Likoma District Council of Malawi

24/05/2023

15/04/2023

Update on Likoma Cyclone Freddy Support by the special committee responsible for Cyclone Freddy support

14/04/2023

Following an appeal made by The District Commissioner for Likoma District Council Bwana Abubakar Nkhoma to join hands and assist people affected with Cyclone Freddy, On Saturday 15th April, 2023 The Vice Chair for the special committee responsible for Cyclone Freddy fundraising in Likoma Mr. Phillip Chilambula will give updates on contributions made so far.

Follow us as we cover live the special message by the Vice Chair Mr. Phillip Chilambula. On Saturday 15 April, 2023 at 10am.

30/03/2023

IT IS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT IEYP IS REACHING OUT TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN LIKOMA SAID THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

As one way of appreciating and tracking progress in development activities in Likoma District, The District Commissioner Bwana Abubakar Nkhoma visited beneficiaries of Investing in Early Years Programme (IEYP) in the area of Senior Chief Mkumpha. The DC visited care groups, beneficiaries of goat pass on programme and Saving and Lending Groups. Bwana Nkhoma visited Abbes Vumbwe one of the Project Promoters who show cased fruit tree nursery, goats received under pass on program. In her few words she explained that they learned to how to raise fruit tree seedlings. “The money realized from selling fruit trees is shared amongst the beneficiaries to improve household nutrition.” Said Abbes Vumbwe. She also thanked IEYP for the knowledge and skills gained. Care group leaders and Cluster leaders also reported that they were trained to monitor nutrition status of under 5 children and pregnant mothers by measuring the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and since the coming of IEYP no client of child malnutrition has been reported or referred to the Hospital. This report pleased the DC, appreciating to the good work they are doing, the DC started with a Chichewa proverb “Chokoma chichokera ku dzira.” Meaning if we want to have a health nation we need to have health children.

The DC was welcomed with jovial songs at Mwala Belu COMSIP Cluster, Mwala Belu COMSIP Cluster is made up of three IEYP VSLA groups. According to Simeon Bondera Nyirenda, the Economic Empowerment Programme Deck Officer for Likoma District Council, reported that currently Likoma has 69 VLSA with total membership of 70 males and 1,244 females these groups were formed under IEYP. Mwala Belu has mobilizes K1,280,000 savings and has a vision to buy a Maize Mill. Mwala Belu Cluster is one of the four Clusters in Likoma that have been earmarked and are to graduate into Cooperatives using COMSIP approach. Bwana Nkhoma thanked members of Mwala Belu COMSIP Cluster for their vision. The DC said, “as the Council we are looking forward to see vibrant COMSIP Cooperatives at the Island.” He urged IEYP Coordinators to enhance capacity building for Savings and Lending Groups. Mr. Wilson Muziya the Chief Accountant who accompanied the DC also encouraged members on recording keeping. At the end of the visit the District Commissioner express his gratitude noting that IEYP is reaching out to every household in the district. The strategy used by IEYP ensures sustainable development mentioning the pass on program said the DC.

In view of efforts to address challenges related to early child development and the effects of poor nutrition in the country, the Government of Malawi is implementing the Investing in Early Years Project (IEYP) with financial support from the World Bank and the Global Financing Facility (GFF). The Project has three components, namely, (a) Community-based nutrition and early stimulation interventions, (b) Center-based early learning, nutrition, and health interventions, and, (c) Multi-sectoral coordination, capacity and systems strengthening

The Project aims to improve coverage and utilization of early childhood services with focus on nutrition, stimulation and early learning from conception to 59 months in selected districts of Malawi.

30/03/2023

A CALL FOR ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED WITH CYCLONE FREDDY:

From : The District Commission, Likoma District Council, P.O Box 7 7
Likoma

To : All Well-wishers in Likoma District

As we might be aware that people in the Southern Region have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy which has caused huge devastating impacts, with more than 600 people losing their lives and over 7000 people rendered homeless. The Districts affected include Blantyre, Thyolo, Mulanje, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Neno, Phalombe among others.

It is against this background that the Likoma District Council would like to appeal to organisations, institutions, companies and community members and all well wishers for support to the affected families. The support could be in form of food items such as dry bonya, usipa, fish, clothes, shoes, sugar and cash.

Those ready with the support (items) could reach out to the administration office and those with cash may reach the Director of Finance at the District's Council through the following numbers:

Administration - Tracy Maonga on +265881602431
Director of Finance - Mr Muziya on +265884461117

10th April, 2023 will be the last day to receive the assistance.

Your support will highly be appreciated.

Yours Sincerely
Abubakar Nkhoma
(District Commissioner)

02/02/2023

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER ABUBAKAR NKHOMA COMMENDS LIKOMA COMMUNITIES FOR THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN CS-EPWP:

Early Thursday, February 2, 2023 morning the District Commissioner for Likoma District Council Bwana Abubakar Nkhoma, made supervision visits to some of Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program micro-catchment projects in Likoma.
Speaking in an interview with Simeon Bondera Nyirenda, the DC said, “I wanted to check progress of CS-EPWP works. It is very encouraging to note that all beneficiaries are coming to work despite finishing their salaried 24 days. In all the sites visited registered beneficiaries are coming to complete the additional 10 days which is community contribution. In the first cycle, some have reclaimed gullies, managed natural regeneration forest, supported school infrastructure while others are working village access roads.” In addition, the DC also applauded Community Leader for their support, they were available and actively participated in all site visited.

“The council and the management committees need to speed up procurement and delivery of working tools and wage disbursement.” Said the DC
Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) is a sub-component of Enhanced Core Programmes under the Improving Social and Economic Inclusion component in the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP). Programme Development objective of the SSRLP is to improve resilience among the poor and vulnerable population and to strengthen the national platform for safety nets in Malawi. Malawi Government is implementing CS-EPWP with funding from World Bank.

By Simeon Bondera Nyirenda.

29/09/2022

Inspector General of Malawi Police

29/09/2022

Handing over of Likoma Victim Support Unit and Likoma Magistrate Court rehabilitated with financial assistance from European Union

28/09/2022

Health status for Likoma as presented by the DHSS Dr. Gracewell Mathewe

27/09/2022

Tomorrow Wednesday 28th September, 2022 at 15:00hrs the Director of Health and Social Services Dr. Gracewell Mathewe will talk to Likoma Media Team on the current Health situation for Likoma. We will cover this live on this page. If you have questions, comments, recommendations please follow us. Wishing you all the best. Stay Blessed

23/09/2022

Presentation by the District Commissioner for Likoma District Council on Likoma Press Day

22/09/2022

Tomorrow Friday, 23rd September, 2022. At 09:10 we will broadcast live presentation by the new District Commissioner for Likoma District Council Bwana Yohane Bilesi. In his presentation he will shade more light on Likoma Press Day. After the presentation the DC will take few questions. For this reason you are cordially invited to follow the presentation.

Stay Blessed

19/09/2022

SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER BENEFICIARIES APPLAUDS GOVERNMENT FOR THE PROGRAM:

Social Cash Transfer Program beneficiaries in Likoma have applauded Government for the program saying it has alleviated some problems they used to encounter. Speaking recently in Chizumulu during disbursement of funds, one of the beneficiaries Martha Guza from from Chingole Village said the program has assisted her in various ways like venturing into business, taking care of the orphans among others. Guza said "I am very thankful to the Government for the continuous support through Social Cash transfer program, it has been assisting me in various ways, I have orphans at my house, I am able to feed them using the same money. "I used the money as capital to venture in bonya business, I buy maize and other needs at home, it has greatly assisted me alot, I would have been meaningless without the program."

Another beneficiary Henry Kamthebwe from Msoka Village said the money has changed his well being since he is able to buy clothes, food for his family among others. "The program has assisted me and is still assisting me, I have a roof above me because of the same program, I do not lack anything, I am no longer the same, my life has changed including that of my family members," narrated Kamthebwe. However, he asked Government to top up the money following the economic crisis of the Country saying things are becoming expensive now and then adding the Government should continue with the program for the sustainability of their lives.

District Social Welfare Officer for Likoma Christopher Kanaza advised the beneficiaries to use the money on the intended purpose by among other things investing into small scale businesses there by sustaining their living.
" They need to venture into business, so that incase the project phase out, they should have something to depend on rather than spending the money carelessly," said Kanaza.

According to Kanaza 198 Households are benefiting from the program in the District, 140 from Likoma and 58 from Chizumulu. Government of Malawi is implementing the Social Cash Transfer in Likoma with funding from Germany Government through Ministry of Gender.

Reported by Ireen Mseteka

30/08/2022

NORTH MALAWI CONFERENCE OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PREACHES AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND ABUSE OF POWER

North Malawi Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Women’s Ministry Director, Elise Thawe has advised people across the country to refrain from any form of human rights abuse to enhance peace and unity amongst Malawians. Thawe speaking on Sabbath 27th August 2022 in Likoma during prayers which focused on End It Now Program and Abuse of Power which aimed at sensitizing the general public on human rights and other forms of abuses.

“We are here in Likoma to spread the news of breaking the silence against any form of human abuse, we have been spreading this message in the mainland for the past years and we felt that people of Likoma should be reached with same.” said Thawe. She said there are many forms of abuse taking place in churches, work places, homes, business premises among others and that those who abuse power are the ones who fuel the vice.

Thawe said domestic violence, psychological, sexual, economic and physical abuses affect development of the church including households and the country as a whole. Officer in Charge for Likoma Police, Hannah Mponda said it is pathetic to note that incidents of gender based violence are on the rise in the district and commended the religious women grouping for conducting the prayers as one of the interventions in ending the vice.

8 years old Rejoice Bondera Nyirenda stood on behalf of children in her brief remarks she strongly condemned cases of defilement, child trafficking and exposing children to po*******hy. She appealed to parents, community leaders and all those in authority to safeguard the present and the future of our nation by protecting children from all forms of abuses. Seventh-day Adventist Church commemorate End It Now Program in the month of August annually worldwide with the aim of curbing all forms of human abuse.

19/08/2022

CONTRACTOR HANDS OVER A K50 MILLION PLUS DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S HOUSE TO LIKOMA DISTRICT COUNCIL

Infrastructure Experts Contractor on Tuesday handed over to Likoma District Council a K50 Million plus district commissioner's house which has been built with District Development Fund (DDF). An official from Likoma District Council, Jaffar Mustafa said it was an exciting moment to receive the keys of the house from after a four-year construction period. “We appreciate the quality of work which the contractor has displayed on this house. It is very impressive and above all, we also commend community participation throughout the project,” said Mustwafa.

He said with such a good accommodation, he was optimistic that the District Commissioner(DC) for Likoma will be confined in the district unlike in the past when he used to travel to the mainland to visit his family which will join him on the island. Mustafa then urged community members to own the development and thanked the project implementation committee for working tiressly with the contractor.

Site administrator for Infrastructure Experts Contractor, Yusuf Asima said he was grateful to finally hand over the house to the council. "Today we have finally handed over the house to the council, we thank them for trusting us that we can deliver quality work," said Asima.

Committee Chairperson for the Project Committee, Barnabas Mkwekweta also thanked the contractor for being committed throughout the house�s construction period. "We know you must have experienced some challenges but these did not affect your performance. Finally, here we are, the house has now been completed and handed over," said Mkwekweta. He added that houses despite being handed over to the council, it still remains property of the community.

Reported by Ireen Mseteka.

05/08/2022

05/08/2022

Installation of Snr Chief Mkumpha and T/A Kabuthu of Likoma by Deputy Minister of Local Government Hon. Halima Daudi MP

05/08/2022

We have Senior Chief Mkumpha and T/A Kabuthu installation ceremony by the Deputy Minister for Local Government Honourable Halma Daudi MP. Likoma District Council of Malawi will cover live some of the events today

03/08/2022

LIKOMA DISTRICT COUNCIL PLANTS 33,100 TREES DURING 2021-2022 TREE PLANTING SEASON

By Simeon Bondera Nyirenda

As guided by the 2021/2022 tree planting season theme; “HEALTHY TREES, FOREST, ECONOMY AND PEOPLE,” Likoma District Council has good reasons to smile. Likoma District Council launched the 2021/2022 tree planting season on 24th January, 2022 at Ngani Early Childhood Development Centre on this day the District Commissioner Eric Nema led the district planting trees and 1, 000 trees were planted.

Speaking in an interview to comment on the 2021/2022 tree planting season the District Forestry Officer Mr. Grant Kumwenda said that Likoma District is under reform and the district is empowering communities to restore the Island by planting and caring more trees including the palm trees and bamboo. Likoma has planted 33, 100 in this season. Likoma received palm trees and bamboo trees from Forestry ministry headquarters and planted 450 palm trees and 600 bamboo trees this season.

According to Mr. Kumwenda the initiative is aimed at promoting the aesthetic value of the Island and ensure that Island maintain its beauty and remain attractive to tourists. Subsequently the exercise aims at reducing soil erosion and siltation which is a threat to water resources especially fish.

At the end of the interview Mr. Kumwenda urged the community members to join hands and managed the existing trees, caring the just planted trees and continue planting palm trees and bamboo trees. Mr. Kumwenda also convey gratitude to individuals and the following organizations and institutions; Investing in Early Years Project (IEYP), Opportunity International, Likoma Conservation Trust, ADCs, VDCs and primary schools for their support and participation in this tree planting season. The National tree planting season is annually observed from December to April.

02/08/2022

LIKOMA DISTRICT COUNCIL SUPPORTS NACHILAMBE WOMEN'S GROUP

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma District Council has supported Nachilambe Women's Group of Chizumulu Island with a K350,000.00 motorized water pump. Speaking in an interview on 2nd August, 2022. The District Commissioner for the Likoma District Council, Bwana Eric Nema said the district council decided to buy the motorized water pump for the group as a way of addressing some of the challenges the farmers have been facing. "We saw potential in them that they can do better and increase their crop production and improve the women economic statuses if assisted, hence the initiative.” said The DC. Bwana Nema also pledged to support the group to find markets in other places so that the products are sold on the Island as well as the mainland.

The Chairperson for Nachilambe Women's Group, Beatrice Njakale said the group is overwhelmed with the provision of the water pump which she said will go a long way in boosting irrigation. “This will address some of challenges we have been facing in our irrigation business over the years.” said Njakale. Before members of the group used to travel long distance fetching water from Lake Malawi to their gardens using buckets. “It was very tiresome and we at times could not irrigate our crops as recommended, but with this development, our work is made easier," Njakale said.

A member of the group, Martha Chigowo said the water pump will help the farmers to grow crops throughout the year and realize bumper yields. "With the water pump, we are assured of harvesting more, but the only challenge will be market. We need to be linked to markets for our produce at the mainland as the island can only provide very limited market," Said Chigowo.

Currently Likoma District Council is building the capacity of business groups and equipping them with relevant materials to graduate into Cooperatives. Some of the notable officials that were present include; Councilor Barnabas Sambamo, Likoma District Council Chair, Arthur Machila Agriculture Extension Development Coordinator (AEDC) for Likoma EPA. Likoma District is blessed and surrounded by waters of Lake Malawi.

19/07/2022

SUB TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY MWASE OF LIKOMA NO MORE

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma District on Monday 18th July, 2022 lost its Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Mwase at St Peter's hospital in the District after a short illness. According to late STA Mwase's nephew John Khuni said the 66 years old Boston Kamchacha (STA Mwase) who passed on in the early hours of Monday was succumbed to Malaria. "My Aunt, wife to late Boston Kamchacha (STA Mwase) called me yesterday in the morning informing me about uncle's condition saying that he was vomiting, he was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with Malaria, then today in the morning he passed on," he said.

Khuni said the family and Likoma as a whole has lost a courageous person who helped a lot in the development of the District adding that he helped his people to preserve culture. He said "We are very sad to lose such a member of our family, he was always courageous when doing things and he was also developmental conscious, I believe the whole of Likoma we have never had such a person like him the man who has been developing this island by working hand in hand with the Government." Khuni said Mwase who has left a wife is expected to be laid to rest at Mwase village at Chiponde area on today in the District.

The Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Likoma District Council Steve Munthali has confirmed about the demise of Sub Traditional Authority Mwase. He said "I have heard about the passing on of STA Mwase, meanwhile all officers have been assigned different tasks to fast track the arrangements for tomorrow's program," Munthali said so far former District Commissioner for Likoma Charles Mwawembe and MacMillan Magomero District Commissioner for Chitipa have confirmed to attend the burial ceremony.

District Commissioner (DC) for Likoma Eric Nema said he is saddened by the sudden death of STA Mwase saying the District has lost a hard working chief. He said "Sub Traditional Authority Mwase will greatly be missed because of his deeds, he was hard working and he played a vital role in the development of the District,"

Spokesperson for Local Government Anjoya Mwanza confirmed about the death of Sub T/A Mwase saying Government has lost a person who played a role in various activities of the Country.

29/06/2022

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN CHIZUMULU ASKED TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED HEALTH POST

Member of Parliament (MP) for Likoma District Hon Ashems Songwe has asked Community Members in Chizumulu to take ownership of the new Health Post on the Island. The Honorable MP made the remarks on Tuesday 28th June, 2022 during the handover ceremony of the newly constructed Chiteko Health Post which was constructed using Constituency Development funds. Honorable Songwe said, "it is a responsibility of each and every community member to take care of the health post, they should have ownership of project hence project sustainability will be attained." He also advised community members to embrace the facility by utilizing it saying that parents should make use of it and should stop treating children in their homes since it is at a walkable distance. "Let us embrace this facility for our own good and for the better med of our children." Said the Honorable MP

The District Commissioner for Likoma Eric Nema said he was overwhelmed by the commissioning of the facility which he said has been long overdue due to financial constraints. The DC however warned community leaders and community members not to encroach on the land as it a Government premises which may be used to construct other buildings such as staff houses, extension of the Health Post among others saying that anyone found doing the malpractice will be dealt with accordingly. He said this is a Government area given by the local leaders and in most cases it has been a practice that there are a lot of issues of encroachment. “Some community leaders may think of selling part of the land which we have not yet developed this is bad. No one should tamper with the area because the council wants to put more infrastructures, so anyone found will be arrested.” Said the DC.

One of the parents Monica Eliya said she was overwhelmed with the facility saying this will help to avert some problems they have been facing like walking long distance to Chizumulu Health Centre to access health services.

17/06/2022

TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY KABUTHU OVERWHELMED WITH THE PROPOSED SITE FOR JETTY CONSTRUCTION

Traditional Authority (T/A) Kabuthu for Chizumulu Island says he is overwhelmed with the proposed site for the construction of the mini Jetty as recommended by Mota-Engil on the Island. Speaking in an interview after visiting the site on 16th June, 2022 T/A Kabuthu said the proposed site which is located at Chitupa on the Island is a welcomed idea saying once the Jetty has been constructed it will help in reducing some of the challenges people are facing like traveling long distance, exposure to danger when sailing using boats to the ship among others. He said "We thank Government through Mota-Engil Construction Company for the initiate, at least this will boast tourism, the Island will be developed and the problems currently being faced will be over since they will no longer sail on the lake using boats to board the ship."

T/A Kabuthu said the proposed site for the Jetty construction is welcome idea since it is on the Centre which will be conducive for all the people unlike the current port at Chiteko where the ship stops which is very far from the Centre saying making it is not safe for people especially during the night as people walk long distance. Chairperson for Chizumulu Kalondolondo Bob Katawa conquered with the Chief saying that once the initiative has been implemented many problems will be reduced especially when boarding the ship adding that it will be the safest way than using boats which put lives in danger. "We have been facing a lot of challenges when it comes to boarding of the ship because we always use boats which is not safe at all especially when there is Mwera winds on the lake, our lives are at stake because anything can happen to us, lives and goods have been lost," he explained.

District Commissioner representative for the Island Leonard Kathalowamo commended community members for accepting that the site should be used for the construction of the Jetty project. He said "I must commend all community members for being united and for having accepted that the site should be used for the construction of the Jetty without causing any problems, I know others maybe against the site, but what they should know is that the development will be good for all," Kathalowamo said the Jetty will be constructed by Mota-Engil construction company which he said is currently constructing a Jetty at Likoma Island. Other officials that were present include; Likoma District Council Chairperson Councilor Banabas Sambamo, Chawa Munthali Acting Director of Adminstration, Ireen Mseteka, District Information Officer and Clifton Botha from the department of Fisheries.

31/05/2022

FARMSE ACHIEVING ITS OBJECTIVES IN LIKOMA

The Malawi Government is implementing the Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprise (FARMSE). FARMSE is a seven-year nationwide development program implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic, Planning and Development. In Likoma FARMSE will be implemented for 3 years by Opportunity International. FARMSE is financed by the Malawi government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the private sector, running from 2018 to 2025. The programme works to support the graduation of poor Malawians along the poverty spectrum from ultra-poor to a productive pathway on a sustainable basis. The programme also supports household economic development through access to financial services that are appropriate to each socio-economic level of poverty including ultra-poor, poor but food secure, vulnerable to poverty, and resilient to poverty.

A team from FARMSE visited Likoma District from 23rd - 25th May, 2022 to appreciate the performance of Community Based Financial Organizations (CBFOs). Their visit aimed at monitoring FARMSE activities, support implementing partner and district council, Initial assessment and engagement of Likoma Community Radio Station. One of FARMSE objectives is to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods and enhance the resilience of rural households on a sustainable basis.

FARMSE team that visited Likoma include; Raphael Nkane (Grant Management Officer- FARMSE), Kumbukani Rashid (Community Based Financial Organization Specialist - FARMSE), Golie Nyirenda (Knowledge Management & Communication Specialist - FARMSE) and O'Brien Mandala (Ultra-poor Graduation Specialist - FARMSE). The following Officers visited Likoma Community Radio Station for financial assessment Sam Somanje (Financial Accountant - FARMSE) and Alfrey Kamenya (Procurement Specialist - FARMSE)

During this field visit to Likoma, FARMSE Officials carried out a number of activities. These activities include; Courtesy call to the District Commissioner, Visit Community Based Financial Organizations, DPICT Meeting, Meeting with Likoma Community Radio and visit IOF Agents. Four CBFOs were visited. At the end of the visit, FARMSE officials commended Likoma District Council for the Excellent CBFOs with good process and visioning process and urged the district to focus on consolidating results through network in the district, quality capacity building initiatives through good coordination between district team, implementing partner and community facilitators.

Representing Likoma District Council during these field visits was Simeon Bondera Nyirenda in his remarks Mr. Nyirenda thanked FARMSE for the support it gives to Likoma District Council that has help the Council to monitor and supervise CBFOs. He also mentioned that it is encouraging seeing FARMSE achieving its objectives.

22/04/2022

LIKOMA DISTRICT COMMISSIONER ERIC NEMA HAILS GOVERNMENT FOR ECONOMIC EPOWERMENT PROGROMMES BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THE DISTRICT: APEALS TO DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS TO SUPPORT WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT

The Malawi Government is implementing the Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprise (FARMSE). FARMSE is a seven-year nationwide development programme implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic, Planning and Development from 2018 to 2025. The programme supports household economic development through access to financial services that are appropriate to each socioeconomic level of poverty. In Likoma the Malawi Government is implementing FARMSE through Opportunity International. As one way of tracking progress in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), Likoma District Council with financial assistance from Opportunity International organized and conducted a 5 days District monitoring programme. The main objective was to understand and appreciate how village savings and loan groups are performing. The District Council also wanted to understand and appreciate achievement made by VSLAs, encourage VSLA members, appreciate savings mobilization, understanding and appreciate challenges faced by VSLAs.

The district monitoring programme was designed in a special way that it provided a platform for VSLA members to interact with district council officials including the District Commissioner. During the monitoring programme 15 VSLAs supported by Opportunity International were visited. Members of VSLAs reported a number of success stories. The District Commissioner Mr. Eric Nema was impressed with the reports presented by VSLAs. It was pleasing to note that in 2021 some groups managed to mobilize savings ranging from K2million to K6million which was shared out in December. Mthawira VSLA with a total of 26 female members, shared-out K5, 449, 750.00 the least paid member went away with K197, 000 and the Highest paid member received K321, 000. Speak with members of Mthawira VSLA, the District Commissioner Eric Nema expressed gratitude to Government for the economic empowerment activities being implemented in the district. According to the Mr. Nema he came to Likoma in April 2019 then there were no such active groups. The DC also commended women for participating in economic empowerment activities and communicated that he will take responsibility of inviting development partners to support women economic empowerment programmes. He also urged the District Community Development Office to bring in innovations that will help and sustain these groups.

The acting Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Likoma district council, Mr. Leonard Kathalowamo unveiled plans for the district to build the capacity of VSLAs and support them to graduate into cooperatives considering that the district has only one Likoma COMSIP Cooperative. Responding to the DC’s call on behalf of Community Development Office was Simeon Bondera Nyirenda the Community Development Assistant in his few remarks said that the department of community development is committed to support these groups. He informed members that community development office has started introducing a number of products such like purposive savings where VSLA members set goals at the beginning of the cycle and save to reach their goal.

According to Cosmas Mhango CBFO Field Officer for Opportunity International, FARMSE target for three years is 54 VSLAs in Likoma but so far they have reached to 28 VSLAs with a total of 550 members of which 69 are males and 481 are females. Mr. Mhango also mentioned that though the target is 54 but they have managed to identify and assess 64 VSLAs. Opportunity International supports VSLAs in the following areas; VSLA methodology, financial education, life skills & environmental care, entrepreneurship, technical skills, household methodology, peer to peer mentorship, enterprise & development and establishment, identification and assessment of VSLAs.

Some of the success stories reported include Dorothy Mzama a member of Tikondane VSLA who in 2020 after sharing-out received K200, 000 which she invested in fish business and managed to building a house. Dorothy is a single parent with 3 children.
The story of Eunice Kalima who owns an engine boat also attracted the attention of district council officials. The boat is the fruit harvested from FARMSE project.