Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri says performance-based education grants awarded to district council officials by the Embassy of Iceland will help strengthen the performance of councils and contribute to the country’s development.
Phiri said this in Lilongwe during the launch of the Education Grand Scheme for the Iceland-Malawi Basic Services Programme where the Embassy of Iceland awarded scholarships to 70 council officials.
The minister said the knowledge and skills the officials will acquire will enhance government’s capacity to implement projects, manage resources effectively, improve service delivery and achieve excellent performance.
Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland David Bjarnason said the grants are part of the Iceland-Malawi Basic Services Programme, which focuses on improving education, water, health, sanitation and gender equality, among other areas.
Bjarnadson said the education grants are aimed at bridging capacity gaps, strengthening performance and improving service delivery in district councils adding that Iceland expects to see improved operations following the training.
The Government of Iceland has invested $300,000 (approximately K520 million) targeting officials from Nkhotakota, Salima, Balaka, Machinga and Mangochi District Councils.
