By Maston Kaiya
Paramount Chief Ngwenyama Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V on Saturday launched the first ever Maseko Ngoni initiation rites book, during the Umhlangano cultural ceremony at Nkolimbo Village ground in the area of Senior Chief Kwataine in Ntcheu district.
The Ngwenyama said the overall aim of the book is to act as a standard guide for conducting initiation among the Maseko Ngoni people.
He said the documentation comes from a background that there have been different ways on how the practice is conducted within the Maseko Ngoni.
“It is worth noting that the initiation ceremony among the Maseko Ngoni has never been documented and therefore pose a risk of not preserving the practice and passing it to the next generation,” he said.
On his part the National Director for World Vision Malawi Francis Dube said Chinamwali among the Maseko Ngoni plays a vital role.
He said it defines the Maseko Ngoni people and it is part of their history and culture.
He said while the practice has numerous benefits, it also has some areas that hinder the rights of children such as encouraging children to marry after they undergo the practice while others dropped out of school.
He added that some other gaps are related to other child rights violations such as the language that is used, the place where the practice is done and the completeness of the content.
Meanwhile, Principal Gender Officer for Ntcheu Phaless Chizule, has said teen pregnancies was at an increase in Ntcheu district which Gender office believes was influenced by teachings in the initiation camps as can be referred in the initiation syllabus captured in the booklet.
“The booklet is vital as it encourages parents on good parenting, health and sanitation and most importantly it puts much emphasis on education,’ said Chizule and added that it will also reduce child marriages consequently reducing poverty at household levels.
