District Networks have proven to be key centre points where one could learn new ideas, strategies and other key development activities. This has gone an extra mile in regard to the usual responsibilities of District Networks. All these issues are emerging because IM Swedish Development Partner has immensely supported CONGOMA to communicate to its members as well as to strengthen the District Networks so that duty bearers should not be abusing public resources in the country plus empowering members of the community through the networks to demand improved social service delivery.
A snap assessment done by officials from Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi in selected Districts, revealed uniqueness of programmes and activities that these District Networks were implementing.
Beginning with Mchinji Network, it was so pleasing to note that members being well united work together in order to achieve a common goal. According to Chairperson of the Network Hughes Munthali, the network had just introduced a new development on “Cross Learning” to provide opportunities to monitor themselves first on the impact they are making in the district before they start holding the District Council accountable.
In addition, he said the Cross-Learning Project would help the network generate joint proposals and speak with one voice when implementing joint projects and their motto “committed to serve” would always thrive in complimenting Government efforts and serve right holders.
“With the introduction of Cross Learning, we would like to learn from each other as NGOs on how projects are being implemented in the District and also appreciate what other NGOs are doing before starting holding the Council accountable. Furthermore, we would like to create a District fund for CSOs where the whole network may benefit.” Said Munthali.
He further added that cross learning would among other things help to improve quality service delivery, serve knowledge base in the District, strive hard to implement best practices which would serve rights holders and foster collaborative efforts so that joint proposals and resource mobilisation could be achieved.
As for Nkhotakota CSO Network, the network is in the forefront championing advocacy issues. Notable one being that of land wrangles where members of the network worked tirelessly to advocate justice.
“There was a time at which disagreements on ownership of land among Sugar Cane Production Growers and ordinary citizens were rife over ownership of land. It took the intervention of the Network to resolve the wrangles and eventually peace got restored. This is one of the major reasons for winning much confidence in the hearts of ordinary citizens because they have so much trust with network members. It has to be noted also that whenever people in the District are not happy with the conduct of the District Council for instance, they first consult leadership of the network for guidance before holding any demonstrations”, highlighted Chairperson of the Network Tifa Ngoma.
All these issues are coming out openly as a result of the support which CONGOMA receives from IM Swedish Development Partner in making sure that District Networks are vibrant and working independently with the aim of serving the right holders.