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Why Malawi?

Animal Rights

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Animal rights is an important topic that has gained significant attention worldwide, and it is especially relevant in countries like Malawi, where the treatment of animals often reflects broader societal values and challenges. In Malawi, the issue of animal rights is particularly visible in urban areas, where we frequently see dogs wandering the streets, many of them victims of traffic accidents. This situation raises critical questions about the responsibilities of pet owners and the need for greater awareness and action regarding animal welfare. In many cities across Malawi, it is common to see dogs roaming freely, often without collars or any form of identification. This lack of supervision leads to a high number of dogs being hit by cars, resulting in injuries or even death. The sight of injured animals on the roadside is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of neglect. Many pet owners do not take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their dogs, allowing them to wand...

Children's Rights

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Children's rights are fundamental principles that ensure the well-being and development of children across the globe. Recognizing that children are the future leaders of our societies is crucial, as they hold the potential to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. They are not just our future; they are also a precious gift from God, deserving of love, protection, and care. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. At the heart of children's rights is the understanding that every child, regardless of their background, deserves to live in a safe and nurturing environment. This includes access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education. When children are provided with these essentials, they are more likely to grow into healthy, educated, and empowered adults. It is essential to recognize that a child's development is not only a personal journey but also a soc...

The Fight for Women’s Rights

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Women's rights have been a pivotal issue throughout history, shaping societies and influencing cultures across the globe. The fight for equality has evolved over the years, encompassing various aspects of life, including political representation, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Despite significant progress, many challenges remain, highlighting the ongoing need for advocacy and awareness. One of the fundamental aspects of women's rights is the right to education. Education empowers women, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate fully in society. It opens doors to better job opportunities and enables women to make informed decisions about their lives and families. However, in many parts of the world, girls still face barriers to education due to cultural norms, poverty, and violence. According to UNESCO, an estimated 130 million girls worldwide are out of school, which is a staggering figure that illustrates the scale of the proble...

Merry Christmas

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As we celebrate this Christmas season, it’s essential to reflect on the true spirit of the holiday: love and unity. In a world that can often feel divided, let us take this opportunity to embrace one another, fostering connections that uplift rather than hurt. Life is too short to hold onto grudges or let negativity prevail.  This Christmas, let’s commit to treating each other with kindness and compassion. Every small act of love can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s a warm smile, a helping hand, or simply taking the time to listen, these gestures can make a significant difference in someone’s day.  As we gather with family and friends, let’s remember that we are all part of a larger community. Together, we can spread joy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. May this Christmas serve as a reminder to cherish our relationships and to strive for harmony in our lives. Let love guide us, not just during the holidays but throughout the entire...

The Untold Fate -Short Story

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  GUEST WRITER : Demetria Herman Banda (Writer & Constable)  Qualification- Degree in Journalism. “Why me?! Why!” A scream echoed in all directions of the neighbourhood. People wondered, babies cried, birds ran.  “Who could that be?” asked Mrs Bulea. Nobody dared to recognise my voice. It was a voice of a heart broken woman. A voice of sadness. It expressed hatred. In no time the voice came through the walls again. It was me, the respected single lady. I couldn’t help it but rent in sadness’ peace less house. Mrs Bulea, the neighbourhood’s all time gossiper, made a good guess of my voice. Thanks to her eardrums. “That must be Delia,” she guessed to fellow women who were having a women gathering. No answer came past any woman’s mouth. “Am sure of it,” Mrs Bulea backed her guess. “Why are you suggesting that it’s my neighbour?” Mrs Mwawa wanted to know. “You know she is the only one in this neighbourhood whom life got hard on the day of every boy’s dream,” said ...

Nabiyeni's White Son-Short Story

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   The door was still closed and nobody knew what was happening inside the house. After knocking on the main door several times, Cheulanda the gate man stood facing the door whilst pondering the next move. It simply was not normal that neither his boss nor the house maid could hear the knock. He had been knocking on the door for thirty minutes but to no avail. The time was already past 1:30 in the afternoon, usually, he would have finished his lunch by this time. He had to act fast as he was famished.  The two had not come out of the house since the previous evening when they had gone to sleep. They always wake up at around 7 am every day except on weekends. Even Brown did not go to work that day, a thing which worried Cheulanda. “What has happened to these people? Why are they not opening the door?” wondered Cheulanda.   Suddenly, he had an idea to break the door. He then quickly picked a huge stone and threw it at the door. Bang! The door shook, but did not yi...

2024 CHINUA ACHEBE LITERARY FESTIVAL AND MEMORIAL LECTURE

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The 2024 edition of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, was held in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State on 16th November, with many dignitaries. PREPARATIONS Izunna Okafor, is the State Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter) —the literary body that organizes the event — . According to him, Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, initiated in 2016 and currently in its 9th edition, is a literary event the association annually organizes in honour and memory of Nigerian literary icon, Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, in celebration of his life, works and legacies. He added that this year’s event (as usual) held on Achebe’s birthday, November 16, 2024, at the Anambra State Central E-Library (also known as the Prof. Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library Library) in Awka.starting at 9AM prompt; with many dignitaries and participants in attendance. While revealing this year’s theme of the event as “Remembering Achebe… In a T...

REMEMBERING CHINUA ACHEBE BY BENEDICTO WOKOMAATANI MALUNGA

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GUEST WRITER-BENEDICTO WOKOMAATANI MALUNGA (Malawian author, Poet and Lecturer)  A gentle Igbo giant Bedecked with impeccable Literary credentials and accolades When you humbly walked this earth You rest quietly  In the belly of Africa You loved and defended When Joseph Conrad And Joyce Cary Dismembered its personality With intellectual jaundice Born of racial bias Stinking with distortions Springing from cultural And historical ignorance Only bigots weave into Their stories of denigration Tales calculated at putting down People whose past was no nightmare Whose history was no night of  darkness To be dreaded by its modern children To be despised by the present generation Chinua Achebe the father of African literature You are to be saluted in death Just as you were praised in life For retrieving our lost glory Through Things Fall Apart The reservoir of culture and history We can happily cherish as our own Enriched by recreation provided By a memorable wrestling match Pair...

Malawi Parliament Passes Arts NAHEC Bill, Boosting Creative Sector

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Matilda Phiri (Author & Poet) reciting her poem to pupils at Phaloni Primary School in Phalombe The Malawi Parliament has passed the long-awaited Arts NAHEC (National Arts, Heritage, and Cultural) Bill, a landmark decision set to revitalize the country’s creative industries. This bill is expected to enhance support for various artistic talents, including literature, music, film, and other cultural expressions, marking a significant step in promoting Malawi’s rich heritage and diverse talents. As an author, I can’t wait to see the impact this will have on writing and other talents in our country. This bill will offer much-needed support to creatives, providing platforms for their work to thrive and be appreciated both locally and globally. The bill, which aims to establish a framework for nurturing and promoting the arts, has been widely supported by the creative community. With new funding opportunities and institutional backing, many expect that the next generation of Malawian art...

When Love Turns Sour ~ Short Story

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Guest Writer: Dr Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga (Malawian author, Poet and Academician) He knocked on the Kanjedza house door leading into the living room of his girlfriend's elder sister. He knew her as a cheerful lady. She was also very good at cultivating rapport with all those she met. In conversation, she was deliciously engaging. Needless to say that as Pangaliindu knocked her door, an air of calmness and self- assurance prevailed around him. Before coming here, he had called at the house where the retired parents of his girlfriend resided. There, he was told that Zitha his girlfriend had gone out to visit her elder sister a couple of hours ago. Since Pangaliindu was not in a hurry to go home, he decided to follow his girlfriend where she had gone although he had not alerted her that he would meet her. After all, it was purely by chance, that he was in the same town as where his lover was. Otherwise he should have been 60 kilometers away in the town where he lived and worked. ...