The CRECCOM Board of Trustees, accompanied by the Senior Management team, embarked on a visit to the COVID-19 Response Mechanism project at Traditional Authority Mbawera in Thyolo district. The purpose of the visit was to witness the positive impact the project has had on the communities under TA Mbawera. The event took place at Kasupe Community
Day Secondary School and saw the participation of various community leaders and stakeholders.
During the visit, community members shared their testimonies on how they have benefited from the project's dynamic training programs, including Community Led Monitoring, SASA Faith training for community leaders, and Scorecard training.
One of the highlights of the project was the introduction of COVID-19 Response Mechanism and the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as cartons of soap, water buckets, facemasks, and hand sanitizers. CRECCOM also donated tables and chairs to Traditional Authority Mbawera, further supporting the community's efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, a volunteer community stakeholder shared their experience with the SASA Faith training, which equipped them to effectively address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in the community. They emphasized the importance of engaging community leaders, religious figures, and health specialists in the fight against GBV.
"Chiefs, religious leaders, and health specialists are the ones who stay with people and are supposed to play a leading role in eradicating GBV," stated Mrs. Alinafe Chibwana, CRECCOM Executive Director.
Additionally, Senior Chief Kapeni, a member of the CRECCOM Board of Trustees, empowered participants by highlighting the significance of educating their children. He stressed the positive outcomes of education by pointing out successful examples among the guests present at the event. Chief Kapeni also emphasized the need to establish bylaws to address cases where parents fail to send their children to school.
The visit also served as a learning opportunity for Village Head Ncholowe, who expressed gratitude for the insights provided by Senior Chief Kapeni. Village Head Ncholowe acknowledged the importance of improving education standards, especially for girls, in the community.
Mrs. Chibwana further underscored the role of community leaders in ending GBV and urged them to share the knowledge and skills gained from the project's training programs with other community leaders from different Traditional Authorities.
The visit by the CRECCOM Board of Trustees demonstrated the organization's commitment to empowering communities and improving livelihoods. The COVID-19 Response Mechanism project has not only provided valuable resources to combat the pandemic but also instilled essential skills to address pressing social issues like GBV.
As the project continues its mission, the positive impact on communities under Traditional Authority Mbawera serves as an inspiring example for others to follow. By working together and harnessing the power of education, community leaders, and proactive interventions, Thyolo district moves closer to building a more resilient and thriving society.
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