Dignitaries at Project Citizen Malawi Finals, June 21st

Mrs. Matrida Kabuye from the Education Ministry and U.S. Ambassador Alan Eastham have their picture taken with Dr. Chakwera, Principal of Domasi College, and, Misheck Munthali, Civitas Malawi country director and organizer of Project Citizen Malawi, underneath the large Civitas Malawi showcase banner.

Project Citizen Malawi National Team Announced on June 21st

This final Project Citien contest was an unqualified success, especially because it was attended by the U.S. Ambassador Alan Eastham, who watched part of the Chichiri team’s oral defense and all of the Ekwendeni Girls team’s defense. The Deputy Minister of Education sent her lead negotiator, Mrs. Matrida Kabuye, to make the Keynote Address. There were four Education Division Managers who attended, and in the end, Ambassador Eastham had the honor of bestowing the honors and the Project Citizen National Team Trophy to the Ekwendeni Girls.

It was apparent that Misheck Munthali and the rest of his Civitas Malawi team were exhausted after the last 9 days of traveling and organizing for the regional and national contests, and this on top of 10 months of preparation. However, what was even more apparent was how proud they were that their program helped these students develop into the kind of citizens who now have learned the values, attitude and skills needed to take the responsibility and initiative to make their communities and county the best that they can be.

Mrs. Kabuye said in her speech indicate “One of the main goals of Project Citizen Malawi is the need to strengthen democracies, especially emerging democracies like ours in Malawi. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it must also be remembered that without educating citizens to take part in the democratic affairs of their nations, no democracy can flourish. It is for this reason, that the participation of these students and the great display of their talents like this is quite encouraging for us Malawians.”

Here are some priceless memories for all who were present.

Likuni Boys Secondary (Central) Defend their PC Portfolio at the Finals, June 21st

Central Regional Winners: Likuni Boys Secondary School (near Lilongwe): “Poor Road Infrastructure to Likuni Primary School, its Causes and Far Reaching Consequences”

Project Citizen Malawi Contest, the NATIONAL FINALS, June 21st

Project Citizen Malawi Contest, the NATIONAL FINALS, located at Chinsapo Secondary School (near Lilongwe, the capitol city), June 21, 2007

Three secondary schools participated in the finals, representing their regions. The following were the regions and the topics of their research, policy analysis and action proposals:

Central Regional Winners: Likuni Boys Secondary School (near Lilongwe): “Poor Road Infrastructure to Likuni Primary School, its Causes and Far Reaching Consequences”

Southern Regional Winners: Chichiri Secondary School (near Blantyre): “Refueling Minibuses while Passengers are on Board Resulting in Fire and Personal Injury and Public Endangerment”

Northern Regional Winners: Ekwendeni Girls Secondary School (near Mzuzu): “Poverty and its Effects, A Case Study of Ekwendeni Community”

Project Citizen Malawi Southern Regionals June 12th

Here and below are a couple of wonderful pictures that capture the spirit of the event that was held over the last two days at Domasi College of Education. Project Citizen Malawi held their first regional showcase (we don't use the word 'competition' here) from which one school was chosen to go on to the finals to be held in the Capitol City, Lilongwe, on June 21. At Domasi, 6 schools attended, bringing 16 wonderful, hard working students each. I leave today for the Northern Regionals in which 3 smaller village schools will showcase their work, and then at the Central Regionals in Lilongwe several days later, 8 more schools will do the same to represent their area. At the finals, we are honored that the U.S. Ambassador, Alan Eastham, has agreed to be our special guest who will announce the awards and praise the students. Also attending as honored guests will be various members of the Ministry of Education, inculding the Deputy Minister who will give the keynote address. This is such amazing progress since Civitas Malawi was founded by Mishek Munthali, Domasi College of Education, only two years ago. His team's hard work, commitment and dedication is showing deserved rewards. And as the Principal (or President) of Domasi College told the students and audience yesterday, their work will travel well beyond the walls of their classrooms now, and beyond to their families, communities and country. Mr. Munthali also told them that they are the "hope of Malawi." I was so proud to be a participant as a judge and thrilled to be a witness to the serious work of so many students, teachers, schools and patrons.

Teachers working under the cool shade tree

The beautiful campus of Domasi College of Education is the site of the Civitas Malawi teacher education workshop.

Our In-Service Teacher Workshop, June 5-6

Civitas Malawi Country Director, Misheck Malawi and Dr. Fay Kelle lead Workshop for teachers.

Domasi College of Education In-Service Teacher Workshop

Tuesday and Wednesday, June th and 6th, we hosted our first in-service teacher training on teaching democratic citizenship. We held the workshop in the Center for Distance Education on the campus of Domasi college of Education. I led the discussions on the foundations of democracy and citizenship and how those principles should influence our teaching across the curriculum; and, Civitas Malawi country director, Mischeck Munthali, led the discussions about Project Citizen curriculum and activities in Malawi today. Fourteen teachers from the surrounding area attended the first day, then, a few more joined us on the next, for a total of 16 teachers and one District Manager. It was a deeply rewarding experience from which I learned a great deal about the high quality, integrity and commitment of the excellent teachers that attended. Here are some picutures reflecting our experience in the classroom and in the break-out sessions during the two-day workshop.

This afternoon I am off to Zomba, the home of the University of Malawi, the Chancellor's College, to make a one-hour presentation on "Education for Democratic Citizenship." I'll post a report of that event soon. Thanks so much for following my posts. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can send them to me at fay.kelle@yahoo.com. Best wishes, Fay