ACT Development in Malawi

The ACT Development meeting took place on a small conference centre in Lilongwe, Malawi. It was a historical moment for the ecumenical family.

Around the table, a variety of organisations were present: CHAM, who provides half of all health services in Malawi and helps thousands of sick and poor people every day; There were organisations like CARD, CCAP and ELDS who provide assistance to hundreds of villages - helping poor farmers to food security. There were organisations, who provide relief and assistance, when the more and more frequent floods and droughts hits in various places of the country with negative impacts on millions of people. And then there were church-based agencies from Europe and Canada.

Together they decided to form ACT Development in Malawi - the first forum in Africa with local and international church-based organisations working with long-term development. ACT Malawi shall ensure larger efficiency, greater visibility, stronger fundraising capacity, and last but most importantly an improved effort to combat poverty and insecurity.

There were ups and downs on the way

The local organisations questioned the 'project dance'. Do we force local organisations to dance to the music of the international organisations? There were disagreements between the international organisations: Who should take the lead, whose turn is it? And many questions were discussed: Should we make a joint office or just inform each other? What do we gain from working together?

It was a meeting conducted in openness and frankness. Just as it should be amongst partners who are different but feel they belong together.

It will make a difference

It has not been easy. But it ended in agreement, and it was the first step towards a much closer alliance in Malawi between the church-based development organisations. It will make a difference. And ACT Malawi will inspire and help to develop the church-based cooperation in all of Africa.