* A strategic partnership advancing education, innovation, research, and community development
* To focus on promoting digital skills, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and sustainable development in Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo and surrounding communities
By Duncan Mlanjira
In recognition of the immense community development projects by Othakarhaka Foundation, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mulanje-based charity.
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Othakarhaka announced this on its official Facebook and LinkedIn platforms, saying this “marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on advancing education, innovation, research, and community development”.
“The partnership will focus on promoting digital skills, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and sustainable development in Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo and surrounding communities.
“By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we aim to create more opportunities for young people, support innovation, and contribute to lasting community development.
“We are grateful to the leadership of MUST for this partnership and look forward to working together to create meaningful and lasting impact for communities across Malawi.”
Othakarhaka extended special appreciation to Damilola Olupona , Achal Shah, Curran A., Zhiyun Kishi Qiang, Katelyn Wandel, Darshanpreet K. and Jessica Chang “for their contribution in making this collaboration possible”.
Present at the signing ceremony was Othakarhaka Board chairperson Prof. Ted London, who has arrived to continue working with the Foundation in developing its next strategic plan.
“As part of this process, Prof. London will engage with our students, their parents, women volunteers, and the Othakarhaka team, listening to their experiences and ideas as we shape the future direction of our organisation,” reports OTK.
Prof. London shared that after travelling across Africa since 1989 and working with many organisations, Othakarhaka remains one organisation he feels truly privileged to work with.
He is accompanied by his daughter, Meghan, who return to Othakarhaka after her research visit last year, who spoke to OTK, saying: “Your kindness will not only change your community, but Mulanje, Malawi, and the whole of Africa as well.”
Othakarhaka — Lhomwe for ‘passing on the kindness’ — came into media prominence July-2021-after-winning-Old-Mutuals-Sisonke-Mini-Video-Documentary-Competition’s-grand-prize-of-k5-5m, which was launched to create awareness and to inspire collective action to mitigate, minimise and manage CoVID-19 and its effects.
Since then Puliwa-Mwango has been locally recognised with awards,including Young Achievers Award of Excellence, though she carries out her charity with deafening silent along with her very supportive husband, Ted Mwango.
Chatsika and Manda a presents the award to Idah and Ted Mwango
She has been highly featured on Maravi Express along with Zodiak Online and MBC TV highlighting how grassroots initiatives can transform communities and expand opportunities for girls’ education.
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