes
• The Board of Trustees shall determine the Conditions and Services as well as remuneration and benefits of all paid up and volunteer staff through recommendations from the Coordinator.
ARTICLE 12: DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHES
• District and Community Environmental watches shall be established at district and community level to implement environmental activities at district and community level
• Community activities will be coordinated at district level by the District Environmental Watches, which shall be a network of organizations and individuals working in the environmental sector at district level.
• District Environmental Watches shall be responsible for reporting to the Malawi Environmental Watch
• District and community environmental watches shall be responsible for conducting awareness campaigns, district and community-based climate change monitoring activities, advocacy as well as protection, preservation and reclaimation of the environmental resources at such levels such as raising of nurseries, mobilization and distribution of trees and communities for planting, etc.
• They shall also be responsible for the development of district and community environmental plans and facilitation of district and community meetings on the environment
ARTICLE 13: FINANCE
• The financial year of the Malawi Environmental Watch shall be from 1st January to 31st December.
• The finances of the organization shall include donations, grants, contributions, fundraised money, and gifts-in-kind
• All the funds of the organization shall be banked in the name of Malawi Environmental Watch in a reputable and recognized commercial bank or banks
• The authorized signatories of the account shall be two senior members of the Secretariat and the Coordinator
• The person in charge of finance shall account for money received, entered and spent
• At the end of each financial year, documents, books and accounts shall be submitted for audit. The board shall approve the auditors to examine the organization’s books. A copy of the auditor’s report on accounts and statement together with such accounts shall be furnished to all Board members annually
• The Coordinator shall authorize the funds of the organization and maintain control and records of such funds
ARTICLE 14: LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
• The employed staff shall have access to loans within the organization as well as through Banks and other Financial Lending Institutions (FLIs) to promote their social, academic and economic development
• The organization shall make necessary steps to ensure that loans are repaid by the owner and in case of failure of individual loan repayments of loans approved by the organization taken from Financial Lending Institutions and banks; the organization shall take responsibility in footing them.
• The organization shall also provide support towards academic development of its staff through provision of education sponsorship, scholarships and loans when it is able, especially to its full time and paid employees.
ARTICLE 15: THE COMMON SEAL
• The Common Seal of the organization shall be kept by the Coordinator for safe-keeping
• The Common Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the Board of Trustees and the Coordinator
ARTICLE 16: LOGO, SYMBOLS, COLOURS AND STAMPS
• Malawi Environmental Watch shall have its own colours, symbols, and an official stamp as determined by the Board of Trustees
• The Board, and authorized officers shall determine the use of the colours, symbols and stamp
• The Secretariat headquarters shall be responsible for the safe-keeping of the stamp
ARTICLE 17: BY-LAWS AND RULES OFPROCEDURE
The Trustees Board shall make the By-laws and rules of procedure with the support of the Executive Committee to regulate appointments, performance and other matters of the organization referred to it by this Constitution.
ARTICLE 18: AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
• At least 60 days notice of intention to amend any part or provision of this Constitution must be given through the Board Secretary to the Board of Trustees and presented to the General Assembly for approval
• The notice must specify the provisions to be amended and the proposed amendments
• A simple majority of the General Assembly is required in favour of a proposed amendment in order for it to be effective
ARTICLE 19: DISSOLUTION AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY UPON DISSOLUTION
The organization shall be dissolved if it has fulfilled its goals and objectives
In the event of dissolution of the organization, its property shall be sold or given to other similar organization/s to be determined by the Board of Trustees after ensuring that all out standing debts of the organization have been discharged.
ARTICLE 20: ASSOCIATION
Malawi Environmental Watch shall have a mandate to associate or partner with any such organizations with similar interest like Malawi Environmental Watch as well as those that shall promote the values, objectives, goals and aspirations of the organization.
LILONGWE
CELL: +265 (0) 881244603/999 110 199
E-MAIL: malawienvironmentalwatchp@yahoo.com
wilasibu@yahoo.com
ATTENTION: WILSON DAMIEN ASIBU
An alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector including the media, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment
Table of Contents
Table of Contents page 2
Article 1: Organization name page 3
Article 2: Address and contacts page 3
Article 3: Vision page 3
Article 4: Aims page 3
Article 5: Objectives page 3
Article 6: Activities page 4
Article 7: Organs page 4
Article 8: The Board of Trustees page 4
Article 9: The Executive Committee page 6
Article 10: The General Assembly page 7
Article 11: The Secretariat page 7
Article 12: District and Community Environmental Watches page 7
Article 13: Finance page 7
Article 14: Loans and Scholarships page 8
Article 15: The Common Seal page 8
Article 16: Logo, Colours, Symbols & Stamps page 8
Article 17: By-Laws & Rules of Procedure page 8
Article 18: Amendments to the Constitution page 8
Article 19: Dissolution and Disposal page 9
Article 20: Association page 9
ARTICLE 1: NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The registered name of the organization is Malawi Environmental Watch herein referred to as a network alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment, and that support the nation to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the impact of climate change in Malawi. The programme works in line with the Millennium Development Goal 7, as well as Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS)
ARTICLE 2: ADDRESS AND CONTACTS
The organization’s Secretariat is in Lilongwe, housed in Kamuzu Institute for Sports building, Kawale II, Lilongwe, Malawi. The postal address and contacts are: Malawi Environmental Watch, Post Office Box 2353, Lilongwe. Malawi. Cell: +265 (0) 881244603; E-mail: malawienvironmentalwatchp@yahoo.com
ARTICLE 3: VISION
The vision of the Malawi Environmental Watch is a Malawi nation that is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected.
ARTICLE 4: AIMS
The main aims of the initiative is support the Malawi nation in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environmental resources, whilst supporting the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of environmental degradation and climate change in Malawi; ii) assisting the Malawi nation to address the major national environmental threats and reclaim the depleted natural and environmental resources in Malawi by 2015 in line with Millennium Development Goal 7, and Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).
ARTICLE 5: OBJECTIVES
1. To raise awareness on environmental issues, threats and endangered environmental and natural resources that needs protection and replacing in Malawi for stakeholders to address
2. To create platforms where environmental issues will be discussed, solutions generated and best practices shared as a way of replicating them and building competences in addressing environmental challenges in Malawi
3. To conduct evidence-based advocacy and dialogue with government, concerned parties and relevant stakeholders to influence policy and practice that protects, preserve and reclaim the Malawi environment
4. To support better management and governance of environmental and natural resources in Malawi such as water, air, forests, fisheries, land and biodiversity, etc
5. To create partnerships and collaborations country-wide in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and natural resources through building of alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and support the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change
6. To create a watchdog that ensures policies, practice and behaviors which promotes the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and ensure a Malawi nation which is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected
ARTICLE 6: ACTIVITIES
1. Carry out awareness activities on the environment and climate change
2. Mobilize human, material, financial and technical resources for the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment
3. Capacity building initiatives for its membership to ably address environmental and climate change issues competently in Malawi.
4. Establish local environmental networks called district and community environmental watches which will be responsible for implementation of activities at district and local level
5. Coordinate national action for environmental sustainability programmes within its membership and create platforms for sharing and learning of information and experiences
6. Carry out advocacy campaigns to influence policy and practice that protects, preserve and reclaim the Malawi environment
7. Conduct research relevant to the environmental sustainability in Malawi
8. Network and collaborate with similar institutions and organizations in Malawi and globally in the furtherance of its aims and objectives
ARTICLE 7: ORGANS OF MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
a. The following shall be the organs of the organization:
1. The Board of Trustees
2. The Executive Committee
3. The General Assembly
4. The Secretariat
5. District and Community Environmental Watches
b. The Board of Trustees shall be a governance organ and custodians of the organization comprised of such natural persons as shall be appointed to the Board by the General Assembly of the membership
c. The Executive Committee comprises of three arms of the organization namely Planning and Development Committee, Finance and Fundraising Committee, and Welfare and Personnel Committee
d. The General Assembly is the membership of the Malawi Environmental Watch responsible for making binding decisions of the organization which shall meet at least one a year.
e. The Secretariat shall be a professional technical organ of the organization recruited in such a manner as the Board may direct or in accordance to this constitution.
f. The District and Community Environmental Watches shall be established across the country and shall be responsible for implementation of environmental programmes at district and community levels and shall have its committees and management teams, but shall be answerable to the Malawi Environmental Watch Secretariat
ARTICLE 8: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Malawi Environmental Watch shall be comprised of at least five and not more than nine members
The Board membership should be gender-sensitive at all times
8.1. Office bearers of the Board of Trustees
The Board shall comprise of the following office bearers:
1. The Chairperson
2. The Vice Chairperson
3. Board Secretary who shall be the head of the Malawi Environmental Watch Secretariat
4. And Ordinary Members
8.2. Tenure of Office
Members of the Board shall hold office for a renewable term of five years
8.3. Qualification
A person shall not qualify as a member of the Board unless he/she is 21 years old and above with a demonstrated record of zeal for the environment and development issues
8.4. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board
The Board shall have, exercise and perform the following powers, functions and duties:
• Uphold the values, vision, mission, identity, policies and standards of the organization
• Formulate organization’s policies and strategies aimed at realizing the values, vision, mission, objectives and aspirations of the organization
• Monitor and oversee management actions in the utilization of the organization’s resources in accordance with the organization’s policies and strategies
• Provide the Secretariat with policy guidance on the strategic direction of the organization
• Assisted with recommendations made by the Coordinator, the Board must approve the organization’s budgets and financial reports, secure financial control of the organization as well as the administrative procedures
• To participate in fundraising for the organization
• To vary and amend the constitution of this organization with the approval of the general Assembly
• With the Coordinator, formulate, review and amend the rules and regulations governing all matters not covered or adequately provided for by this constitution
8.5. Meetings of the Board
• The Board of Trustees shall meet and transact its ordinary business at least three times every calendar year
• At all its meetings shall cause to be recorded and kept minutes of all deliberations which shall be circulated to all Board members at least twenty one days after the meeting in question
• The quorum at all Board meetings shall be constituted by the presence of at least 50 percent of all the Board members
• If after one hour of the time scheduled for the Board meeting, there are less than half of the members present then the meeting shall stand adjourned to another time.
• Extraordinary Board meetings shall be called for if the need shall arise and the procedures applicable to ordinary Board meetings shall apply as well, unless otherwise the meeting may adopt any such procedures as the circumstance may demand
• Board members shall not receive any salary or honoree and to preserve their independence they work as volunteers
• The organization or other well wishers shall shoulder the costs of the Board meeting.
6.6. Termination of the Office of the Board of Trustees
a. The General Assembly shall have authority to replace and elect new Board members in case of withdrawal of if a member does not keep the terms laid down for the Board members.
b. Any Board member who fails to attend three successive meetings without a proper reason or excuse shall be considered withdrawn as the member of the Board
c. Death of a Board member
d. A Board member may resign by writing to the Chairperson of the Board at least three month in advance
ARTICLE 9: THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND ITS OPERATIONS
a) OPERATION
• There shall be an Executive Committee transacting business on behalf of the Trustees Board and in between Trustees Board meeting
• The Executive Committee shall comprise of three committees namely: Planning & Development Committee, Finance & Fundraising Committee, and Welfare and Personnel Committee. A committee chairperson shall head each committee.
• What these committees shall discuss and recommend shall be presented to the whole Board and the General Assembly for approval, and committee chairs shall be responsible for presentations on behalf of the entire committee.
b) COMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES
Planning & Development Committee
• Shall be responsible for the development of high level organizational plans and programmatic areas
• There shall always be a requirement that the Head of the Secretariat be in the Planning and Development Committee
• It shall be responsible for the development of short term, medium term and long term plans
• The Committee through its chairperson shall submit their plans to the whole Board and the general Assembly for approval
Finance & Fundraising Committee
• Shall be responsible for fundraising and financial issues of the organization. They shall develop fundraising strategies, financial systems and policies as well as monitor and approve financial management.
• It shall recommend budgets for the organization’s operations
• It shall submit its work to the entire Board and the General Assembly for approval
Welfare & Personnel Committee
• The welfare and personnel committee shall be responsible for the development of welfare and personnel policies, systems and procedures
• Shall be responsible for the oversight function of the day-to-day operations of the organization including on conflicts, employees welfare, funerals, operational issues, salaries, etc
• It shall submit its issues to the entire Board and General Assembly for approval
ARTICLE 10: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
• This is the membership of Malawi Environmental Watch as it meets in its annual meetings
• The general assembly is the absolute authority in decision-making process especially regarding policy and practice of the organization
• The decision in the general assembly shall be made or carried out basing on a simple majority of membership voting.
• Shall be responsible for electing and of Board of Trustees and Executive Committee members a well as relieving them of their duties
• The general assembly shall at least meet once in a year to transact the business of the organization which shall also include reviewing report and progress, financial management and policies
ARTICLE 11: THE SECRETARIAT
• The Secretariat shall be the headquarters of the organization
• The secretariat shall be responsible for overall management, control and general administration of all matters of the organization on a day-to-day basis
• The Coordinator shall be the head of the Secretariat headquarters of the organization
• The Secretariat shall have such persons employed as well as volunteers to fill positions that will help efficient and effective running and management of the organization as well as its programmes
• The Board of Trustees shall determine the Conditions and Services as well as remuneration and benefits of all paid up and volunteer staff through recommendations from the Coordinator.
ARTICLE 12: DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHES
• District and Community Environmental watches shall be established at district and community level to implement environmental activities at district and community level
• Community activities will be coordinated at district level by the District Environmental Watches, which shall be a network of organizations and individuals working in the environmental sector at district level.
• District Environmental Watches shall be responsible for reporting to the Malawi Environmental Watch
• District and community environmental watches shall be responsible for conducting awareness campaigns, district and community-based climate change monitoring activities, advocacy as well as protection, preservation and reclaimation of the environmental resources at such levels such as raising of nurseries, mobilization and distribution of trees and communities for planting, etc.
• They shall also be responsible for the development of district and community environmental plans and facilitation of district and community meetings on the environment
ARTICLE 13: FINANCE
• The financial year of the Malawi Environmental Watch shall be from 1st January to 31st December.
• The finances of the organization shall include donations, grants, contributions, fundraised money, and gifts-in-kind
• All the funds of the organization shall be banked in the name of Malawi Environmental Watch in a reputable and recognized commercial bank or banks
• The authorized signatories of the account shall be two senior members of the Secretariat and the Coordinator
• The person in charge of finance shall account for money received, entered and spent
• At the end of each financial year, documents, books and accounts shall be submitted for audit. The board shall approve the auditors to examine the organization’s books. A copy of the auditor’s report on accounts and statement together with such accounts shall be furnished to all Board members annually
• The Coordinator shall authorize the funds of the organization and maintain control and records of such funds
ARTICLE 14: LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
• The employed staff shall have access to loans within the organization as well as through Banks and other Financial Lending Institutions (FLIs) to promote their social, academic and economic development
• The organization shall make necessary steps to ensure that loans are repaid by the owner and in case of failure of individual loan repayments of loans approved by the organization taken from Financial Lending Institutions and banks; the organization shall take responsibility in footing them.
• The organization shall also provide support towards academic development of its staff through provision of education sponsorship, scholarships and loans when it is able, especially to its full time and paid employees.
ARTICLE 15: THE COMMON SEAL
• The Common Seal of the organization shall be kept by the Coordinator for safe-keeping
• The Common Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the Board of Trustees and the Coordinator
ARTICLE 16: LOGO, SYMBOLS, COLOURS AND STAMPS
• Malawi Environmental Watch shall have its own colours, symbols, and an official stamp as determined by the Board of Trustees
• The Board, and authorized officers shall determine the use of the colours, symbols and stamp
• The Secretariat headquarters shall be responsible for the safe-keeping of the stamp
ARTICLE 17: BY-LAWS AND RULES OFPROCEDURE
The Trustees Board shall make the By-laws and rules of procedure with the support of the Executive Committee to regulate appointments, performance and other matters of the organization referred to it by this Constitution.
ARTICLE 18: AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
• At least 60 days notice of intention to amend any part or provision of this Constitution must be given through the Board Secretary to the Board of Trustees and presented to the General Assembly for approval
• The notice must specify the provisions to be amended and the proposed amendments
• A simple majority of the General Assembly is required in favour of a proposed amendment in order for it to be effective
ARTICLE 19: DISSOLUTION AND DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY UPON DISSOLUTION
The organization shall be dissolved if it has fulfilled its goals and objectives
In the event of dissolution of the organization, its property shall be sold or given to other similar organization/s to be determined by the Board of Trustees after ensuring that all out standing debts of the organization have been discharged.
ARTICLE 20: ASSOCIATION
Malawi Environmental Watch shall have a mandate to associate or partner with any such organizations with similar interest like Malawi Environmental Watch as well as those that shall promote the values, objectives, goals and aspirations of the organization.
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE PROJECT CONCEPT
MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
Protecting, Preserving and Reclaiming the Malawi Environment
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE PROJECT CONCEPT
WILSON DAMIEN ASIBU (THE COORDINATOR)
MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
C/O COUNTRY MINDERS FOR PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT
P.O BOX 2353
LILONGWE
CELL: +265 (0) 881244603/999 110 199/
E-MAIL: malawienvironmentalwatchp@yahoo.com
wilasibu@yahoo.com
SUBMITTED TO: Ellysar Baroudy,
Fund Manager,
BioCarbon Fund,
The World Bank
1818 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20433, USA
Submitted on: 29th November 2010
PERIOD: MAY 2011- DEC 2011 (6 MONTHS); BUDGET: US$252750 (MK40, 440, 000)
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI INITIATIVE
1. ABOUT MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
Malawi Environmental Watch is an alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment, and that support the nation to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the impact of climate change in Malawi. The programme works in line with the Millennium Development Goal 7, as well as Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS), and will run for a five year period from 2010 – 2015, and reviewed thereafter.
Vision
The vision of the Malawi Environmental Watch is a Malawi nation that is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected.
Aims
The main aims of the initiative is support the Malawi nation in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environmental resources, whilst supporting the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of environmental degradation and climate change in Malawi; ii) assisting the Malawi nation to address the major national environmental threats and reclaim the depleted natural and environmental resources in Malawi by 2015 in line with Millennium Development Goal 7, and Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).
Objectives
1. To raise awareness on environmental issues, threats and endangered environmental and natural resources that needs protection and replacing in Malawi for stakeholders to address
2. To create platforms where environmental issues will be discussed, solutions generated and best practices shared as a way of replicating them and building competences in addressing environmental challenges in Malawi
3. To conduct evidence-based advocacy and dialogue with government, concerned parties and relevant stakeholders to influence policy and practice that protects, preserve and reclaim the Malawi environment
4. To support better management and governance of environmental and natural resources in Malawi such as water, air, forests, fisheries, land and biodiversity, etc
5. To create partnerships and collaborations country-wide in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and natural resources through building of alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and support the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change
6. To create a watchdog that ensures policies, practice and behaviors which promotes the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and ensure a Malawi nation which is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected
2. CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE
Climate Change alone is a glaring fact that has affected most lives in poor countries like Malawi which include increased occurrence of floods, droughts, erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns, crop failure, leading to food insecurity and increased poverty as Malawi is an agro-based economy. Unfortunately most Malawian including the Civil Society Organizations do not understand adequately climate change issues. In the recent drive to address climate change issues, new strategies and technologies are being developed and adopted some of which are climate-friendly farming and land use. Some of these are terrestrial carbon storage, ecoagriculture and conservation agriculture initiatives which clearly show that they can possibly contribute significantly to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Unfortunately in Malawi, whose 70% of its economy is agro-based is lagging behind in these emerging strategies as means in addressing climate change issues being faced by the country.
World Watch report 179 clearly points out that 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions arise from the land use sector. Thus no strategy for mitigating global climate change can be complete or successful without reducing emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.
The report continues to declare that moreover, only land-based or “terrestrial” carbon sequestration offers the possibility today of large-scale removal of greenhouse gas from the atmosphere, through plant photosynthesis.
Within its 34 membership organizations as well as District and Community Environmental Watches, Malawi Environmental Watch has discovered that there is little knowledge and understanding as well as initiatives on deliberate land-based or terrestrial carbon sequestration initiatives as means to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere as a strategy to addressing climate change issues in Malawi. The presentation made at Climate Change Conference in Malawi in November 2010, and the World Watch 179 report clearly demonstrates the importance of adopting such methodology in Malawi. But for this to happen there is a need for organizations working in the environmental and climate change sector in Malawi as well as Malawi Environmental Watch and its membership to clearly understand these approaches to ably mainstream them in their programmes.
The report also suggest the need to ensure full range of terrestrial emission reduction, storage, and sequestration options is included in international framework agreements, national legislation, and investment programs to address climate change. This is a potential advocacy issue for Malawi Environmental Watch but it can only be able to conduct effective advocacy and mainstream programmes when it has deeper understanding and appreciation of these issues. Malawi Environmental Watch having district and community environmental watches at local level can easily mobilize critical advocacy support for the adoption of these climate change strategies by the policy makers and be included in the national legislations. In addition, through these district and local community environmental watches, Malawi Environmental Watch can easily mainstream these strategies and programmes countrywide in a well coordinated manner, creating opportunities for national impact.
This therefore calls for capacity development for Malawi Environmental Watch as well as Malawi nation as a whole. To achieve this Malawi Environmental Watch has developed a Capacity Building Project in which the following capacity building initiatives will take place: 1) Facilitation of a three-Day Carbon and Climate Change Conference in which international and local experts on carbon issues, eco and conservation agriculture and other relevant issues will make presentation on the role of AFOLU in climate change and provide solutions in addressing climate change problems in Malawi. Out of this conference, participants will draw national recommendations and action plans as well as establish a Steering Committee to spearhead the mainstreaming processes within Malawi Environmental Watch and the nation at large; 2) Conduct a one-week study visit to Penn England Dairy Farm in Pennsylvania to learn how they are using animal manure, burn it, releasing carbon instead of methane and turning it into heat, electricity and fertilizer. The aim of the trip is for Malawi to learn from them the possibility of adopting the technology for lower shire and Northern regions which keep large herds of cattle, which might also be contributing significantly to climate change in Malawi. Apart from learning from this farm, the delegates will also visit other areas practicing ecoagriculture in Europe and Kenya in East Africa to learn how they are using this method and its benefits and see the possibility of replicating in Malawi; 3) Hold a one-week strategic five-year plan for Malawi Environmental Watch on the REDD+/AFOLU initiatives advocacy and mainstreaming in Malawi as a tool of addressing climate change based on the recommendations from the Steering Committee and the delegation that went for a learning experience on how others are implementing such initiatives and their benefits.
3. FACILITATORS
The facilitators to the conference will be 1) Sara J. Scherr, Founder and President of Ecoagriculture Partners; 2) Fiona McKenzie, The Terrestrial Carbon Group; 3) Ellysar Baroudy, Fund Manager, BioCarbon Fund, The World Bank; 4) Seth Shames, Project Manager, Policy and Research Mobilization, Ecoagriculture Partners; 5) Conservation Agriculture Manager, Total Land Care (TLC) Malawi and; 6) Natural Resources College of Malawi. Presentations will also be made by Malawi Environmental Watch, Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET), Land Network (LANDNET), Environmental Affairs Department, Climate Change and Meteological Services and others.
4. DELAGATION TO A STUDY VISIT
Malawi Environmental Watch Co-ordinator, Environmental Affairs Department, two committee members of the established Steering Committee and Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET).
5. CALL FOR SUPORT, AND IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD
We are therefore seeking financial support towards the facilitation of this Carbon and Climate Change Capacity building Initiative in Malawi. The programme will be coordinated by the Malawi Environmental Watch and the first phase will be implemented between May 2011 and December 2011, which will end up with coming up of a five-year strategic plan for advocacy and mainstreaming AFOLU initiatives in Malawi. We plan to start implementation of the AFOLU strategic plan by January 2012. The proposed budget for this first phase capacity building initiative is US$252750.
6. THE BUDGET IN SUMMARY
ACTIVITY TIME/PERIOD BUDGET NOTES
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE MAY/JUNE 2011 US$71500 US$1=MK160
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND CONSULTATIONS JULY-SEPTEMBER 2011 US$31250
ONE-WEEK STUDY VISIT LEARNING EXPERIENCE AUGUST 2011 US$50000
ONE-WEEK STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR ADVOCACY AND MAINSTREAMING OF REDD+/AFOLU INITIATIVES IN MALAWI OCTOBER 2011 US$100000
IMPLEMENTATION JANUARY 2012 -
TOTAL US$252750
Protecting, Preserving and Reclaiming the Malawi Environment
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE PROJECT CONCEPT
WILSON DAMIEN ASIBU (THE COORDINATOR)
MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
C/O COUNTRY MINDERS FOR PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT
P.O BOX 2353
LILONGWE
CELL: +265 (0) 881244603/999 110 199/
E-MAIL: malawienvironmentalwatchp@yahoo.com
wilasibu@yahoo.com
SUBMITTED TO: Ellysar Baroudy,
Fund Manager,
BioCarbon Fund,
The World Bank
1818 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20433, USA
Submitted on: 29th November 2010
PERIOD: MAY 2011- DEC 2011 (6 MONTHS); BUDGET: US$252750 (MK40, 440, 000)
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI INITIATIVE
1. ABOUT MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
Malawi Environmental Watch is an alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment, and that support the nation to understand, adapt to, and mitigate the impact of climate change in Malawi. The programme works in line with the Millennium Development Goal 7, as well as Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS), and will run for a five year period from 2010 – 2015, and reviewed thereafter.
Vision
The vision of the Malawi Environmental Watch is a Malawi nation that is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected.
Aims
The main aims of the initiative is support the Malawi nation in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environmental resources, whilst supporting the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of environmental degradation and climate change in Malawi; ii) assisting the Malawi nation to address the major national environmental threats and reclaim the depleted natural and environmental resources in Malawi by 2015 in line with Millennium Development Goal 7, and Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).
Objectives
1. To raise awareness on environmental issues, threats and endangered environmental and natural resources that needs protection and replacing in Malawi for stakeholders to address
2. To create platforms where environmental issues will be discussed, solutions generated and best practices shared as a way of replicating them and building competences in addressing environmental challenges in Malawi
3. To conduct evidence-based advocacy and dialogue with government, concerned parties and relevant stakeholders to influence policy and practice that protects, preserve and reclaim the Malawi environment
4. To support better management and governance of environmental and natural resources in Malawi such as water, air, forests, fisheries, land and biodiversity, etc
5. To create partnerships and collaborations country-wide in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and natural resources through building of alliance of civil society organizations, government, private sector, development partners and the general public in the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and support the nation in understanding, adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change
6. To create a watchdog that ensures policies, practice and behaviors which promotes the protection, preservation and reclaimation of the Malawi environment and ensure a Malawi nation which is environmentally sound, sustainable, accountable and protected
2. CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE MALAWI CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE
Climate Change alone is a glaring fact that has affected most lives in poor countries like Malawi which include increased occurrence of floods, droughts, erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns, crop failure, leading to food insecurity and increased poverty as Malawi is an agro-based economy. Unfortunately most Malawian including the Civil Society Organizations do not understand adequately climate change issues. In the recent drive to address climate change issues, new strategies and technologies are being developed and adopted some of which are climate-friendly farming and land use. Some of these are terrestrial carbon storage, ecoagriculture and conservation agriculture initiatives which clearly show that they can possibly contribute significantly to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Unfortunately in Malawi, whose 70% of its economy is agro-based is lagging behind in these emerging strategies as means in addressing climate change issues being faced by the country.
World Watch report 179 clearly points out that 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions arise from the land use sector. Thus no strategy for mitigating global climate change can be complete or successful without reducing emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses.
The report continues to declare that moreover, only land-based or “terrestrial” carbon sequestration offers the possibility today of large-scale removal of greenhouse gas from the atmosphere, through plant photosynthesis.
Within its 34 membership organizations as well as District and Community Environmental Watches, Malawi Environmental Watch has discovered that there is little knowledge and understanding as well as initiatives on deliberate land-based or terrestrial carbon sequestration initiatives as means to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere as a strategy to addressing climate change issues in Malawi. The presentation made at Climate Change Conference in Malawi in November 2010, and the World Watch 179 report clearly demonstrates the importance of adopting such methodology in Malawi. But for this to happen there is a need for organizations working in the environmental and climate change sector in Malawi as well as Malawi Environmental Watch and its membership to clearly understand these approaches to ably mainstream them in their programmes.
The report also suggest the need to ensure full range of terrestrial emission reduction, storage, and sequestration options is included in international framework agreements, national legislation, and investment programs to address climate change. This is a potential advocacy issue for Malawi Environmental Watch but it can only be able to conduct effective advocacy and mainstream programmes when it has deeper understanding and appreciation of these issues. Malawi Environmental Watch having district and community environmental watches at local level can easily mobilize critical advocacy support for the adoption of these climate change strategies by the policy makers and be included in the national legislations. In addition, through these district and local community environmental watches, Malawi Environmental Watch can easily mainstream these strategies and programmes countrywide in a well coordinated manner, creating opportunities for national impact.
This therefore calls for capacity development for Malawi Environmental Watch as well as Malawi nation as a whole. To achieve this Malawi Environmental Watch has developed a Capacity Building Project in which the following capacity building initiatives will take place: 1) Facilitation of a three-Day Carbon and Climate Change Conference in which international and local experts on carbon issues, eco and conservation agriculture and other relevant issues will make presentation on the role of AFOLU in climate change and provide solutions in addressing climate change problems in Malawi. Out of this conference, participants will draw national recommendations and action plans as well as establish a Steering Committee to spearhead the mainstreaming processes within Malawi Environmental Watch and the nation at large; 2) Conduct a one-week study visit to Penn England Dairy Farm in Pennsylvania to learn how they are using animal manure, burn it, releasing carbon instead of methane and turning it into heat, electricity and fertilizer. The aim of the trip is for Malawi to learn from them the possibility of adopting the technology for lower shire and Northern regions which keep large herds of cattle, which might also be contributing significantly to climate change in Malawi. Apart from learning from this farm, the delegates will also visit other areas practicing ecoagriculture in Europe and Kenya in East Africa to learn how they are using this method and its benefits and see the possibility of replicating in Malawi; 3) Hold a one-week strategic five-year plan for Malawi Environmental Watch on the REDD+/AFOLU initiatives advocacy and mainstreaming in Malawi as a tool of addressing climate change based on the recommendations from the Steering Committee and the delegation that went for a learning experience on how others are implementing such initiatives and their benefits.
3. FACILITATORS
The facilitators to the conference will be 1) Sara J. Scherr, Founder and President of Ecoagriculture Partners; 2) Fiona McKenzie, The Terrestrial Carbon Group; 3) Ellysar Baroudy, Fund Manager, BioCarbon Fund, The World Bank; 4) Seth Shames, Project Manager, Policy and Research Mobilization, Ecoagriculture Partners; 5) Conservation Agriculture Manager, Total Land Care (TLC) Malawi and; 6) Natural Resources College of Malawi. Presentations will also be made by Malawi Environmental Watch, Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET), Land Network (LANDNET), Environmental Affairs Department, Climate Change and Meteological Services and others.
4. DELAGATION TO A STUDY VISIT
Malawi Environmental Watch Co-ordinator, Environmental Affairs Department, two committee members of the established Steering Committee and Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET).
5. CALL FOR SUPORT, AND IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD
We are therefore seeking financial support towards the facilitation of this Carbon and Climate Change Capacity building Initiative in Malawi. The programme will be coordinated by the Malawi Environmental Watch and the first phase will be implemented between May 2011 and December 2011, which will end up with coming up of a five-year strategic plan for advocacy and mainstreaming AFOLU initiatives in Malawi. We plan to start implementation of the AFOLU strategic plan by January 2012. The proposed budget for this first phase capacity building initiative is US$252750.
6. THE BUDGET IN SUMMARY
ACTIVITY TIME/PERIOD BUDGET NOTES
CARBON AND CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE MAY/JUNE 2011 US$71500 US$1=MK160
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND CONSULTATIONS JULY-SEPTEMBER 2011 US$31250
ONE-WEEK STUDY VISIT LEARNING EXPERIENCE AUGUST 2011 US$50000
ONE-WEEK STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR ADVOCACY AND MAINSTREAMING OF REDD+/AFOLU INITIATIVES IN MALAWI OCTOBER 2011 US$100000
IMPLEMENTATION JANUARY 2012 -
TOTAL US$252750
MALAWI ENVIRONMENTAL WATCH
Protecting, Preserving and Reclaiming the Malawi Environment
PROGRAMME TARGET AREA/GROUP PERIOD ACHIEVEMENTS/OUTPUTS BUDGET
One Month learning experience visit to South Africa on turning climate change and environmental information to tools that communicates to the illiterate and local masses as well as turning community experiences and voices into advocacy materials
I.e. Use of videos, turning English material into vernacular languages, use of dramatization, songs, traditional dances, Toilet Climate Change Awareness Campaigns, Community Climate Change Hearings, etc National, the illiterate (about 70% of the Malawians who have no good access to environmental information) January 2011-February 2011 (One Month) Capacity gained in turning scientific climate change information into tools and materials that communicates to the majority of Malawians most of which are illiterate and can not read English materials, and also gained the ability to turn community experiences and voices into advocacy materials for policy and decision-makers so that we influence required action to address environmental degradation and climate change issues in Malawi MK1, 700, 000 (US$10625)
Community-Based Climate Change Monitoring Malawi Pilot Project Mangochi (South), Lilongwe (Centre) and Mzimba (North) districts 2011-2012 ( 2 years) The capacities within communities in Malawi built and able to monitor environmental degradation and detect climate change signs and symptoms with user-friendly and simple technologies and that will assist them to ably plan to adapt and mitigate to its effects without always requiring outside support, thereby reducing avoidable and manageable consequences of environmental degradation and climate change at community level.
MK20, 896, 800 (US$130605)
Eye on the Malawi Environment Climate Change Awareness and Advocacy Project Mangochi, Lilongwe, Dowa, Mzimba, Blantyre, Chiradzulu January 2011-December 2012 ( 2 years) Awareness and advocacy materials developed on climate change in Malawi that communicates powerfully to both rural masses and policy and decision-makers to influence positive action in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change in Malawi.
Awareness raised on what is climate change, its effects and impact, and what should be done to adapt and mitigate to its impact; Community Climate Change hearings facilitated where community experiences and voices are heard and developed into advocacy materials, and advocacy campaigns with policy and decision-makers conducted MK20, 420, 000 (US$127625)
Carbon and Climate Change Capacity Building Malawi Initiative National May 2011-December 2011 (6 months) Increased understanding and capacity within Malawi Environmental Watch in tackling terrestrial carbon emissions through AFOLU initiatives as one way of addressing climate change as well as improving food security and sustainable environmental management, and reducing environmental degradation in Malawi MK40, 440, 000 (US$252750)
Establishment of 10 District and 30 Community Environmental Watches and introduction of District and Community-Based Climate change Monitoring initiatives, Green Movement Project where trees will be raised and planted in millions, and implementation of AFOLU (conservation and ecoagriculture) initiatives as a method of mitigating climate change, and promoting food security, reducing deforestation and land degradation. Mangochi, Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzimba, Chikwawa, Dowa, Machinga, Kasungu and Mchinji
(at least 10 million trees planted through Green Movement by March 2012 through District and Community Environmental Watches) January 2011-December 2011 (0ne year) At least 10 District and 30 Community Environmental Watches established
at least 40 Environmental Watches trained in and able to use Community-based Climate Change Monitoring skills
at least 40 nurseries established, 10 million tree seedlings raised, and 10 million trees planted through the Green Movement in the ten target districts
conservation and ecoagriculture and AFOLU initiatives to address climate change implemented in at least 10 Traditional Authorities, at least one in each of the 10 target districts; and at least 50 million trees planted in Malawi through this initiative by 2013 national wide
MK50, 000, 000 (US$312500) and MK150, 000, 000 (US$937500) by 2013 through establishment of 30 District and 500 Community Environmental watches and its programmes countrywide
Celebrity Climate Change Awareness Project in which popular individuals will come together in the campaign to speak against behaviors that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, encourage people to take necessary action to address the environmental degradation and climate change in Malawi (through radio and TV promos and panel discussions and holding of public community awareness campaigns) and also they participate in public mobilization events to plant at least 5 million trees annually and 25 million trees by 2015 National in collaboration with District and Community Environmental Watches, District Assemblies and Traditional/Community Leaders and organizations/companies at district and community level 2011-2015 At least 5 million trees planted annually in highly deforestated areas, and a total of at least 25 million trees planted through this initiative by 2015
Awareness raised national wide on what is climate change, its effects/impact and what should be done to address it
Improved public interest and participation in climate change issues due to the role played by the celebrities on radio, TV, and public tree planting mobilization campaigns MK10, 000, 000 (US$62500) annually and MK50, 000, 000 (US$312500) by 2015
Annual Eye on the Malawi Environmental Multi-stakeholder Conferences
Sharing of experiences and information and issues on the Malawi environment and climate change and coming up with recommendations for the way forward as a nation National December 2011-2015 Experience and information shared amongst stakeholders working in the environmental sector, challenges and gaps identified and recommendations and actions developed to address challenges and gaps in the environmental sector in Malawi MK10, 000, 000 (US$62500), and MK50, 000, 000 (US$312500) by 2015
International Day of Climate Change Malawi through Community Awareness Programmes where Community Environmental Watches teams in districts will paint themselves with Green and Red paint, whilst some put on T-shirts and carry banners going into households, market and public places including schools, hospitals to hold discussions on climate change and allow people to ask questions; and some members of Malawi Environmental Watch, Environmental Affairs Department with Celebrities in Malawi will hold a panel discussion on Climate change on Zodiac Broadcasting Station and Malawi Broadcasting Station to raise awareness on the impact of climate change and what needs to be done to mitigate its impact National (in one Traditional Authority in each district) October 2011 Awareness raised on climate change issues, interest generated for action through appeals for action by Celebrities, Community Environmental Watches and the officials from Environmental Affairs Department MK3, 000, 000 (US18750)
Lake Malawi National Park Environmental Watch climate change awareness and advocacy programme through Dzimwe radio sensitization drama, Toilet Climate Change awareness and establishment of Community-Based Climate Change Monitoring initiative T/A Nankumba, Mangochi district (Lake Malawi National Park) in partnership with Monkey-Bay Marine Services and Dzimwe Community Radio 2011 - 2012 Lake Malawi Environmental Watch established and trained in Community-based Climate Change Monitoring
Climate change knowledge and understanding increased among the communities due to awareness raised through Toilet Climate Change Initiative as well as through Climate Change radio sensitization drama MK5, 000, 000 (US$31250)
General Operations and Administrative Costs:
Salaries for 4 people for 12 months
Office rentals for 12 months
Office bills for 12 months
Fuel for 12 months
Stationery for 12 months
- 2011 Malawi Environmental Watch able to coordinate its activities and charge its duties effectively
MK12, 000, 00 (US$75000)
MK600000 (US$3750)
MK120, 000 (US$750)
MK1, 200, 000 (US$7500)
MK120, 000 (US$750)
Capacity building needs:
2 vehicles for mobility and coordination of activities
2 office desk & 2 Office executive chairs
2 laptops and one desktop computers
1 printer
1 photocopier
Material or financial support toward our eye on the environment project on video/digital cameras, bicycles, musical equipment, film projectors, generators, laptops, colour printers, development of dissemination materials, etc - 2011 Malawi Environmental Watch able to coordinate its activities and charge its duties effectively
Increased capacity of Malawi Environmental Watch to conduct eye on the Malawi Environment project initiatives for awareness and advocacy programmes
MK10, 000, 000 (US$62500)
MK200, 000 (US$1250)
MK750, 000 (US$4688)
MK50, 000 (US$313)
MK120, 000 (US$750)
MK3, 000, 000 (US$18750)
PROGRAMME TARGET AREA/GROUP PERIOD ACHIEVEMENTS/OUTPUTS BUDGET
One Month learning experience visit to South Africa on turning climate change and environmental information to tools that communicates to the illiterate and local masses as well as turning community experiences and voices into advocacy materials
I.e. Use of videos, turning English material into vernacular languages, use of dramatization, songs, traditional dances, Toilet Climate Change Awareness Campaigns, Community Climate Change Hearings, etc National, the illiterate (about 70% of the Malawians who have no good access to environmental information) January 2011-February 2011 (One Month) Capacity gained in turning scientific climate change information into tools and materials that communicates to the majority of Malawians most of which are illiterate and can not read English materials, and also gained the ability to turn community experiences and voices into advocacy materials for policy and decision-makers so that we influence required action to address environmental degradation and climate change issues in Malawi MK1, 700, 000 (US$10625)
Community-Based Climate Change Monitoring Malawi Pilot Project Mangochi (South), Lilongwe (Centre) and Mzimba (North) districts 2011-2012 ( 2 years) The capacities within communities in Malawi built and able to monitor environmental degradation and detect climate change signs and symptoms with user-friendly and simple technologies and that will assist them to ably plan to adapt and mitigate to its effects without always requiring outside support, thereby reducing avoidable and manageable consequences of environmental degradation and climate change at community level.
MK20, 896, 800 (US$130605)
Eye on the Malawi Environment Climate Change Awareness and Advocacy Project Mangochi, Lilongwe, Dowa, Mzimba, Blantyre, Chiradzulu January 2011-December 2012 ( 2 years) Awareness and advocacy materials developed on climate change in Malawi that communicates powerfully to both rural masses and policy and decision-makers to influence positive action in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change in Malawi.
Awareness raised on what is climate change, its effects and impact, and what should be done to adapt and mitigate to its impact; Community Climate Change hearings facilitated where community experiences and voices are heard and developed into advocacy materials, and advocacy campaigns with policy and decision-makers conducted MK20, 420, 000 (US$127625)
Carbon and Climate Change Capacity Building Malawi Initiative National May 2011-December 2011 (6 months) Increased understanding and capacity within Malawi Environmental Watch in tackling terrestrial carbon emissions through AFOLU initiatives as one way of addressing climate change as well as improving food security and sustainable environmental management, and reducing environmental degradation in Malawi MK40, 440, 000 (US$252750)
Establishment of 10 District and 30 Community Environmental Watches and introduction of District and Community-Based Climate change Monitoring initiatives, Green Movement Project where trees will be raised and planted in millions, and implementation of AFOLU (conservation and ecoagriculture) initiatives as a method of mitigating climate change, and promoting food security, reducing deforestation and land degradation. Mangochi, Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzimba, Chikwawa, Dowa, Machinga, Kasungu and Mchinji
(at least 10 million trees planted through Green Movement by March 2012 through District and Community Environmental Watches) January 2011-December 2011 (0ne year) At least 10 District and 30 Community Environmental Watches established
at least 40 Environmental Watches trained in and able to use Community-based Climate Change Monitoring skills
at least 40 nurseries established, 10 million tree seedlings raised, and 10 million trees planted through the Green Movement in the ten target districts
conservation and ecoagriculture and AFOLU initiatives to address climate change implemented in at least 10 Traditional Authorities, at least one in each of the 10 target districts; and at least 50 million trees planted in Malawi through this initiative by 2013 national wide
MK50, 000, 000 (US$312500) and MK150, 000, 000 (US$937500) by 2013 through establishment of 30 District and 500 Community Environmental watches and its programmes countrywide
Celebrity Climate Change Awareness Project in which popular individuals will come together in the campaign to speak against behaviors that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, encourage people to take necessary action to address the environmental degradation and climate change in Malawi (through radio and TV promos and panel discussions and holding of public community awareness campaigns) and also they participate in public mobilization events to plant at least 5 million trees annually and 25 million trees by 2015 National in collaboration with District and Community Environmental Watches, District Assemblies and Traditional/Community Leaders and organizations/companies at district and community level 2011-2015 At least 5 million trees planted annually in highly deforestated areas, and a total of at least 25 million trees planted through this initiative by 2015
Awareness raised national wide on what is climate change, its effects/impact and what should be done to address it
Improved public interest and participation in climate change issues due to the role played by the celebrities on radio, TV, and public tree planting mobilization campaigns MK10, 000, 000 (US$62500) annually and MK50, 000, 000 (US$312500) by 2015
Annual Eye on the Malawi Environmental Multi-stakeholder Conferences
Sharing of experiences and information and issues on the Malawi environment and climate change and coming up with recommendations for the way forward as a nation National December 2011-2015 Experience and information shared amongst stakeholders working in the environmental sector, challenges and gaps identified and recommendations and actions developed to address challenges and gaps in the environmental sector in Malawi MK10, 000, 000 (US$62500), and MK50, 000, 000 (US$312500) by 2015
International Day of Climate Change Malawi through Community Awareness Programmes where Community Environmental Watches teams in districts will paint themselves with Green and Red paint, whilst some put on T-shirts and carry banners going into households, market and public places including schools, hospitals to hold discussions on climate change and allow people to ask questions; and some members of Malawi Environmental Watch, Environmental Affairs Department with Celebrities in Malawi will hold a panel discussion on Climate change on Zodiac Broadcasting Station and Malawi Broadcasting Station to raise awareness on the impact of climate change and what needs to be done to mitigate its impact National (in one Traditional Authority in each district) October 2011 Awareness raised on climate change issues, interest generated for action through appeals for action by Celebrities, Community Environmental Watches and the officials from Environmental Affairs Department MK3, 000, 000 (US18750)
Lake Malawi National Park Environmental Watch climate change awareness and advocacy programme through Dzimwe radio sensitization drama, Toilet Climate Change awareness and establishment of Community-Based Climate Change Monitoring initiative T/A Nankumba, Mangochi district (Lake Malawi National Park) in partnership with Monkey-Bay Marine Services and Dzimwe Community Radio 2011 - 2012 Lake Malawi Environmental Watch established and trained in Community-based Climate Change Monitoring
Climate change knowledge and understanding increased among the communities due to awareness raised through Toilet Climate Change Initiative as well as through Climate Change radio sensitization drama MK5, 000, 000 (US$31250)
General Operations and Administrative Costs:
Salaries for 4 people for 12 months
Office rentals for 12 months
Office bills for 12 months
Fuel for 12 months
Stationery for 12 months
- 2011 Malawi Environmental Watch able to coordinate its activities and charge its duties effectively
MK12, 000, 00 (US$75000)
MK600000 (US$3750)
MK120, 000 (US$750)
MK1, 200, 000 (US$7500)
MK120, 000 (US$750)
Capacity building needs:
2 vehicles for mobility and coordination of activities
2 office desk & 2 Office executive chairs
2 laptops and one desktop computers
1 printer
1 photocopier
Material or financial support toward our eye on the environment project on video/digital cameras, bicycles, musical equipment, film projectors, generators, laptops, colour printers, development of dissemination materials, etc - 2011 Malawi Environmental Watch able to coordinate its activities and charge its duties effectively
Increased capacity of Malawi Environmental Watch to conduct eye on the Malawi Environment project initiatives for awareness and advocacy programmes
MK10, 000, 000 (US$62500)
MK200, 000 (US$1250)
MK750, 000 (US$4688)
MK50, 000 (US$313)
MK120, 000 (US$750)
MK3, 000, 000 (US$18750)
Malawi's proud couple: President Bingu wa Mutharika and Calista Mutharika
It is a couple worth emulating by Malawian youths.
Both are eloquent speakers.
Both are achievers.
They both love their country.
They are united by these two pillars: to make Malawi economically-viable and hunger free.
These, President Bingu wa Mutharika and Calista Mutharika, are our national parents.
How lucky we are, to have such caring parents.
Parents who bite, where necessary; and soothe when deemed fit.
They react suitably to all situations.
Angry here and there; happy now and then.
They fear the rains, too.
They are natural.
From Our Friends at PERKINS INSIGHT
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Inside Story: Perkins Low Vision Clinic
2. Perkins Spotlight: Leah Fuller
3. Perkins International: Low Vision Center in Brazil
4. News: Time Capsules Capture Today, Anticipate the Future
5. New Educational Webcast: Hands & Touch
6. Important Dates: Discover Conference, A Taste of Perkins
7. Featured Product: Ruby
8. Other Resources: Perkins Scout
9. Support Perkins: Join us for A Taste of Perkins
10. Stay informed: Choose from an array of enewsletters
YOUTUBE: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=ptO0OvuuYXnrm2wW9YnWXw..
FACEBOOK: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=7OYc7lP6jonewASgS2edBQ..
************************************************************************
1. INSIDE STORY: Low Vision
Inside The New England Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins patients of all ages find an understanding team of specialists working together to improve daily living, education and employment by helping patients make the most of the vision they have.
"Of all people who are visually impaired, 80 percent have some usable vision," explains Darick Wright, the clinic's coordinator. "It's very important to understand what that level of vision is and how an individual uses it."
Perkins' Low Vision Clinic is the only clinic throughout New England specifically designed to provide care to individuals of all ages with multiple impairments and the clinic's unique model of service inspires low vision specialists around the world.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=tj96JecCXO2eCuQBxUSvlw..
************************************************************************
2. PERKINS SPOTLIGHT: Leah Fuller
As a mother of five, Candice McCubrey knows that visual observations can play a central role in a child's development. "Kids are motivated by what they see. They see something and they reach for it," says McCubrey. And so when her daughter Leah showed signs of visual impairment, McCubrey became determined to find the best low vision resources available. At Perkins' New England Eye Low Vision Clinic, McCubrey found answers and received a prescription of hope for her daughter's future.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=pMNxxO3W_EH061X0lke_XQ..
************************************************************************
3. PERKINS INTERNATIONAL
When Yasmine came to the Low Vision Center at Santa Casa Hospital in Brazil at age 4 she did not speak and had major developmental delays. Yasmine lost 90 percent of her vision as an infant and her mother assumed she could not learn without being able to see or communicate.
Ana Lucia Rago, who has worked at the Low Vision Center since 1998, convinced Yasmine's mother to send her to school and start therapies. Today Yasmine is an enthusiastic fourth grade student who uses a magnification device to read the same materials as her classmates.
Rago has been astounded by Yasmine's progress: "She read a book and she told me the story of the book in her own words."
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=DVGk3T1pM0wkGKfhECXF8Q..
************************************************************************
4. NEWS
Time Capsules Capture Today, Anticipate the Future
Two Time Capsules have been buried on the site of Perkins' new Lower School building, which opens officially on the school's anniversary on March 2, 2011. The date marks 100 years in Watertown, MA. The new building will provide fully accessible, state- of-the-art, environmentally friendly education facilities for the 80 grade school- and middle school-aged students who attend Perkins Lower School.
The Time Capsules, packed with student essays, commemorative items, and current day news, are set to be opened on March 2, 2029 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the school's founding in Boston in 1829.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=1swV-REeb2hdzJoTAfifpA..
************************************************************************
5. New Educational Webcast: Hands & Touch
In this new webcast, "Reflections on Deafblindness: Hands & Touch," Barbara Miles, a well-known author and lecturer, discusses the unique function hands serve for individuals who are deafblind. For people with vision and hearing impairments, hands become eyes, ears, and a voice. Barbara's realization that hands have so many critical roles changed the way she interacts with the hands of children who are deafblind.
Watch it now >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=PEkH1M55O8mVg6l4CRwOeQ..
************************************************************************
6. IMPORTANT DATES
Discover Conference for Parents of School-Aged Children
October 23, 2010
Perkins Campus
This conference brings families & professionals from several states to our campus. Everyone leaves with new skills, strategies and, above all, hope for their children's success.
The 2010 Discover Conference focuses on helping families build networks and find support from each other.
Visit us online today to learn more about our keynote speaker and exciting sessions.
Additional Sponsors: National Association for Parents of Children with
Visual Impairments, and the New England Consortium Deafblind Project.
Register Online >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=7VVArTV4HHirytYekKrSFg..
See what's new at Perkins!
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=85w1HQE3aM4EhJRxY3732A..
************************************************************************
7. PERKINS PRODUCTS: Ruby: Vision in the Palm of Your Hand
The RUBY is one of the smallest handheld video magnifiers yet, with powerful magnification (2x to 4x) and a brightly lit four-inch screen. With the folding handle, you can use it like a magnifying glass but with no distortion. Fold the handle to lay the RUBY flat on a page to read any print material on the go!
The RUBY is easy to use for those who are unfamiliar with technology products.
The Trekker Breeze is a handheld GPS for the visually impaired. With Trekker, you will never again have to ask the driver where you are. Enter a location as a landmark and the unit plans a route for walking or riding. You can ask what town you are in, what street you are on, and how far you have to go. Set your starting point as a landmark and you will always be able to find your way home.
Trekker brings security into your travel and adds entertainment to your trip by locating nearby restaurants and stores.
Learn more >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=zr_CR-MfW7U8XiTe3-DLCQ..
Visit our online store to see all our product offerings >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=vQ1g0Koye5HRf8q9bjpYJQ..
************************************************************************
8. OTHER RESOURCES: Perkins Scout
In this growing online database, you'll find reliable, authoritative, and up-to-date resources covering a range of topics, including general information on blindness, help for families with relatives who are visually impaired, and resources for educators and
other professionals.
Start searching today.
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=3gmUjcxvwtVXQOja8HlEOw..
************************************************************************
9. SUPPORT PERKINS: $66K Received, $34K Left to Go: Help us Close the Gap!
Join us on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 for A Taste of Perkins--an exciting event featuring blindfolded food and wine tastings, sensory exploration stations, drawings, silent auction, and more. Starting 5:30 to 7:30 pm we serve savory offerings and a "chance to win" prize drawings including Celtics game tickets, opening day Fenway 2011 tickets, and much more.
1. Inside Story: Perkins Low Vision Clinic
2. Perkins Spotlight: Leah Fuller
3. Perkins International: Low Vision Center in Brazil
4. News: Time Capsules Capture Today, Anticipate the Future
5. New Educational Webcast: Hands & Touch
6. Important Dates: Discover Conference, A Taste of Perkins
7. Featured Product: Ruby
8. Other Resources: Perkins Scout
9. Support Perkins: Join us for A Taste of Perkins
10. Stay informed: Choose from an array of enewsletters
YOUTUBE: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=ptO0OvuuYXnrm2wW9YnWXw..
FACEBOOK: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=7OYc7lP6jonewASgS2edBQ..
************************************************************************
1. INSIDE STORY: Low Vision
Inside The New England Eye Low Vision Clinic at Perkins patients of all ages find an understanding team of specialists working together to improve daily living, education and employment by helping patients make the most of the vision they have.
"Of all people who are visually impaired, 80 percent have some usable vision," explains Darick Wright, the clinic's coordinator. "It's very important to understand what that level of vision is and how an individual uses it."
Perkins' Low Vision Clinic is the only clinic throughout New England specifically designed to provide care to individuals of all ages with multiple impairments and the clinic's unique model of service inspires low vision specialists around the world.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=tj96JecCXO2eCuQBxUSvlw..
************************************************************************
2. PERKINS SPOTLIGHT: Leah Fuller
As a mother of five, Candice McCubrey knows that visual observations can play a central role in a child's development. "Kids are motivated by what they see. They see something and they reach for it," says McCubrey. And so when her daughter Leah showed signs of visual impairment, McCubrey became determined to find the best low vision resources available. At Perkins' New England Eye Low Vision Clinic, McCubrey found answers and received a prescription of hope for her daughter's future.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=pMNxxO3W_EH061X0lke_XQ..
************************************************************************
3. PERKINS INTERNATIONAL
When Yasmine came to the Low Vision Center at Santa Casa Hospital in Brazil at age 4 she did not speak and had major developmental delays. Yasmine lost 90 percent of her vision as an infant and her mother assumed she could not learn without being able to see or communicate.
Ana Lucia Rago, who has worked at the Low Vision Center since 1998, convinced Yasmine's mother to send her to school and start therapies. Today Yasmine is an enthusiastic fourth grade student who uses a magnification device to read the same materials as her classmates.
Rago has been astounded by Yasmine's progress: "She read a book and she told me the story of the book in her own words."
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=DVGk3T1pM0wkGKfhECXF8Q..
************************************************************************
4. NEWS
Time Capsules Capture Today, Anticipate the Future
Two Time Capsules have been buried on the site of Perkins' new Lower School building, which opens officially on the school's anniversary on March 2, 2011. The date marks 100 years in Watertown, MA. The new building will provide fully accessible, state- of-the-art, environmentally friendly education facilities for the 80 grade school- and middle school-aged students who attend Perkins Lower School.
The Time Capsules, packed with student essays, commemorative items, and current day news, are set to be opened on March 2, 2029 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the school's founding in Boston in 1829.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=1swV-REeb2hdzJoTAfifpA..
************************************************************************
5. New Educational Webcast: Hands & Touch
In this new webcast, "Reflections on Deafblindness: Hands & Touch," Barbara Miles, a well-known author and lecturer, discusses the unique function hands serve for individuals who are deafblind. For people with vision and hearing impairments, hands become eyes, ears, and a voice. Barbara's realization that hands have so many critical roles changed the way she interacts with the hands of children who are deafblind.
Watch it now >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=PEkH1M55O8mVg6l4CRwOeQ..
************************************************************************
6. IMPORTANT DATES
Discover Conference for Parents of School-Aged Children
October 23, 2010
Perkins Campus
This conference brings families & professionals from several states to our campus. Everyone leaves with new skills, strategies and, above all, hope for their children's success.
The 2010 Discover Conference focuses on helping families build networks and find support from each other.
Visit us online today to learn more about our keynote speaker and exciting sessions.
Additional Sponsors: National Association for Parents of Children with
Visual Impairments, and the New England Consortium Deafblind Project.
Register Online >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=7VVArTV4HHirytYekKrSFg..
See what's new at Perkins!
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=85w1HQE3aM4EhJRxY3732A..
************************************************************************
7. PERKINS PRODUCTS: Ruby: Vision in the Palm of Your Hand
The RUBY is one of the smallest handheld video magnifiers yet, with powerful magnification (2x to 4x) and a brightly lit four-inch screen. With the folding handle, you can use it like a magnifying glass but with no distortion. Fold the handle to lay the RUBY flat on a page to read any print material on the go!
The RUBY is easy to use for those who are unfamiliar with technology products.
The Trekker Breeze is a handheld GPS for the visually impaired. With Trekker, you will never again have to ask the driver where you are. Enter a location as a landmark and the unit plans a route for walking or riding. You can ask what town you are in, what street you are on, and how far you have to go. Set your starting point as a landmark and you will always be able to find your way home.
Trekker brings security into your travel and adds entertainment to your trip by locating nearby restaurants and stores.
Learn more >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=zr_CR-MfW7U8XiTe3-DLCQ..
Visit our online store to see all our product offerings >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=vQ1g0Koye5HRf8q9bjpYJQ..
************************************************************************
8. OTHER RESOURCES: Perkins Scout
In this growing online database, you'll find reliable, authoritative, and up-to-date resources covering a range of topics, including general information on blindness, help for families with relatives who are visually impaired, and resources for educators and
other professionals.
Start searching today.
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=3gmUjcxvwtVXQOja8HlEOw..
************************************************************************
9. SUPPORT PERKINS: $66K Received, $34K Left to Go: Help us Close the Gap!
Join us on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 for A Taste of Perkins--an exciting event featuring blindfolded food and wine tastings, sensory exploration stations, drawings, silent auction, and more. Starting 5:30 to 7:30 pm we serve savory offerings and a "chance to win" prize drawings including Celtics game tickets, opening day Fenway 2011 tickets, and much more.
From Perkins School for the Blind
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Inside Story: Social Skills
2. Perkins Spotlight: Deafblind Program Social Lunch Bunch
3. Perkins International: Social Skills Targeted in East Africa
4. News: Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology Groundbreaking
5. New Educational Webcast: Wheelchair Orientation & Mobility
6. Important Dates: Holiday Concert
7. Featured Products: Adaptive Technology for Daily Living
8. Other Resources: Perkins Scout
9. Support Perkins: Donate Now to Double Your Gift
10. Advocacy Appeal: Join Our Advocacy Efforts
YOUTUBE: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=GBptFkJ71YrIT6ZOvtCuhg..
FACEBOOK: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=Q0G1sDLR3cfjmebqodgG3Q..
************************************************************************
1. INSIDE STORY: Social Skills
Imagine walking into a crowded lunchroom and looking for a seat. You notice a group of people about your age and similarly dressed. One of them is wearing a baseball cap with the name of your favorite team. You watch them leaning in towards each other talking and smiling. Their body language appears welcoming and approachable. You sit down and strike up a conversation.
Now imagine walking into the same situation with your eyes closed. You are led to the first available seat. You don't know the gender or age of the person sitting beside you and you can't rely on visual cues to find common ground.
When it comes to developing social skills, people with vision have the advantage of incidental learning as they naturally observe their surroundings and the interactions of other people. But for students who are visually impaired, social skills must be explicitly taught in the curriculum.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=OPN3p9h5ecjwWrv-pubG6Q..
************************************************************************
2. PERKINS SPOTLIGHT: Deafblind Program Social Lunch Bunch
Nick, 18, stands in front of a wall of snacks running his hand over packaged pretzels, microwave popcorn, and poptarts. Unfortunately he left his wallet back in the cottage. No treat today.
"Aww shucks!," exclaims Christa Gicklhorn, who oversees the social lunch bunch group in Perkins Deafblind Program. "Next time remember to go over your list and plan out what you need for the day."
During the lunchtime period students develop social skills and put concepts learned in the classroom to practical use. Practicing personal responsibility is part of the process.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=fF0fGi2W_Lg6QGI5OFNfew..
************************************************************************
3. PERKINS INTERNATIONAL: Social Skills Targeted in East Africa
Supported by the USAID Disability Fund, Perkins International is helping children in East Africa who are blind and visually impaired with additional disabilities or deafblind to develop communication and social skills and break through isolation.
"When a person has a significant disability people don't think about them as having social lives and having families," explains Perkins International Program Coordinator for Africa and Caribbean Regions Marianne Riggio. "But no matter what their disability all people have the same fundamental human need for social relationships."
In Tanzania and Uganda, Perkins International is expanding transition programs for students with disabilities, focusing on social skills and sex education. To feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, students need more than training in vocational and daily living skills they need to be included in the social fabric of their home communities.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=HCkQ4Xx7RIBuHX8UBt3DFQ..
************************************************************************
4. NEWS: Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology Groundbreaking
At Perkins School for the Blind, the use of a simple tool the shovel launched the construction of a 17,000 square foot social and teaching center that will employ the most sophisticated high-tech tools available to people who are visually impaired. Sparked by a generous gift of the Grousbeck Family Foundation, the new building will be known as The Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology.
Following an official groundbreaking ceremony on September 29, 2010, students who are blind tried on construction vests and hard hats and took turns shoveling dirt or sitting at the bulldozer controls. The sensory learning experience was designed to orient students and staff to the new construction project.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=cyZukOaoDDdDOBK1YepdNQ..
************************************************************************
5. New Educational Webcast: Wheelchair Orientation & Mobility
In this new webcast, James Scott Crawford, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, addresses the training needs of people with visual impairment who use power wheelchairs as their primary mode of transportation.
Watch it now >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=NRCPR5DbLQQe0rGH-lPDJQ..
************************************************************************
6. IMPORTANT DATES: Holiday Concerts
December 9 (7:30 pm) & December 12 (3:00 pm) 2010
Perkins Holiday Concerts
Listen to the sounds of the season at Perkins. Our concerts have included performances from The Music Makers, The Upper School Chorus, Chamber Singers, The Handbell Ensemble, and various vocal soloists. Join us for the holidays!
Learn More >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=gyC16qnC842M06y6pEoEoQ..
************************************************************************
7. PERKINS PRODUCTS: Adaptive Technology for Daily Living
Perkins Products offer a wide range of gift ideas to make life easier and more fun for people who are blind or visually impaired. Shop at home from our web site or visit our new store on the Perkins campus.
Learn more >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=WmU-tDkueq5lKsBBYLKuZA..
Visit our online store to see all our product offerings >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=kEi3YrmN8t3MPOjd4Ql8Xg..
************************************************************************
8. OTHER RESOURCES: Perkins Scout
In this growing online database, you'll find reliable, authoritative, and up-to-date resources covering a range of topics, including general information on blindness, help for families with relatives who are visually impaired, and resources for educators and
other professionals.
Start searching today.
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=gQ78KFHdOhlg53hGOVyPZw..
************************************************************************
9. SUPPORT PERKINS: Donate Now and Your Gift Will Be Doubled.
Double the Power of Your Gift
Help us raise $100,000 before the end of the year. Give to our 2010 Holiday Challenge Match Appeal.
Donate Now >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=xVJxqrlh7YocZXUmZKMv2Q..
************************************************************************
10. ADVOCACY APPEAL: Join Our Advocacy Efforts
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), integrates essential life skills, such as independent living, social skills and alternate communication modes like Braille, into the education of students who are visually impaired with or without additional disabilities. These foundational skills not only help students with disabilities to access core school subjects but also prepare them to live and work independently
Perkins is teaming up with other organizations to make the ECC mandatory in all mainstream schools. To do this we need the U.S. Congress to include the ECC in the reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the law that guarantees services to children with disabilities throughout the country. IDEA is scheduled to be up for reauthorization in 2011
Join our advocacy efforts. We will need your voice to tell the educational secretary that the ECC should be mandatory in all mainstream schools.
Learn more about ECC >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=Ws6KAW4olx1SWcF1rtfaKw..
1. Inside Story: Social Skills
2. Perkins Spotlight: Deafblind Program Social Lunch Bunch
3. Perkins International: Social Skills Targeted in East Africa
4. News: Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology Groundbreaking
5. New Educational Webcast: Wheelchair Orientation & Mobility
6. Important Dates: Holiday Concert
7. Featured Products: Adaptive Technology for Daily Living
8. Other Resources: Perkins Scout
9. Support Perkins: Donate Now to Double Your Gift
10. Advocacy Appeal: Join Our Advocacy Efforts
YOUTUBE: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=GBptFkJ71YrIT6ZOvtCuhg..
FACEBOOK: http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=Q0G1sDLR3cfjmebqodgG3Q..
************************************************************************
1. INSIDE STORY: Social Skills
Imagine walking into a crowded lunchroom and looking for a seat. You notice a group of people about your age and similarly dressed. One of them is wearing a baseball cap with the name of your favorite team. You watch them leaning in towards each other talking and smiling. Their body language appears welcoming and approachable. You sit down and strike up a conversation.
Now imagine walking into the same situation with your eyes closed. You are led to the first available seat. You don't know the gender or age of the person sitting beside you and you can't rely on visual cues to find common ground.
When it comes to developing social skills, people with vision have the advantage of incidental learning as they naturally observe their surroundings and the interactions of other people. But for students who are visually impaired, social skills must be explicitly taught in the curriculum.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=OPN3p9h5ecjwWrv-pubG6Q..
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2. PERKINS SPOTLIGHT: Deafblind Program Social Lunch Bunch
Nick, 18, stands in front of a wall of snacks running his hand over packaged pretzels, microwave popcorn, and poptarts. Unfortunately he left his wallet back in the cottage. No treat today.
"Aww shucks!," exclaims Christa Gicklhorn, who oversees the social lunch bunch group in Perkins Deafblind Program. "Next time remember to go over your list and plan out what you need for the day."
During the lunchtime period students develop social skills and put concepts learned in the classroom to practical use. Practicing personal responsibility is part of the process.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=fF0fGi2W_Lg6QGI5OFNfew..
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3. PERKINS INTERNATIONAL: Social Skills Targeted in East Africa
Supported by the USAID Disability Fund, Perkins International is helping children in East Africa who are blind and visually impaired with additional disabilities or deafblind to develop communication and social skills and break through isolation.
"When a person has a significant disability people don't think about them as having social lives and having families," explains Perkins International Program Coordinator for Africa and Caribbean Regions Marianne Riggio. "But no matter what their disability all people have the same fundamental human need for social relationships."
In Tanzania and Uganda, Perkins International is expanding transition programs for students with disabilities, focusing on social skills and sex education. To feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, students need more than training in vocational and daily living skills they need to be included in the social fabric of their home communities.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=HCkQ4Xx7RIBuHX8UBt3DFQ..
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4. NEWS: Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology Groundbreaking
At Perkins School for the Blind, the use of a simple tool the shovel launched the construction of a 17,000 square foot social and teaching center that will employ the most sophisticated high-tech tools available to people who are visually impaired. Sparked by a generous gift of the Grousbeck Family Foundation, the new building will be known as The Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology.
Following an official groundbreaking ceremony on September 29, 2010, students who are blind tried on construction vests and hard hats and took turns shoveling dirt or sitting at the bulldozer controls. The sensory learning experience was designed to orient students and staff to the new construction project.
Continue Reading >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=cyZukOaoDDdDOBK1YepdNQ..
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5. New Educational Webcast: Wheelchair Orientation & Mobility
In this new webcast, James Scott Crawford, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, addresses the training needs of people with visual impairment who use power wheelchairs as their primary mode of transportation.
Watch it now >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=NRCPR5DbLQQe0rGH-lPDJQ..
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6. IMPORTANT DATES: Holiday Concerts
December 9 (7:30 pm) & December 12 (3:00 pm) 2010
Perkins Holiday Concerts
Listen to the sounds of the season at Perkins. Our concerts have included performances from The Music Makers, The Upper School Chorus, Chamber Singers, The Handbell Ensemble, and various vocal soloists. Join us for the holidays!
Learn More >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=gyC16qnC842M06y6pEoEoQ..
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7. PERKINS PRODUCTS: Adaptive Technology for Daily Living
Perkins Products offer a wide range of gift ideas to make life easier and more fun for people who are blind or visually impaired. Shop at home from our web site or visit our new store on the Perkins campus.
Learn more >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=WmU-tDkueq5lKsBBYLKuZA..
Visit our online store to see all our product offerings >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=kEi3YrmN8t3MPOjd4Ql8Xg..
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8. OTHER RESOURCES: Perkins Scout
In this growing online database, you'll find reliable, authoritative, and up-to-date resources covering a range of topics, including general information on blindness, help for families with relatives who are visually impaired, and resources for educators and
other professionals.
Start searching today.
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=gQ78KFHdOhlg53hGOVyPZw..
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9. SUPPORT PERKINS: Donate Now and Your Gift Will Be Doubled.
Double the Power of Your Gift
Help us raise $100,000 before the end of the year. Give to our 2010 Holiday Challenge Match Appeal.
Donate Now >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=xVJxqrlh7YocZXUmZKMv2Q..
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10. ADVOCACY APPEAL: Join Our Advocacy Efforts
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), integrates essential life skills, such as independent living, social skills and alternate communication modes like Braille, into the education of students who are visually impaired with or without additional disabilities. These foundational skills not only help students with disabilities to access core school subjects but also prepare them to live and work independently
Perkins is teaming up with other organizations to make the ECC mandatory in all mainstream schools. To do this we need the U.S. Congress to include the ECC in the reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the law that guarantees services to children with disabilities throughout the country. IDEA is scheduled to be up for reauthorization in 2011
Join our advocacy efforts. We will need your voice to tell the educational secretary that the ECC should be mandatory in all mainstream schools.
Learn more about ECC >>
http://support.perkins.org/site/R?i=Ws6KAW4olx1SWcF1rtfaKw..
To get in touch with the Civil Society Coalition for Quality Basic Education
This is in response to McLiniley Boton's (Bangladesh) request to be furnished with thye contacts for:
Civil Society Coalition for Quality Basic Education
To get in touch with the Coalition please contact the National Coordinator on;
Civil Society Coaliton for Quality Basic Education
P.O. Box 30736,
Lilongwe 3, Malawi.
Tel: +265 1755976/77
Fax: +265 1 755 977;
Email: cscqbe@sdnp.org.mw; nc@cscqbe.org
Civil Society Coaliton for Quality Basic Education
P.O. Box 30736,
Lilongwe 3, Malawi.
Tel: +265 1755976/77
Fax: +265 1 755 977;
Email: cscqbe@sdnp.org.mw; nc@cscqbe.org
As dramatic events unfold, monitor human rights with us
As mass anti-government protests flare across the Middle East and North Africa, Amnesty International is urging state authorities in the region to respect the rights of those demanding change.
In the coming weeks, Amnesty International will bring you unique human rights perspectives on events in Egypt and the wider region, through photographs, eye-witness reports and analysis. You can follow all our updates here.
Also, if you’re outside Egypt you can show your solidarity with Egyptians by gathering with others online. Now is the time to act! Post a message or share information.
And if you want quick updates on the fast-moving events in the region follow us on Twitter.
Watch this space for a variety of perspectives on the role of women, the army, social media and lots of other aspects of the dramatic events shaping the Middle East and North Africa.
In Solidarity
In the coming weeks, Amnesty International will bring you unique human rights perspectives on events in Egypt and the wider region, through photographs, eye-witness reports and analysis. You can follow all our updates here.
Also, if you’re outside Egypt you can show your solidarity with Egyptians by gathering with others online. Now is the time to act! Post a message or share information.
And if you want quick updates on the fast-moving events in the region follow us on Twitter.
Watch this space for a variety of perspectives on the role of women, the army, social media and lots of other aspects of the dramatic events shaping the Middle East and North Africa.
In Solidarity
I have been robbed in Lilongwe
My Olympus Digital Voice Recorder is gone; My Flip Video Minolta is gone (there are only five in Malawi); my Sony Ericksson Cellphoner is gone; my cash is gone; my beloved brown travellers laggage is gone.
I am sad, today, because it was supposed to be my birthday. Born on 3rd February sometime back, I was supposed to add another layer of years over my being. And that, happily.
Instead, I have been robbed here in Lilongwe. That is why I am just outside the Lilongwe Bus Depot, in an internet cafe, knowing believing- not knowing what to do. Sad and feeling dejected.
Sure. Robbed.
Just like that.
Why do we behave like this in our country? Why?
The only thing I am remaining with is hope.
Had I know- if only I had known- I would have remained in Blantyre. To enjoy my birthday.
Instead, it is pain I have received.
It may be the end of pain; that a new beginning is here.
But I have lost my cellphone number, too; because my Airtel card was in the phone. I have lost my contacts, too; those I did not write down in my dialy.
We people need to have back up. In cases like these.
However, lety me thank- sincerely- the two Police Officers I found at Lilongwe Depot Sub-station.
Good people, I can assure you that they are good people.
Sometimes we talk ill of Police officers. I tell you they are doing a good job.
I sat there, on their bench. I they were helpful, so helpful. From the start.
Our Police officers are professionals, really.
They kept smiling, understanding, assuring.
That is why there is something remaining in mee.
The only thing remaining in me is hope.
And I don't think Lilongwe is bad.
For now, let me nurse my pain; and nurture my hope.
Something. Something. Is going to happen.
I will have my things back.
I tell you there are only five Flip Videos in Malawi. Where will the thieving guys use it.
In hell, of course; in hell.
I am sad, today, because it was supposed to be my birthday. Born on 3rd February sometime back, I was supposed to add another layer of years over my being. And that, happily.
Instead, I have been robbed here in Lilongwe. That is why I am just outside the Lilongwe Bus Depot, in an internet cafe, knowing believing- not knowing what to do. Sad and feeling dejected.
Sure. Robbed.
Just like that.
Why do we behave like this in our country? Why?
The only thing I am remaining with is hope.
Had I know- if only I had known- I would have remained in Blantyre. To enjoy my birthday.
Instead, it is pain I have received.
It may be the end of pain; that a new beginning is here.
But I have lost my cellphone number, too; because my Airtel card was in the phone. I have lost my contacts, too; those I did not write down in my dialy.
We people need to have back up. In cases like these.
However, lety me thank- sincerely- the two Police Officers I found at Lilongwe Depot Sub-station.
Good people, I can assure you that they are good people.
Sometimes we talk ill of Police officers. I tell you they are doing a good job.
I sat there, on their bench. I they were helpful, so helpful. From the start.
Our Police officers are professionals, really.
They kept smiling, understanding, assuring.
That is why there is something remaining in mee.
The only thing remaining in me is hope.
And I don't think Lilongwe is bad.
For now, let me nurse my pain; and nurture my hope.
Something. Something. Is going to happen.
I will have my things back.
I tell you there are only five Flip Videos in Malawi. Where will the thieving guys use it.
In hell, of course; in hell.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Malawi’s penal code amendment bans news ‘not in public interest’
New York, February 1, 2011—An amendment to Malawi’s penal code, which became law last week, allows the government to ban any publication deemed contrary to public interest for an unspecified period of time, institutionalizing political censorship of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
On January 26, President Bingu wa Mutharika signed into law an amendment to Section 46 of the penal code that gives the information minister unchecked discretion to block a publication he or she deems against the “public interest,” according to news reports and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Previously, Section 46 only prohibited importation of publications considered seditious.
MISA’s local chairman, Anthony Kasunda, told CPJ the new law contradicts the constitution, which allows the press to report and publish freely and have access to public information. MISA plans to challenge the constitutionality of the law, he said.
“The ability of a single political appointee to decide what newspapers, local or foreign, citizens read is against the public interest and is an assault on Malawi’s constitutional guarantee of press freedom,” said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. “We call on parliament to repeal this arbitrary legislation immediately.”
MISA had unsuccessfully petitioned Mutharika in November 2010 to send the bill back to parliament for further consultation, according to local reports. Local journalists said the government never consulted the media over the bill.
The government has a history of shuttering critical news outlets at politically sensitive periods and arresting journalists for political coverage, according to CPJ research. The new law follows threats by Mutharika to close down newspapers that criticize his administration. Authorities attempted to ban the tabloid Weekend Times in November for the paper’s failure to register with the country’s national archives, a violation that local journalists charged was a pretext to ban the publication for its frequent stories exposing fraud and sex scandals of public figures. The newspaper’s publishers, Blantyre Print & Packaging, applied for and received a stay order from the courts that restrained the government from implementing its decision, according to local reports.
Bulletin of the Oppression of Women Jan. 12-Feb 1, 2011
January 12- February 1, 2011
January 12, 2011
UK (video)
British schoolgirl's testimony that they are being threatened with violence and rape daily by Muslims.
January 14, 2011
Kosovo
Fake foreign marriages enable Kosovans to move to the West.
Pakistan
A Muslim who allegedly confessed to sexually assaulting five Christian girls raped a 10-year-old Catholic girl. More HERE.
January 15, 2011
Canada (hat tip to GateofVienna)
Extortionist 'enjoyed' forced sex.
UK (hat tip to GatesofVienna)
A victim tells the story of her 'boyfriend' who was part of an Asian sex gang.
Somalia
Women living in areas controlled by Somalia's Islamists say they are increasingly the target of more draconian rules meted out by the rebels bent on enforcing their ideologies.
Australia
A group of seven young men allegedly trapped a 21-year-old mother in her laundry in Bendigo, Victoria and raped her as her children slept.
January 17, 2011
Pakistan
Killings of newborn babies, especially girls, is on the rise in Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia
A Saudi husband divorced his wife after discovering that she is a smoker.
January 18, 2011
Australia
A man killed his estranged wife because she had planned to end their arranged marriage and sell their home.
January 19, 2011
UK
A man threatened to kill his cousin and harm her family after she decided to stop wearing the traditional Muslim headscarf.
Pakistan (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A man accused of killing his wife and daughter for honor is arrested.
Australia (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A Sydney artist whose anti-burka mural has infuriated left-wing and Islamic activists is vowing that the provocative artwork will stay in place despite death threats, abuse, a string of vandalism attacks, a violent weekend protest and a police request to remove it.
Saudi Arabia
A man divorces three wives for a car from the fourth wife.
Pakistan
There was a bomb attack on a school where girls are taught.
Kuwait
An officer targeted maids for rape.
Pakistan
A man tried to kill his wife after ultrasound reports revealed that she was about to give birth to a baby girl, the couple's third daughter.
January 20, 2011
UK
An imam was jailed for a series of sex attacks on children.
January 21, 2011
USA (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A Minneapolis Muslim police officer was charged with felony assault Friday, accused of hitting his wife in the face with a gun and threatening to kill her.
USA
Local teens are desperate to stop honor killings.
January 22, 1011
Iran
Iranian authorities have ordered a ban on women from watching live broadcasts of soccer matches at public movie theaters.
UK
Harry Potter actress asks that brother who beat her not be jailed.
January 23, 2011
Australia
A 14 year old girl is sexually assaulted by a limousine driver.
Pakistan
A Pakistani actress castigated for appearing to cuddle with an Indian actor on a reality show lashed out at a Muslim cleric who had criticized her during a widely watched television exchange this week. More HERE.
Pakistan
A Muslim woman attempts to set herself on fire to protest sexual harassment.
Pakistan
A 22-year-old woman was allegedly electrocuted by her relatives in the name of family honor.
January 24, 2011
USA
A Phoenix Muslim man is on trial for trialfor an honor killing.
Jordan
A Jordan man who killed his pregnant daughter gets a reduced jail sentence.
January 26, 2011
Afghanistan (Video)
A couple refused to denounce their love for one another, even under stoning.
Pakistan
Vigilante justice haunts Pakistani women.
Finland (Hat tip to and translated by IslaminEurope)
A Muslim family is charged for trying to marry off their 12 year old daughter.
January 27, 2011
USA
Honor Killing in America: updates on two trials.
Israel
A woman describes the stabbing attack that seriously wounded her and killed her friend.
Saudi Arabia
A man beats his wife after she delivers a baby girl.
January 29, 2011
UK
A senior Muslim politician has blamed unhappy arranged marriages to cousins for leading some Pakistani men to prey on vulnerable young white girls to fulfill their sexual needs.
January 31, 2011
India
Two teenage sisters are brutally murdered.
February 1, 2011
Denmark (Hat tip to and translated by IslaminEurope)
A Koran teacher had illegal relations with a 15 year old Danish girl and then married her.
January 12, 2011
UK (video)
British schoolgirl's testimony that they are being threatened with violence and rape daily by Muslims.
January 14, 2011
Kosovo
Fake foreign marriages enable Kosovans to move to the West.
Pakistan
A Muslim who allegedly confessed to sexually assaulting five Christian girls raped a 10-year-old Catholic girl. More HERE.
January 15, 2011
Canada (hat tip to GateofVienna)
Extortionist 'enjoyed' forced sex.
UK (hat tip to GatesofVienna)
A victim tells the story of her 'boyfriend' who was part of an Asian sex gang.
Somalia
Women living in areas controlled by Somalia's Islamists say they are increasingly the target of more draconian rules meted out by the rebels bent on enforcing their ideologies.
Australia
A group of seven young men allegedly trapped a 21-year-old mother in her laundry in Bendigo, Victoria and raped her as her children slept.
January 17, 2011
Pakistan
Killings of newborn babies, especially girls, is on the rise in Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia
A Saudi husband divorced his wife after discovering that she is a smoker.
January 18, 2011
Australia
A man killed his estranged wife because she had planned to end their arranged marriage and sell their home.
January 19, 2011
UK
A man threatened to kill his cousin and harm her family after she decided to stop wearing the traditional Muslim headscarf.
Pakistan (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A man accused of killing his wife and daughter for honor is arrested.
Australia (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A Sydney artist whose anti-burka mural has infuriated left-wing and Islamic activists is vowing that the provocative artwork will stay in place despite death threats, abuse, a string of vandalism attacks, a violent weekend protest and a police request to remove it.
Saudi Arabia
A man divorces three wives for a car from the fourth wife.
Pakistan
There was a bomb attack on a school where girls are taught.
Kuwait
An officer targeted maids for rape.
Pakistan
A man tried to kill his wife after ultrasound reports revealed that she was about to give birth to a baby girl, the couple's third daughter.
January 20, 2011
UK
An imam was jailed for a series of sex attacks on children.
January 21, 2011
USA (hat tip to JihadWatch)
A Minneapolis Muslim police officer was charged with felony assault Friday, accused of hitting his wife in the face with a gun and threatening to kill her.
USA
Local teens are desperate to stop honor killings.
January 22, 1011
Iran
Iranian authorities have ordered a ban on women from watching live broadcasts of soccer matches at public movie theaters.
UK
Harry Potter actress asks that brother who beat her not be jailed.
January 23, 2011
Australia
A 14 year old girl is sexually assaulted by a limousine driver.
Pakistan
A Pakistani actress castigated for appearing to cuddle with an Indian actor on a reality show lashed out at a Muslim cleric who had criticized her during a widely watched television exchange this week. More HERE.
Pakistan
A Muslim woman attempts to set herself on fire to protest sexual harassment.
Pakistan
A 22-year-old woman was allegedly electrocuted by her relatives in the name of family honor.
January 24, 2011
USA
A Phoenix Muslim man is on trial for trialfor an honor killing.
Jordan
A Jordan man who killed his pregnant daughter gets a reduced jail sentence.
January 26, 2011
Afghanistan (Video)
A couple refused to denounce their love for one another, even under stoning.
Pakistan
Vigilante justice haunts Pakistani women.
Finland (Hat tip to and translated by IslaminEurope)
A Muslim family is charged for trying to marry off their 12 year old daughter.
January 27, 2011
USA
Honor Killing in America: updates on two trials.
Israel
A woman describes the stabbing attack that seriously wounded her and killed her friend.
Saudi Arabia
A man beats his wife after she delivers a baby girl.
January 29, 2011
UK
A senior Muslim politician has blamed unhappy arranged marriages to cousins for leading some Pakistani men to prey on vulnerable young white girls to fulfill their sexual needs.
January 31, 2011
India
Two teenage sisters are brutally murdered.
February 1, 2011
Denmark (Hat tip to and translated by IslaminEurope)
A Koran teacher had illegal relations with a 15 year old Danish girl and then married her.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Apologies to readers who comment on Zachimalawi's articles
Richard Chirombo: Sorry for not responding to your enquiries, questions, queries. This will not happen this time around
First of all, let me thank you for taking interest in Zachimalawi. Thank you very much everybody who has taken their time to comment on issues.However, I would love to apologise to all the people who sent comments, or wanted responses and they were not attended to.
Fact is, it was not deliberate. I am sorry that the only people I responded to were those who e-mailed me through mtolankhani@gmail.com , and none of those who comment through my commentary section.
I am so sorry.
The reason is: It is only today, February 1, 2011, that I have taken the time to visit the Comments Section. Actually, I never knew it existed here on Zachimalawi.
And I am stunned with all your responses. And ashamed for having not responded to you, good people.
That will never happen again.
I will check the Comments Section everytime I am here. That I will do.
What feedback I have got over the years; and I am just getting to know this just now.
For all those who wanted information on Agriculture, and never got answers; for the good people who were selling pieces of land and never got feedback from me; for the people who wanted to know more about Malawi's tourism sites and never got my responses; and to all whose expectations were never met, I say: I am so sorry.
This will never happen again. I will be responding to you.
However, those who contacted me for information through mtolankhani@gmail.com can agree with me that they were attanded to.
I was able to escort people from Kenya, United Kingdom, USA, The Netherlands, Scandinavia, Bangladesh, among others, to such places as Mulanje, Thyolo, Mzuzu, Karonga, Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, among others.
Issues ranged from Macadamia nuts, tobacco, sugar, tea, coffee, cocoa, bananas, pine apples, fisheries, among others.
Let me say that I was happy to help you without conditions attached, and will continue doing so in future.
Socam abandons Business Journalists awards
The Society of Accountants in Malawi (Socam), which raised hopes when it launched a competition for business journalists, has silently abandoned the initiative without uttering a single word.
The development follows Socam's failure to sustain the initiative, purpotedly because the organisation applied for a one-year project, hoping to continue with the awards using own funds.
However, reports indicate that the accountants mother body has failed to raise the funds needed for the awards, and has, instead, just abandoned them without communicating with stakeholders.
The development follows Socam's failure to sustain the initiative, purpotedly because the organisation applied for a one-year project, hoping to continue with the awards using own funds.
However, reports indicate that the accountants mother body has failed to raise the funds needed for the awards, and has, instead, just abandoned them without communicating with stakeholders.
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