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patchingu   patchingu CHINGUWO's TIGblog
CHINGUWO's profile

MCP mess

what is happenning in the might MCP is a disaster. the way forward is for the BABA Tembo to step down a leave the party in the hand of young blood. Mr tembo is too goo for the fight.

July 1, 2009 | 1:07 AM Comments  0 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

Women Empowernment
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I have been thinking a lot about women empowernment recently. i dont know if this is a new line of thought or there is arleady an excisting line of thought arleady. but i have just been thinking that most gender equality or inequalities eradication campaghns may not be achieving much because they concentrate on the weaknessess of women and girls rather than their strengths. for instance most gender equality campaighns will publicise stories or case studies of how women are abused,violated and/ or denied their rights. am thinking in this way we are revealing or mainstreaming or even maybe justifiying the idea that women are valnurable and prone to abuse. maybe some perpertrators also get some ideas for abusing women from the gender campaighns. i would rather we concentrate on the strenghts of the women and girls. the fact that some women are able to survive though having some difficulties is an idea that has to be explored. how do some women survive? i would like to see more women and girls trained and encapacitied to survive hardships. they have to be prepared to survive in a competitive environment. as much as women specific programmes are required in some special cases; i would rather women and girls are empowered to survive the hardships they may go thrugh in life as women. for exampe in a situation where a girl is forced to drop out some girls will fight till they survive and some girls will resort into prostitution. what makes a woman choose the best way? what makes her survive? i would like much energy about gender equality promotion being ivested in this kind of research: what capabilities, strenghts and skills are required in women to make them skilled and empowered to actively and equally participate in development and profesional activities. i would like us as gender equality advocates to have a proper knowledge on what skills are required to enable women to survive in life and advocate for the mainstreaming of these skills in our education carriculums and society values. all in all i think women have got the potential to survive the abuse they are facing, all they need are the skills and knowledge to realise, seek support and survive the kind of hardships they are going through. as support groups all we need to do is to help the women realise their potential without weakening them further by exposing their weaknsses. we need to research and encourage women empowernment skills.

June 25, 2009 | 7:53 AM Comments  0 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

girls and equality
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

i was recently talking to a coleuge about sex, gender equality and the youth in general. somehow the conversation hinged on why are we not achieving gender equality despite all the campaighns? and by just observation it seems that violations and gender inequalities are increasing instead of decrising... and for instance in our country gender and women empowernment activists are shunned and viewed as not good women. during a recent bridal shower i attaended, one of the women activists that was invited to council the bride to be: about home management and curtersy, started with councilling the girl about the need for flowers around the house, how she should behave around her husbads relatives and how she should keep the romane arrive between her and her husband.. i was not too shocked by the piece of advice which seemed to encourage the girl to bee too submissive to the husband but what shocked me to the roots was her final conclunsion which was " my girl, in terms of gender equality: that is for the public! not in your house! leave gender by the door before entering your house. in your house your husband is the boss period!" i literally jumped out of my chair and said "what! you mean all your activism is never praticed in your house?" i dont remember what she replied but i think from that time i realised why we are making so much little impact... the activists themselves are not convienced of what they are propargating for... i mean if you are not completely convienced of what you are advocating for, how can you convience somebody else? i wish all gender activists are properly trainned and exposed to make a lasting impact i salute all you people trainning young girls to be gender advocates and women leaders..... i know the coming generation will have properly trainned and and exposed to deal with gender and women empowernment isses........ special mention to MOREMI INITIATIVE I SALUTE YOU!

June 25, 2009 | 4:42 AM Comments  0 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

The MILEAD Fellows Program
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Moremi Initiative selects Twenty-five extra-ordinary young African women leaders from private sector, government, academia, media and non-profit sectors as MILEAD Senior Fellows
Moremi Initiative proudly announces the 2009-2010 MILEAD Fellows. The MILEAD Fellows were selected through a highly competitive selection process and criteria, including their outstanding leadership potential and demonstration of commitment to the advancement of women in Africa. The 25 selected fellows represent some of Africa’s most extra-ordinary young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead/effect change in their communities.
The Fellows The 2009/2010 Fellows representing regional diversity, come from 21 African countries and include emerging young women leaders engaged in actively leading change on critical issues that range from women’s health and HIV/AIDS, economic justice, community development to political participation and environmental justice.


Rosemary Mbeng Agbor (CAMEROON)
Reema Abas Amr (EGYPT/ SUDAN)
Sofiat Makanjoula-Akinola (SWITZERLAND/ NIGERIA)
Rama Salia Dien (FRANCE/ SENEGAL)
Aminata Fall (Guinea)
Honorine Umoti Gasasira (RWANDA)
Takondwa Kaliwo (Malawi)
Mary N Kanoi (KENYA)
Sophia Kokor (GHANA)
Yvonne Larvin (UGANDA)
Fatou Malang (GAMBIA)
Sebabatso Manoeli (USA/LESOTHO)
Huda Mohamed (SOMALIA)
Martha Mutale (CANADA/ZAMBIA)
Chiedza Mutizi (ZIMBABWE)
Muthoni Nduhiu (KENYA)
Charmine Linda Ntuli (SOUTH AFRICA)
Biringanine Julie Nzigire (DRC)
Bello fatima Oluwakemi (NIGERIA)
Haika Harisson Ngowi (TANZANIA)
Daintowon Pay-Bee (LIBERIA)
Annette Quarcoopome (USA/ GHANA)
Sarah Simba Riziki-Neema (DRC)
Chikwanda Vongai (ZIMBABWE)
Oluwaseun Wazari (NIGERIA)
About The MILEAD Fellows Program
The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. Over the course of a year, selected fellows, progress through three phases that include: Identification and preparation of fellows through leadership development, networking, conferences, mentoring, and training; Promotion of fellows through media coverage and networking; and Support of fellows through career planning, management and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows continue to receive and share life-long solidarity and support through the Alumni Network of the program.

For more information, contact More Initiative: Tel: +233 242 901 222; Email: info@moremiinitiative.org or Visit: www.moremiinitiative.org

June 20, 2009 | 8:31 AM Comments  1 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

MILEAD FELLOW!
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Moremi Initiative selects Twenty-five extra-ordinary young African women leaders from private sector, government, academia, media and non-profit sectors as MILEAD Senior Fellows
Moremi Initiative proudly announces the 2009-2010 MILEAD Fellows. The MILEAD Fellows were selected through a highly competitive selection process and criteria, including their outstanding leadership potential and demonstration of commitment to the advancement of women in Africa. The 25 selected fellows represent some of Africa’s most extra-ordinary young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead/effect change in their communities.
The Fellows The 2009/2010 Fellows representing regional diversity, come from 21 African countries and include emerging young women leaders engaged in actively leading change on critical issues that range from women’s health and HIV/AIDS, economic justice, community development to political participation and environmental justice.


Rosemary Mbeng Agbor (CAMEROON)
Reema Abas Amr (EGYPT/ SUDAN)
Sofiat Makanjoula-Akinola (SWITZERLAND/ NIGERIA)
Rama Salia Dien (FRANCE/ SENEGAL)
Aminata Fall (Guinea)
Honorine Umoti Gasasira (RWANDA)
Takondwa Kaliwo (Malawi)
Mary N Kanoi (KENYA)
Sophia Kokor (GHANA)
Yvonne Larvin (UGANDA)
Fatou Malang (GAMBIA)
Sebabatso Manoeli (USA/LESOTHO)
Huda Mohamed (SOMALIA)
Martha Mutale (CANADA/ZAMBIA)
Chiedza Mutizi (ZIMBABWE)
Muthoni Nduhiu (KENYA)
Charmine Linda Ntuli (SOUTH AFRICA)
Biringanine Julie Nzigire (DRC)
Bello fatima Oluwakemi (NIGERIA)
Haika Harisson Ngowi (TANZANIA)
Daintowon Pay-Bee (LIBERIA)
Annette Quarcoopome (USA/ GHANA)
Sarah Simba Riziki-Neema (DRC)
Chikwanda Vongai (ZIMBABWE)
Oluwaseun Wazari (NIGERIA)
About The MILEAD Fellows Program
The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. Over the course of a year, selected fellows, progress through three phases that include: Identification and preparation of fellows through leadership development, networking, conferences, mentoring, and training; Promotion of fellows through media coverage and networking; and Support of fellows through career planning, management and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows continue to receive and share life-long solidarity and support through the Alumni Network of the program.

For more information, contact More Initiative: Tel: +233 242 901 222; Email: info@moremiinitiative.org or Visit: www.moremiinitiative.org

June 20, 2009 | 8:22 AM Comments  0 comments

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hastingszidana   hastingszidana Hastings Zidana's TIGblog
Hastings Zidana's profile

Hatchery breeding for reintroduction into Lake Malawi
About this event: E-Course on Environmental Management and Policy
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Evidence is increasing on the downside of captive breeding aimed for reintroduction into the wild. A study published in Biology Letters suggest that wild born offspring from hatchery raised Steelhead Trout parents has only 37% reproductive fitness as compared to 87% if only one of the parents was wild breed. These differences are still detected even if the fish have spent one generation in the wild.

Lake Malawi holds one of the stunning cichlid biodiversity in the world, however this biodiversity is believed to be only 1 to 2 million years old. In other words is still going through sysnthesis, thus most of the cichlids still interbreed naturally during a secondary contact. The results from the above mentioned study should tell us that one of our cards to mitigate for overfishing of the most sort Tilapia should not be hatchery raised ones, but reinforcement of the fishing season and fishing gear size.

If hatchery breed fingerlings are to be used in Chambo restoration plan, then genetic differences between them and wild types should be well studied. As far as I know the aquaculture stock at the moment may not be the best candidates for this exercise. Molecular studies have already revealed that the aqua stock has a mixed up gene pool, that is neither pure Chambo (O. karongae), nor Makakana (O. mossambicus) to mention a few.

All the evidence points us to one thing, Chambo restoration plan should be based on proper scientifc evidence not emotions or personnal gains if we are aiming to produce and really preserve the original (OK) gene pool, which is tasty and tender as claimed by the Lake shore crew.

On a lighter note, while my emphasis has been on the famous chambo, the same principle should also apply on the red listed Ntchila, Sanjika, Ningwi ect in river shire and its catchment.

June 19, 2009 | 8:49 PM Comments  0 comments

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liyoinfo   liyoinfo Davis Damson's TIGblog
Davis Damson's profile

2006 HIV/AIDS PROJECT
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Limbika Youth Organisation is a local NGO that is committed to empowering youth, women and children, preventing further spread of HIV infection, mitigating its impact, promoting and protecting fundamental principals of human rights for social-economic development. Established in May 2001, Limbika is legally registered with Registrar General in accordance with the provisions of the Trustees Incorporation Act. It is affiliated to Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organisation (MANASO), National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Lilongwe District Assembly and many others. 2006 Project. Grantor : National AIDS Commission (NAC) Grantee : Limbika Youth Organisation (LIYO) Project Name : LIYO HIV Prevention and Impact mitigation. Location : Traditional Authority Masumbankhunda. District : Lilongwe. Area of focus : Care and Support for People Living with HIV/AIDS and affected communities; HIV Prevention. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The main objectives of the project were:- 1. Empower and emprove the quality of life among members of the community to prevent and stamp out HIV/AIDS, 2. Reduce transmission of STI including HIV and the impact of AIDS and other sexually related social problems, 3. Improve the quality of life among the HIV infected and affected people, people with chronic illness and destitude and 4. Empower widows and youths in social economic development for them to cope up with the impact of HIV/AIDS. MAJOR ACTIVITIES 1. Promotion of non STI/AIDS risk behaviour sexual practices among the youth, 2. To create awareness for STIs including HIV infection, the impact of AIDS and other sexually related problems and issues of gender and human rights, 3. Promote and strengthen the provision of a quality care and support services to infected people and people with destitute, 4. To provide technical support to community structures and institutions that are providing services in the area of HIV prevention, impact mitigation and advocate gender and human rights and enable infected individuals, households and communities cope with the impact of AIDS epidemic, 5. To advocate for gender and human rights with empasis on women and child rights and 6. To lobby for change of some traditional and constitutional laws that affect the well being of youth and children.

June 8, 2009 | 1:28 PM Comments  0 comments

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liyoinfo   liyoinfo Davis Damson's TIGblog
Davis Damson's profile

Members of Limbika
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Limbika Youth Organisation
listofmembers
ID NAME SEX AGE PLACE OF MARITAL POSITION
2 Davis Damson . 28 . M Director
3 Micheal Elium . 30 . M chairman
4 Godwell E . 23 . S Public Relation
5 Miziel Kamon . 25 . S Financial Officer
6 Felix D. Chikuni . 24 . M Sports Coordnator
7 Samuel Banda . 18 . S Secretary
8 Lucy Chitsamba . 23 . M ChairLady
9 Ester . 27 . M ChairLady
10 Rabecca . 27 . M Secretary
11 Melina Kasokoya . 22 . M member
12 Mac donald . 23 . S chairman
13 Mac field . 22 . S member
14 Idess march . 19 . S member
15 Maureen Manase . 22 . S member
16 Lorry Phaka . 25 . M chairman
17 Closs . 17 . S member
18 Noel Mkumila . 23 . S member
19 Esinta . 22 . S member
20 Adess Sadya . 23 . S member
21 Mike Phiri . 23 . M member
22 Blessings . 23 . S member
23 Johna Phiri . 20 . S member
24 Kumbukani . 22 . S member
25 Gladys Kwaule . 23 . S ChairLady
26 Mac Donald . 19 . S member
27 Eruby Thomass . 17 . S member
28 Thenious Banda . 24 . S member
29 Gift Sadya . 23 . S member
Page 1 of 6

ID NAME SEX AGE PLACE OF MARITAL POSITION
30 Owen Chirwa . 25 . S member
32 Precious Chirwa . 19 . S member
33 Tamandani . 20 . M member
34 Mphatso . 22 . S member
35 Mphambano . 23 . S member
36 Geogina . 21 . S member
37 Joseph . 23 . S member
38 Zakeyu . 19 . S member
39 Yamikani Chiutika . 22 . S member
40 Partison Banda . 20 . S member
41 Alfred abrahamu . 23 . S member
42 Chimwemwe Phiri . 22 . S member
43 Flex Harodi . 20 . S member
44 Taimon James . 17 . S member
45 Junior Mwale . 23 . S member
46 Nesta Matera . 22 . S member
47 Partricia Kamete . 15 . S member
48 Aubrey . 23 . S member
49 Andrew Kaiya . 22 . S member
50 Lonery . 26 . M member
51 Titus Kapapa . 35 . M Board member
52 Frank Simolo . 25 . M member
53 Beatrice Chikusa . 26 . M member
54 Tisauke Masano . 27 . M member
55 Matiass . 27 . M member
56 Welard Majoni . 38 . M Board member
57 Slophina Mac . 35 . M Board member
58 Jonas Banda . 24 . S member
59 Fulawo Njati . 27 . M Board member
60 Rashid Banda . 31 . M member
61 Judith Eliya . 20 . M member
62 Samuel . 19 . S member
63 Selina Maseko . 21 . S member
Page 2 of 6

ID NAME SEX AGE PLACE OF MARITAL POSITION
64 Chimwemwe . 22 . S member
65 Getrud Kaliwo . 18 . S member
66 Sitifano Malimwe . 22 . S member
67 Mavuto Kanyeza . 23 . S member
68 Masina Kauleza . 26 . S member
69 Basikolo Majoni . 23 . M member
70 Faless Kaiya . 26 . M member
71 Napilira Machila . 34 . M ex member
72 lesina Micheal . 26 . M member
73 Maligelita . 22 . M member
74 Madalitso . 18 . S member
75 Josophine . 27 . M Secretary
76 Stephano Mbaissa . 20 . S member
77 Sulitha Mkoko . 17 . S member
78 Mastern Ledphan . 23 . M member
79 Raphael Ledison . 25 . M member
80 Harod Nyundo . 26 . S chairman
81 Maureen . 19 . M member
82 Madess . 19 . M member
83 Mwanjana khundi . 21 . S member
84 Amson Ngozo . 35 . M ex member
85 Velina Majoni . 40 . M ex board member
86 Kelementi Ganeti . 38 . M ex board member
87 Micheal kachulu . 26 . M chairman
88 Stella Vasi . 18 . S member
89 Everesi Partrick . 23 . S member
90 Feresta . 25 . S secretary
91 Joseph Sisoni . 20 . S chairman
92 Loness Kaunda . 24 . M ChairLady
93 Gift Katangala . 28 . M Coordinator
94 Georgina Mavuto . 19 . S member
95 Josaidi Nkhoma . 26 . M member
96 Malayiti Pofera . 27 . S member
Page 3 of 6

ID NAME SEX AGE PLACE OF MARITAL POSITION
98 Efelo Mbulanda . 39 . M member
99 Lankeni Jimu . 39 . M member
100 Tikumbila Sikauti . 37 . M member
101 Tifelana Sikauti . 35 . M ex board member
102 Mervin Chirwa . 26 . S member
103 Chikumbutso . 19 . S member
104 Neuten Mdzuma . 22 . S member
105 Sobina Kaiya . 24 . M member
106 Charlity Kaiya . 18 . S member
107 Sebita Matiyasi . 19 . M member
108 Sidonia Makanda . 23 . S member
109 Emilly Mafelela . 20 . S member
110 Samison . 24 . M member
111 Ezelia Natani . 16 . S member
112 Aliness Elia . 15 . S member
113 Nashupika Majoni . 17 . S member
114 Lifitse . 16 . S member
115 Fredrick Banda . 25 . M member
116 Shaibu Moses . 25 . M member
117 Giribeta Samson . 20 . M member
118 Anna Nkhondo . 17 . S member
119 Fanny Chakudza . 23 . M member
120 Chikumbutso . 23 . S member
121 Fanny Malunga . 25 . S Secretary
122 Martin Petro . 25 . M member
123 Khisiford Banda . 27 . M member
124 Tathera Kabala . 20 . M member
125 Henocky . 25 . M member
126 Mr Phiri . 47 . M Board member
127 Viginear . 29 . M Board Chair
128 Mr Chatuluka . 42 . M Board Vice Chair
129 Mr Kanyenda . 45 . M Board member
130 Neman Masiye . 28 . M member
Page 4 of 6

ID NAME SEX AGE PLACE OF MARITAL POSITION
131 Davison . 17 . s member
132 Spider Brown . 30 . M Secretory
133 Arfred Power . 26 . S member
134 George Power . 18 . S member
135 Matias Dagrass . 32 . M member
136 Mavuto . 18 . M member
137 Zione Henry . 16 . S member
138 Midison Folosani . 18 . S member
139 Nissa Matandika . 16 . s member
140 Ness Batison . 15 . S member
141 Zenaida Samson . 17 . s member
142 Dafren John . 19 . S member
143 Kaundeni Khuthe . 18 . S member
144 Eria Batison . 14 . S member
145 Evason Khobwe . 24 . S member
146 Phunziro Baziwell . 30 . M chairman
147 Mussa Masana . 16 . S member
148 Zetina Moyo . 15 . S member
149 Siyako Mtima . 18 . S member
150 Diness . 20 . S member
151 Bonifes . 15 . S member
152 Munguza . 16 . S member
153 Mrs Landwell . 32 . M member
154 Sankhani . 22 . M member
155 Nekha Vundulani . 17 . S member
156 Rhoren . 16 . S member
157 Lazalo Kaso . 31 . M member
158 Mseka Jimmy . 30 . M member
159 Emilly . 14 . S member
160 Pulikenia Frank . 17 . S member
161 Bitress Mwale . 17 . M member
162 Chakumanda . 19 . M member
163 Faness Doliati . 15 . S member
Page 5 of 6

ID NAME SEX AGE PLACE OF MARITAL POSITION
164 Chrissy Batt . 14 . S member
165 Sitilimba Zagwa . 16 . S member
166 Enita Chisuwani . 17 . S member
167 Kapoza Victor . 25 . S member
168 Nhonathan . 17 . S member
169 Sinkanako . 25 . M member
170 Chawene . 24 . M member
171 Lidason Kapheni . 17 . S member
172 Haward Bawuleni . 23 . M member
173 Lukiass . 24 . M member
174 Manuell Chimzimu . 18 . S member
175 Becca Chuma . 18 . M member
176 Agness Malili . 20 . S member
177 Esinta Phiri . 20 . S member
Page 6 of 6

June 4, 2009 | 3:58 AM Comments  0 comments

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patchingu   patchingu CHINGUWO's TIGblog
CHINGUWO's profile

DPP and the majority

while is not bad to have the majority in parliament there is need for DPP to use the numbers for the sake of the country. thumb up for DPP . chala mwamba DPP woyee Abingu woyee

June 1, 2009 | 12:06 PM Comments  0 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

youths and freedom of expression
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

youths are especially noted for their exploring nature.
i think by the nature of passing through from childhood to alduthood, youths are at liberty or have the task to explore their boundaries, their responsibilities and their roles within the society.
as such in this exploring manner youths ussually try things that are out of the norm, things out of the ordinary, they ussually try to do things that will make them extra- ordinary.
and that is where the conflict arises.
society expects its members to behave the way everyone should, the way that will not offend someone and the way that is established and maintained by the societies social values.
but by the nature of being youth, you are passing through an era where you are supposed to behave out of the ordinary if you are to discover who you really are: what you belive, what shapes your behavior, what you can and can not do.
and this is where my argument comes in.
to what extent should the youth exercise their freedom of expression?
surely the youth must be at liberty to express themselves through a language that is suitable for themselves
but the challange comes in when they are using a public medium like the radio?
how far can the youth use their own language? their own issues? their own choice of words without offending producers, funders and other listeners?
in programmes intended for the youth.
how far should issues of culture, respect, normality be used for censoring the subject matter or the language used?
for instance in a radio programme aimed at sensitizing the youths about their sexuality.....
what language should be used? that applicable to the youths or for anyone who might be listening to the radio?
what subject matters should be adressed? those affecting the youths or those affecting anyone dealing with the youth?
how should the presenter present the issues? as if adressing the youths or whoever happens to be listening.
the youth are also ussually economically unempowered to launch projects that will carter for their needs, the way they want to be adressed.
in this case how far can the youths be independent of donors, boses, structures and rights?
so following this... how far can the youths practice their freedom of expression?
and how can these limitations shape their behavior and what kind of people they become?
personally i belive that in initiatives intended for the youth: subject matter, mode of presentation and intended outcomes should be left to be decided by the youths themselves. and as much as possible we should let the youths control their own programmes...
when issues of culture and identity are over emphasised in youths initiatives we might end up limiting the growth of our youth and and repressing the new inovations that might come up from their explorations. and this situation might end up making societies to repeat the mistakes they have been made for generations after generations.

April 27, 2009 | 7:26 AM Comments  1 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

youth and religion
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

my current experience with working with the youth has shown me that religion has an influence in the way youths make some kinds of decesions.i know some youths who are abstaining from sex, alcohol and/drugs for religious reasons. however i would like if there would be an exhaustive study as to how far does religious beliefs influence people. there is a growing ideology in my country that religion can be used to combat HIV/AIDS. however the proof to this allegation is yet to be presented. personally i think religion does influence peole to an extent. but the nature of it being based on faith, and sometimes non proven ideas poses a threat to those who are not strong to the faith. because religion only binds those who believe it, when a decision is based on that, a believer is challanged when she comes into contact with non believers. for instance if one is to abstain from sex because of his religion, what if she is in a relationship with a non believer. and religion gives an allowance of temptations, and sin. if a believer who committed himself to not having sex to prevent HIV. if he "falls into temptation and sins" although he repents and continue to abstain.. if he contracted the Virus during that period it will not go away... religion also provide an allowance for forgiveness and renewal of life.... but mistakes made physcically, though forgiven spiritually, will not be eradicated physcically..... so how can religious interventions account for that? there is also the issue of spiritual healing and faith. spiritually we can be healed or can belive things that are not substantially proven. so in our fight against AIDS how can we account for these "miracles"?
i think religious interventions should be critically analyes before they are implemented whole sale. i know that religion has an influence on people, but i think it must be an individual choice, and it must be to people who really are convienced and know what choice they are making. the ideal intervention to me, would be the combination of both religious and non religious interventions. the youth should have knowledge on why the various points of view require them to make the particular choice. and in case they fail to be committed to one choice (i.e religeous) they should have the skills of choosing the other options.
i think by the end of the day, the youths should be skilled to have the knowledge and ability to protect themselves from HIV in at all times and in all situations.

April 20, 2009 | 6:37 AM Comments  1 comments

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takondwa   takondwa takondwa kaliwo's TIGblog
takondwa kaliwo's profile

youths and life choices
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

i got the insipration for this blog in the discussion treads. there was a discussion the " where does the human will come in on the chooice of good and evil"
and that got me thinking that as youths, i think most of us are at a point where we are choosing how we want to lead our lives. these choices will chape how we live, how much we contribute, how far we can be influential for the rest of our lives. it is true that maybe some of our choices do rest in our hands. like our financial status, our geographical position, our cultural values might determine or will for sure dertermine where we might end up. but i think (though this is completely a personal assessment) 70% of what we end up being is dependent on the decesions we make.there are numerous examples of people who have been raised in the same conditions or situations and one has end up being sucessful and the other has end up being unsucessfull. i think that is pretty obvious.. but the main point should be why shold one survive and one should not?
according to this argument : it is the individual choices we make? one would view his economic set back as an opportunity to work hard to achieve more and one would see the same economic set back as a challange that will prevent him from working hard, from achieving his dreams.. is this a matter of human will? or individual choices? i dont know.. bet i know for sure that youths have the ability to shape their lives depending on the choices they make. our choices about religion, sexuality, political affiliations will determine the opportunities one will be exposed to, having an idea on where you want to be regardless on where you are or what opportunities are available to you can also influence the decisions about your life that you can make. i think by the end of the day we all regret or enjoy life depending on the choices we are making now.

April 17, 2009 | 2:21 AM Comments  0 comments

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PROPOSED LEGISRATION ON HIV AND AIDS FOR MALAWI
Related to country: Malawi

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The PROPOSED LEGISRATION ON HIV AND AIDS FOR MALAWI
Malawi law commission [MLC] has finished drafting the HIV and aids law for the land, if passed by parliament it will be a law in the near. The law has eight sections, which are
1 INSTITUTION BODIES
The National Aids Commission [NAC] and the department of Nutrition were establish by the government to coordinate the fight against HIV and AIDS in Malawi
The proposed law developed by the Malawi Law Commission will establish NAC under statute as a state institution to coordinate and facilitate the national response to HIV and AIDS.
The proposed law shall make sure that NAC enhances government’s commitment since its existence would be strengthened within the government structures
The proposed registration states that NAC would ensure better coordination and liaison between it and other departments of government, including the department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS.
The proposed registration also states that the department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS shall be responsible for formulating policies relating to HIV and AIDS its supervision and oversight mandate of the national response to HIV and AIDS.
2 GENDER
The vulnerability of women and girls to HIV and AIDS is aggravated by certain cultural and religious practices.
Such practices do not only violate the dignity of females but are usually practiced without the express consent of women and befall females mainly on the basis of their sex or marital status
The proposed law states that all cultural practices that are perceived to spread HIV infection should be prohibited.
The law intends to uplift the subordinate status of women and children because this impairs their ability to access information on HIV and AIDS and promotes discrimination in all spheres of life.
The law proposes that women and children infected and affected by the HIV and AIDS should know and enjoy their rights.
3 HUMAN RIGHTS
Section 20 of the constitution prohibits discrimination in general on the basis of, among other things, ‘other status’. The words ‘other status’ in encompassing HIV and AIDS as a ground on which discrimination is prohibited with a view to emphasizing the negative consequences of discrimination on people living with HIV and AIDS [PLWHIV]
The new law proposes that PLWHIV and all those infected and affected by the pandemic know and enjoy their rights.
The law proposes that any form of discrimination on the basis that another person is infected with HIV or is suffering from AIDS or is perceived to be infected with HIV or suffering from AIDS shall be illegal
The law proposes states that any person who is infected with HIV or is suffering from AIDS shall have the rights to
- A respectful and humane attitude on the part of society, entailing no humiliation of his right to dignity of his person, physical, integrity, life or health.
- Practice a profession of choice just to mention a few
The law states that a health service provider may disclose information relating to any person’s HIV status where he reasonably believes that it is medically appropriate to..
- Any person he reasonably believes has been or will be exposed to risk of infection in the course of his duties or emergency services or
- The spouse or other sexual partner of the infected person
4 INFORNATION
The MLC proposes that NAC shall be the only accrediting authority of all information on HIV and AIDS disseminated to the public.
As such any information on HIV and AIDS developed by any person other than NAC shall be screened and verified to establish its accuracy before dissemination
The MLC proposes that any person who gives or publishes false or inaccurate concerning HIV and AIDS to any person or the public shall be committing an offence and shall face punishment. This is so because of the tendency by traditional doctors, faith groups, and others who provide false or inaccurate information to HIV infected people and the general public.
5 EMPLOYMENT
The employment sector has been severely affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic in that there is a decline in the levels human resources in whom heavy financial and material investment has been made.
As such the MLC proposes that no employer shall require any person to undergo HIV testing as a pre-condition for recruitment.
However, pre-employment HIV testing shall be permitted for purposes of assessing fitness for those wishing to serve in the defence force, police, prison and the immigration department
The law also proposes a mandatory testing for purposes of assessing the health status of a domestic worker
MLC also proposes that any person who terminates the employment of an employee only on the grounds that he or she is HIV positive shall be committing an offence punishable by a fine.
6 EDUCATION
People infected with HIV or suffering from AIDS are likely and are actually excluded from participating in education and activities of their choice.
The MLC proposes that no person shall be required to undergo HIV testing as a condition for
- Entry in an education or training institution
- An award of a scholarship, grant, bursary, benefit or other scholarly endowment, or
- Remaining as a student or trainee in any education or training institution
The law also proposes that no education or training institution shall, where there is no risk of infection of others with HIV, refuse admission, expel, segregate, refuse participation in an event or activity or deny any benefits or services to a person only on the grounds that the person is HIV positive or is perceived to be HIV positive.
The MLC proposes that the Minister shall ensure that the materials on HIV and AIDS developed and integrated into the school curriculum are free from all forms of stigmatization against, persons living with HIV and AIDS, not sexually explicit, developed in consultation with associations representing parents and teachers, education officials and interest groups.

7 CRIMINAL LAW.
It is an offence under section 192 of the penal code when any person unlawfully or negligently poses the risk of spreading the infection of any disease dangerous to life.
The MLC is proposing that any person who deliberately infects another person with HIV shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to imprisonment.
The commission also proposes that any person who recklessly or negligently infects another person with HIV shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to imprisonment.
A person who knows that is HIV positive shall not do an act or omit to do an act, which is likely to transmit or spread HIV infection to another person unless, before the act or omission takes place, the person has been informed of the risk of contracting HIV infection from him or her and has voluntarily agreed to accept that risk.
8 PUBLIC HEALTH
On the modes of HIV testing the MLC proposes that there shall be
- Voluntary counseling and testing
- Routine testing
- Diagnostic testing
- Compulsory testing
- Any other mode of HIV testing that the Minister may prescribe.
The law also proposes that any person who offers to donate blood or any tissue shall, immediately before such donation, undergo HIV testing.
The law also proposes that consent to undergo HIV testing shall be deemed to be given where a person offers to donate any tissue or offers to donate blood.
The MLC is proposing that compulsory testing for HIV infection shall be prohibited but shall be permissible in the following instances under an order of the court for any person who is charged with a sexual offence, for commercial sex workers, for persons intending to enter into polygamous unions, for pregnant women and their sexual partners or spouses and for donors of blood and tissues.