The EU Delegation organised a field monitoring mission for the EU Ambassador, Marchel Gerrmann to appreciate progress at some selected projects in the Northern Region. The mission was held from 21st to 22nd May 2018 and was participated by the NAO SU and relevant implementing line ministries. The interventions and sites visited included; Mzuzu Technical College (MTC) for a Renewable Energy Trade initiative under Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP), Chibabvi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) for Rehabilitation and Construction Project under Improving Secondary Education in Malawi (ISEM) Programme, Mzuzu Research Training Centre (RTC) for Farmers’ Field School (FFS) under Kutukula Ulimi m’Malawi (KULIMA) Programme, and launch of Paralegal and Village Mediation Services under Chilungamo Programme by Paralegal Advisory Services Institute (PASI) at Mzuzu Prison Ground.

The launch of PASI was graced by the Resident Representative of UNDP Maria Jose Torres, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (MoJCA), beneficiary Traditional Leaders, Mzuzu Police Service, Mzuzu Prison Service, Criminal Justice Agencies, Village Mediators and the Media team. FFS at Mzuzu RTC under KULIMA Programme was involved by FAO team, Mzuzu ADD team and Master Trainers from the surrounding districts. Renewable Energy Trade at MTC under STEP was participated by TEVETA team, Mzuzu Diocesan Secretary, the Collage staff and the students doing the trade in question. At Chibabvi CDSS, we had PLEM team, the Head Teacher and other staff members from the school.

Launch of Access to Justice by PASI – under Chilungamo Programme

At Mzuzu Prision Ground, PASI launched “the Access to Justice through Paralegal and Village Mediation Services” on 22nd May, 2018. These services are implemented across the country by PASI with funding from the EU under the Chilungamo (Justice and Accountability) Programme and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event was officially graced by the EU Ambassador to Malawi, Marchel Gerrmann.

A number of activities were conducted during the launch including comedy depicting PASI Paralegal Services in police, courts and prisons, role play on PASI Village Mediation Services in communities, case studies and testimonies from the beneficiaries, and symbolic presentation of the bicycles to the Village Mediators.

Farmer Field School at Mzuzu RTC – under KULIMA

At Mzuzu RTC, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is implementing Farmer Field School (FFS) activities for various crop enterprises under KULIMA Programme which is funded by the EU. FFS is a season long and field based technology for different Agricultural Enterprises. The Master Trainers and the Lead Farmers from different district in the North are being invited and trained in sessions at this RTC.

The current enterprises being advanced by the FFS which were appreciated during the field visit included banana and different vegetable crops production. Farmers are encouraged to practice these enterprises/technologies in their respective farms with support by the Extension Workers. The RTC has already planted the following eleven banana crop varieties which are also being expanded on the site there; Mulanje, Nzeru, William, Buganda, Sukali, Zomba Red, Kapeni, Kafupi, SH3640, SH5205/1 and SH5295/1.

Renewable Energy at MTC – under STEP

At Mzuzu Technical Collage (MTC), construction works of Renewable Energy Classroom, Laboratory and a Collage Library are in progress with support from a Grant Project under Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP). The project is expected to procure and install all the necessary tools and equipment just soon after these building are completed for students’ use. Currently, the students are learning their Energy Trade based on power from the ESCOM grid. Students are able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in the real world within the collage and the surrounding communities.

Chibabvi CDSS – under ISEM Programme

At Chibabvi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), works activities are progressing quite well under ISEM Programme despite prior challenges related to the site being lowland and water lodged area. Most of construction activities i.e. classrooms, laboratories and ablution among others are done. Currently, the School Hall is the one remaining with substantial amount of construction works which is planned to finish within the allotted time. The school will be furnished with desks, tools and equipment accordingly to support education services when all works activities are finalised.

The following are the highlights of the different programmes activities that were showcased in the four visited sites during the field mission to Mzuzu: