By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has advised members of the District Advisory Forum (DAF) to sensitise communities of their rights and responsibilities so that they can hold duty bearers accountable for any development activities being implemented in their respective areas.
NICE Trust Civic Education Expert, Glory Ngosi Maulidi said this on Tuesday during the orientation meeting on the organisation’s roles, strategic plan, and pillars with the newly elected DAF members in Blantyre.
Maulidi said apart from DAF members providing guidance, advice, and additional information to NICE initiatives, they should also ensure that communities are empowered with information to demand good quality services from government or non-governmental organisations without fail.
“Most community members are afraid to hold their duty bearers accountable because they do not have information about their rights and responsibilities. For instance, if there are development projects coming to their areas, they should know that they have the right to demand for quality services, and also the projects should be beneficial to them,” she said.
Maulidi expressed optimism that the DAF members will support NICE in the delivery of civic education on all issues of national importance.
In his remarks, DAF Chairperson Ken Mdala thanked NICE for entrusting them with the task of supporting the organisation in the implementation of its activities.
He said: “We are geared to raise awareness to communities on governance, accountability, and transparency issues so that they are empowered to demand various developments to benefit them.”
