Kaliati says civic education vital to social-economic development of Malawi
Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, Patricia Kaliati said civic education is vital to the social-economic development in the country.
Stakeholders Meeting at Pacific Hotel in Lilongwe
She was speaking at an interface meeting at Pacific Hotel in Lilongwe Tuesday with various stakeholders.
The Minister said an enhanced civic education programme could transform the country social well being into reality amongst the communities.
Kaliati said the mandate of her Ministry is to provide effective civic education, cultural and community development services through participatory programmes.
She said that to realize the dream it requires a strong, mutual, collaborative partnership and unity of purpose between government and all players that provide civic education in the country.
“It is in the light of the birth of the Ministry that I found it necessary to meet you as stakeholders on how we can corporate and enhance to create a knowledgeable, culturally, vibrant and empowered nation that is proactive and able to make informed decisions on issues affecting its affairs that are important to the social-economic development,” Kaliati said.
“Government appreciates the commendable work that stakeholders in the civic education sector have been playing since 1994 when the country attained democracy switching from a one party system of government.
“It is really gratifying to note that you continue to implement a wide range of civic education programmes and projects on various topical and emerging issues affecting the country,” said the Minister said.
She added that her Ministry is drafting a national civic education policy with financial support from the European Union (EU) which is channeling through the Nation Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) trust.
“NICE will guide the civic education activities in the country and the draft policy is expected to be completed early next year after which there will be stakeholders validation meeting before taking to cabinet for approval,” Kaliati pointed out.
NICE Civic Education Officer, Stella Kalengamaliro said the meeting was very important and that stakeholders in the civic education sector will now speak with one mind and voice for the benefit of the social-economic development of the nation.
“In the past we were working in isolation but now with the coming up of the ministry it will help our collaboration and togetherness,” she said.
The Ministry of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development was created recently following the re-organisation of government Ministries and Departments by President Peter Mutharika.
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