Malawian On Ambitious Plot to Promote Culture of Reading

28-year-old Cleo Bonny, a Malawian citizen who is passionate about reading, plans to travel the world promoting the culture of reading.

He is currently visiting schools in Namibia encouraging learners to read more as this will improve their knowledge and gain more information.He said, to start with this project, he struggled with finances resulting in him writing a book on children titled "The young commentator".

The passionate Malawian reader, Cleo Bonny, plans to travel the world and promote the culture of reading.

He is using the money he made from the sales of the book to travel and encourage and try and raise the level of reading. He has been in most southern African countries and from Namibia; he will be going to Angola.

Bonny says many children cannot express themselves well, read fluently and properly and with a situation like this, what kind of future leadership can one expect? He said he approaches school principals and ask for permission to visit classes and talk to the learners about the culture of reading.

Bonny said teachers give attention to learners that do well. But he said one can also understand the teachers' situation since the classes they cater for are too big which makes the situation difficult for them.

Bonny stresses the fact that there is no education without reading, no government without reading since this will lead to corruption, unemployment, economic deterioration and leads to people going to other countries.

He says it would be good if presidents could encourage their nations to read more as the philosophy of reading can work wonders. He stresses that the culture of reading is not only for schools but should be a general thing. Bonny says he is hoping on finishing all countries in Africa, and then plans on going to the rest of the world. He says his mother is the one who taught him to read, something he is very grateful for. He says to be able to move around without any sponsors he had to think economically, and it is all thanks to reading.

Bonny says to improve or learn something new he is planning on going to the United States of America since the problem is the same in Africa. He says he is hoping to inspire people in general and after traveling and spreading awareness on reading, he is planning to establish four schools in four countries, and maybe start a business.

"I am leading by example by showing learners that one can make it and gain a lot through reading," he says

Madonna in charity bash

Madonna is to host a star-studded event to raise money for orphans in Malawi.

The dinner, musical performance and party will take place before a court decides if she can permanently adopt her African baby, David Banda.

The bash in New York, which will also mark the opening of Gucci's largest store in the world, is expected to include Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adrien Brody and Salma Hayek.

Madonna said the party would benefit Unicef and the charity she co-founded in 2006, Raising Malawi.

She and husband Guy Ritchie's bid to adopt David has hit several problems.

Malawi's high court will hold a hearing next year to rule on whether they are suitable parents.

Madonna to Raise $2 Million for Malawi Kids

Madonna is teaming with Gucci and a galaxy of stars to raise money for orphans in Malawi.

The former "material girl" will host the fundraiser – including a dinner, musical performance and party – on Feb. 6 to open Gucci's new store on New York's Fifth Avenue, Reuters reported.

Madonna, 49, and husband Guy Ritchie, 39, are connected to the impoverished southern African nation by 2-year-old David Banda, whom they have been trying to adopt since last year.

"I am grateful that Gucci is joining forces with me to bring attention to a country with millions of children in desperate need of our help," Madonna said in a statement. "Raising Malawi has already done tremendous work in helping these children. But we have much more to do and this event will surely bring us closer to our goal."

The extravaganza is expected to raise at least $2 million to benefit UNICEF and the charity Madonna co-founded in 2006, Raising Malawi, which helps the country’s one million orphans, many of whose parents died of AIDS.

She is joined by a long list of celebrity co-chairs for the event, including Adrien Brody, Salma Hayek, Tea Leoni, Lucy Liu, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Madonna and Ritchie's bid to adopt David has hit several stumbling blocks, but Malawi's High Court is slated to rule next year on whether the two should be allowed to formally adopt the child.

A needy Christian from Malawi takes a shot in the dark, finds light and spirit of Sikhism

Blantyre, Malawi, SE Africa: Imagine sipping on green tea and checking your last unread e-mail before heading to bed at 2a.m. - and it is from one Davie Kasinja, a young African man in Malawi asking for help to pay his exam fees. Our Director, who received this email, was not too tired to be skeptical nor did she have the will to delete the email. But could this be a prank? Who would write to United Sikhs from Malawi? She wrote her last e-mail reply for the night simply saying: “You haven’t given us enough information, please let us know how you qualify for help.”
The Sikh community, even though small in numbers worldwide, is doing a sterling job of charitable work all over the world.

Next morning, Davie Kasinja’s email reply had a list of his credentials, certificates, and the story of how his father’s passing had left him in a state of despair. Davie said that he was at the brink of not being able to sit for the exams in December to complete his Accounting Technician Diploma ACCA. He couldn’t come up with the $612 needed to pay his tuition fees and register by the Sept 30th deadline.

At this point, United Sikhs was faced with two issues. First off, there was no ongoing project under which Kasinja could be helped. There was a project named Sikh With A Need (SWAN), which hitherto was aimed to provide emergency funds and logistics to Sikhs in crisis. Davie Kasinja was a Christian. Secondly, like with any other claim, this one had to be investigated, and how do we investigate a claim in far-away Malawi, before the deadline date.
We decided that the first one was not so much an issue, since Sikhs have always been a giving community. It would be as good a time as any to broaden the project to call it ‘Someone With a Need’ (SWAN). As for the investigative work, UNITED SIKHS dug into its international network and contacted a supporter in the UK, Harjit Singh Dhanoa, who had himself migrated from Malawi 30 years ago. An email that same day to Harjit Singh received a promptly reply overnight: “I have asked my friend in Blantyre, Dr Mac, (a medical doctor, Dr. Mahomed Abdul Rehman Mukadam) to meet with Davie to verify his claim.
Within 48 hours, Dr. Mac met Davie, checked his documents and his college and was able to confirm to United Sikhs that Davie was indeed in need, the college was credible and that he would be a worthy candidate for our SWAN program. Davie is one of five children of a family who are living on the meager earnings of their mother. He had no means of finding local support in a country that faced its worst food shortage last year, with more than 4 million people, 34% of the population, without adequate food supplies.

“My mission has always been focused on schooling mainly to fly high on the academic horizon so that I can support myself and the entire family”, Davie said in support of his appeal. This flight was about to be grounded with the death of his father.

His mother runs a business of selling pancakes in his local village to support herself and her two daughters who stay with her. Her income is equivalent to $2 a day, and is barely enough to sustain them. Davie’s dream is to become a Chartered Accountant. The thought of this dream being shattered is what persuaded him to try and find someone to help him.

It was agreed that UNITED SIKHS would pay $612.00 towards Davie’s fees via our representative, Dr. Mac, directly to the college. Mr. Harjit Singh Dhanoa volunteered to donate the money necessary for the tuition. And it was decided that the presentation of the check would be made, on behalf of UNITED SIKHS, at the local Gurdwara ( Sikh place of worship) in Malawi, by the President of the Sikh Association, Tarlochan Singh, and Dr. Mac.

Davie Kasinja and 3 representatives from the Malawi College of Accountancy, led by Mr. Machila, arrived at the Gurudwara at 1 pm and were served langar (a community meal). Davie informed the Sangat (Sikh congregation) how, in his desperation, he was scouring the internet and came across UNITED SIKHS and the SWAN Project. He expressed his gratitude to the Sikh community in Malawi and UNITED SIKHS for helping him to pursue his career.


Dr Mac handing the cheque to the college principal with Davie Kasinja looking on
Dr. Mac explained how Mr. Harjit Singh Dhanoa involved him in the project: “The Sikh community, even though small in numbers worldwide, is doing a sterling job of charitable work all over the world”. He cited a popular Langar on the Nairobi/Mombasa highway, where anyone, regardless of caste, color, religion or creed, can stop to have a meal, water, or simply to freshen up.

“Davie was a suitable beneficiary for the SWAN project, which according to the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala (service for the benefit of all), is now open to non-Sikhs, after we renamed the project – Someone With a Need (SWAN),”said Gurmeet Kaur, a United Sikhs director who initiated the SWAN project two years ago, when she organized an appeal for another beneficiary, Partap Singh of Peru.

“United Sikhs is only able to run the SWAN projects if there are ready donors and we are able to verify the applicant’s claims to establish if he/she is in urgent need and have tried all other means and failed,” Gurmeet Kaur added.
Davie wrote to United Sikhs, “Words are failing me to put into writing how much I am thankful for your support to finish my schooling. It was nice to be amongst Sikhs during the cheque presentation ceremony at the Gurdwara. They are a wonderful people, so caring and lovely”. He recently contacted United Sikhs to inform us that he is busy studying for the exams that he will be sitting for in December, thanks to our help. He wrote that he is forever grateful for our support and will continue to stay in touch.

Rude welcome for Malawi

SOCCER – Malawi national team, The Flames arrived in Swaziland only to get a rude welcome yesterday.

First, nobody went to meet the team at the Matsapha International Airport on arrival, except for a bus that was to take the team to their camping venue, which had also somewhat changed from Tum’s George Hotel in Manzini to Simunye Country Club.

It turned out that the Tum’s George Hotel was fully-booked, despite the FA revealing early this week that the Malawi national team would camp there, while Sihlangu SeMnikati camps at the nearby Global Village. The two teams meet in a friendly game at the Trade Fair grounds on Sunday, starting at 3:30p.m.

Malawi players were shocked when the bus took the long route to Simunye Country Club, about 70 kilometres away from Manzini, jetlag and all.

When they got to Simunye, the delegation refused to disembark from the bus for about three hours, threatening to return home. They felt the Simunye Country Club was a far cry from what they expected, apart from the fact that it is obviously very far from the venue of the friendly match.

The players felt that any accommodation prepared for a national team should match FIFA standards, in spite of the fact that this is only a friendly game.

Head of delegation McCollings Chibvunde, who was also stranded for about three hours at the airport, hungry and exhausted, said they were very disappointed with the NFAS.

He said he agreed to have the team sleep overnight, but did not mince words about returning to Malawi if the FA failed to find proper accommodation by the end of today.

Chibvunde added that they were yet to call their football authorities back home to consult about the next move.

He said they could not just walk away because the two football associations (NFAS and Malawi FA) had a good relationship hence they had to be diplomatic on what actions to take.

"It would be an embarrassment if we did anything stupid. Even FIFA would be shocked. We see this only in East Africa, where they usually do this to disturb us ahead of a game, psychologically or otherwise. It's unfair to us," he said.

Chibvunde said visitors were supposed to be treated well.

Meanwhile, the coach was so angry he declined to speak to the media.

A meeting was hastily organised late last night, where FA President Frederick Mngomezulu and first vice-president Timothy Shongwe met the Malawi delegation.

Interviewed after the meeting, Mngomezulu said they had no idea when the team would be arriving at the airport and expected a call on arrival.

"After they called us at around 3p.m, we then sent someone to meet them. Already, a bus from the Ministry of Home Affairs was waiting at airport, from 11a.m," he said.

He added that when they met the Malawi officials last night, the leader of the delegation was not happy with the distance between Simunye and the venue of the match, while the coach complained that the venue was not up to standard.

He said the FA was also concerned about the venue but they will do everything to make sure the visitors are happy, adding that they would be looking for an alternative accomodation around Ezulwini. But he said that would depend on the availability of a training facility as well as rooms for the delegation.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports are to the effect that the team may be booked at Why Not Disco and Nightclub.

On another note, as earlier reported that Malawi was bringing a strong squad as they were taking this game seriously, all international players arrived yesterday. They include two who ply their trade in Tanzania, six from South Africa and two European-based players.

Netball World Champs: Day 7 updates

9.36pm
Full time NZ 59 Jamaica 49
The Silver Ferns have come back from a four-goal halftime deficit to beat Jamaica and set up a Transtasman Netball World Championship final.

Down 26-30 at the break, the Ferns hit the lead for the first time in the third quarter and never looked back.

They will play Australia in the final game of the tournament at 8.10 tomorrow night.

9.21pm
Third quarter NZ 40 Jamaica 39
The Silver Ferns have taken the lead by the slimmest of margins and you could be forgiven for thinking The Beatles have gotten back together by the screeching from the crowd.

With nine minutes remaining in the quarter the Ferns hit the front, thanks mainly to a determined defensive effort.

9.01pm
Second quarter NZ 26 Jamaica 30
A tight Jamaican midcourt and pinpoint accuracy from goal shoot Romelda Aiken have given the Sunshine Girlz a four-point lead over the Silver Ferns at halftime.

There were tears from Ferns defender Leana de Bruin after she rolled her ankle and hit the ground hard. However, de Bruin shook it off and continued to play.

The Ferns need to do some serious regrouping during the break and if the unthinkable does happen and they are defeated it won't be due to lack of support, with a sonic-boom of cheers erupting around the stadium every time the home side scores a goal.

8.33pm
First quarter NZ 13 Jamaica 16
Jamaica came out of the blocks quickly and it took the Silver Ferns over two minutes to get on the board.

A tough battle in midcourt is brewing with Ferns centre already clashing twice with Jamaica's Kasey Evering.

The pressure also seemed to be getting to Irene van Dyk with the star shooter making some uncharacteristic errors.

7.28pm
Australia are into the Netball World Championships final.

Australia produced a commanding performance against a disappointing England side for a 51-33 victory.

6.52pm
Cook Islands coach Ana Noovao said Malawi played an "old style" of netball this afternoon, throwing long balls which was unexpected and unorthodox.

"They were a lot more hungry and I think their mental toughness was a lot more sharper than my team," Noovao said.

She said Malawi's success was healthy for netball because of their unique style.

Noovao said she has had to ring the changes during the tournament.

"We've got some pretty weary bodies out there," she said.

Noovao hopes to be back at the next World Championships to continue building on the strong foundation of Cook Islands netball.

"A lot of these players I've got now, it's their first international hit out," she said.

But there is certainly potential within the ranks and the development programme will enhance that.

"We got trashed a little bit about the Australian game but we're not out to do any favours for anybody but ourselves and that was to increase our ranking and we are doing that but I'd like the team to maintain a good performance," Noovao said.

5.48pm
South Africa have edged out Samoa 54-50 and will play Malawi in the playoff for fifth and sixth positions.

Malawi were too much for the Cook Islands, winning 61-47.

Samoa and the Cooks will be first on court tomorrow afternoon when they playoff for seventh and eighth.

5.05pm
The minor placings at the Netball World Champs have been found with Fiji finishing best of the rest after their 65-20 win over Botswana.

Trinidad deafeated Wales 48-45 to finish 11th, Barbados finished in 13th place after beating Scotland 51-45, while Singapore notched their first win of the tournament and avoided finishing last with their 59-44 victory over Malaysia.

Bids sought for Malawi roads-rehabilitation plan

The Malawi government is inviting applications from eligible international consulting firms with experi- ence in working in developing countries to bid for the provision of consultancy services involving the supervision of the rehabilitation of several major roads, being implemented as part of the Malawi Backlog Road Rehabilitation and Main-tenance (MABARM) programme, funded by the European Union (EU).

Included in the programme are the rehabilitation of the approximately 80-km Chikwawa–Bangula section and the 70-km Liwonde–Mangochi section, in the south of the country.

The National Authorising Office (NAO) for EU-financed projects at Malawi’s Ministry of Finance says in a statement that the rehabilitation exercise will entail repairing and single-seal dressing of sections in a relatively good condition, reconstruction and double-surface dressing of failed sections and the reconstruction of gravel road sections with a crushed stone base and surface dressing.

It says the consultancy work for the Chikwawa–Bangula road section will be rendered over months, while that for the Liwonde–Mangochi section will require 20 months to be completed.

“The two sections are about 150 km apart and two supervision teams will be required,” says the NAO.

It says that the consultancy teams for the Chikwawa–Bangula and Mangochi–Liwonde roads should include a resident engineer (who will be the team leader), a materials engineer, measurement engineers, laboratory technicians, surveyors, and inspectors of works.

“Inputs from a structural engi- neer and a draughtsperson, in addition to the occasional specialist input (to be advised) will cater for both road sections,” says the NAO.

The other consultancy con- tracts under the MABARM programme will entail the provision of consultancy services by acting as the project supervisor’s representative for the rehabilitation and maintenance of urban roads in the city of Mzuzu, and the Mzuzu–Bwengu road section in the northern region of the Southern African country.

The Mzuzu urban roads work consists of the repair, essential reconstruction and sealing of 19 roads or groups of roads total- ling 18 km, with full reconstruction of deformed sections, while the Mzuzu–Bwengu road provides about 28 km of single-seal surfacing.

“The works will be divided into two lots and may be carried out by one or two contractors. One supervision contract will cover both lots, which will be awarded concurrently.

“The period of performance of the works contracts is expected to be nine months, in addition to a 12-month maintenance period,” says the NAO.

It adds that the required staff includes a resident engineer and team leader, senior materials tech nicians, measurement engineers, laboratory technicians, surveyors, draughtspersons and inspectors of works.

“Occasional specialist input (to be advised) may be instructed,” says the NAO.

As part of the MABARM programme, the NAO is also invit- ing applications from consulting firms interested in acting as the supervisor’s representative for the periodic maintenance of the Lilongwe–Nsipe road, in central Malawi.

“As the supervisor will be the Roads Authority of Malawi, the consulting firm will provide all the support services necessary to supervise the works as well as managing an advance programme of testing to determine the depth of reconstruction,” explains the NAO.

It says the period of performance of the works is expected to be 18 months, in addition to a 12-month maintenance period.

As is the case with the other projects, the NAO says, the con-sultancy team should include a resident engineer/team leader, materials engineers, measure- ment engineers, laboratory tech- nicians, surveyors, draughts- persons and inspectors of works.

“Participation is open to all legal persons from EU member states, which contribute funding to the African, Caribbean and Pacifice (ACP)-EU partnership programme, ACP countries and the countries and territories of the regions covered and/or under other instruments applicable to the programme under which the contract is financed. Participation of natural persons is directly governed by the specific instruments applicable to the programme under which the contract is financed,” states the office.

Four to eight candidates will be invited to submit detailed tenders.

The tender closing date is January 15, while commencement is planned for May 30-.

The NAO says subcontracting is not allowed in the consultancy assignments, and should any of the works contracts be subject to an extension, there would be an expectation of extension of the contract for the supervision services.

It says that the selection criteria for the candidate will partly depend on the economic and financial capacity. The average turnover of the candidate for the last two years for which audited accounts are available must equal or exceed the maximum budget for the contract in question.

The NAO says the selection criteria will also depend on the professional capacity of the candidate, explaining that at least 20 staff must currently work for the applicant in fields related to the particular contract, and at least 20% of all staff working for the candidate this year in fields related to the contract must be permanent.

It says, in addition, the selection criteria will dwell on technical capacity, and the candidate must have worked successfully on at least two projects with a budget of at least that of the contract in question and in fields related to the contract in the past three years.

“The candidate must have expertise and experience working in developing countries in the provision of supervision services for road development or maintenance programmes, which included pavement rehabilitation and surfacing. Experience in sub-Saharan Africa will be an asset. Knowledge of and experience working with EDF procedures will be an asset,” says the NAO.

The EU is the major financier for road projects in Malawi where roads account for over 90% of the movement of goods.