Nkhotakota District Council has tipped beneficiaries of the government’s Social Protection Programmes to embrace a culture of investing for long-term benefits.
The district’s Social Protection Coordinator, John Manda, said this during a roadshow jointly organised by the Council and Kaharee Communication Consultancy, with support from Germany International Corporation (GIZ) in the district.
Manda encouraged beneficiaries to join Village Savings and Loans groups to start small businesses or engage in animal production, as an example.
Catherine Chaweza, Lead Consultant for Kaharee Communication Consultancy, emphasised the importance of community engagement through roadshows, saying such platforms are essential in helping people understand eligibility criteria and access accurate information about the programmes.
Chaweza also urged community members to provide truthful and complete information during beneficiary data collection exercises conducted by council officials.
Alex Biziwiki, a beneficiary of the Climate Smart Programme, said the initiative has made a tangible difference as he has been able to pay school fees for his children and purchase a goat, which has positively impacted his life.
By Wongani Mkonkholo, Nkhotakota
