District Development Meeting

19th Oct 2014:

This might look like a picnic in the park, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth.  It was a pretty serious gathering of village headmen and Chiefs. It was organised and directed by village women who work in Self Help groups organised and facilitated by St John of God Services.

This was a cluster planning meeting where the women were identifying and trying to find solutions to major issues, like: water, bridges and education in this region about 25 km North of Mzuzu.

We work in the area already and our invite came to see how we might be able to assist.

In my almost 10 years in Malawi this was one of the most honest gatherings I have ever attended.

The women spoke of lack of activity, jealousy, non-cooperation, all of which I have observed, but about which no one spoke.

The local area councillor was excellent as was the Group Village Headman, who all concurred that the Chiefs and local authority need to get off their bums and support these amazing women in their quest for improved lives.

I have thought that if Malawi was to develop, it would be through its women.
Self help may just be the vehicle, with no external financial input.
Way to go!!