By Vincent Khonje
Through the use of study circles, the Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS) Phungu Wanga Project has enhanced communities’ understanding in Mchinji of the roles of Parliament and its members.
Umodzi Study Circle Chairperson, Davie Damazio, said most communities in the area of Traditional Authority Simphasi did not understand the role of parliament, but have now been educated through the study cycle.
“The Phungu Wanga Project has enlightened us. We now know that Members of Parliament (MPs) play an oversight role, making laws and representing us in the parliament,” Damazio said.
Using a football bonanza at Chimteka ground in the area on Saturday, CCSS reached out to the communities around.
CCSS Phungu Wanga Field Officer, George Ntaba, said they used a football bonanza as a vehicle for spreading messages about the functions of Parliament and the roles of MPs.
“It has been a positive journey. We are working with structures like study circles to engage one-on-one with the constituents. We are also trying to engage the citizens to also interact with the MPs,” Ntaba said.
Malawi Parliament spokesperson Ian Mwenye said he is happy that the communities are steadily grasping the aim of the project.
“The response from the people has been very good. The engagements have yielded a positive response,” Mwenye said.
The Phungu Wanga Project is funded by the European Union through Save the Children and is being implemented in Mchinji, Balaka, and Rumphi.
