Malawi’s Magomero Community College is set to enter into a partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the United Kingdom in a move that could eventually enable social welfare students to access opportunities in the UK job market.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha on Tuesday led a Malawi delegation during negotiations over a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering a wide range of areas aimed at supporting the development of social services in Malawi.
NTU Executive Dean of Research, Professor Neil Mansfield, said the university was willing to offer a PhD programme for Malawi and to develop institutional links with Magomero Community College. He added that such collaboration could help the college upgrade its programmes and offer degrees that meet UK standards.
“We are interested in the areas the Minister has raised, and our experience working in Uganda, Kenya and other countries allows us to look forward to this partnership,” said Professor Mansfield.
Navicha told the university that collaboration in research, training and capacity building for social workers in Malawi would benefit both institutions as they seek to strengthen social services.
“We need your expertise to modernise our services, but as a country we offer a rich oral and practical history based on people’s lived experiences that would boost the university’s research and academic profile,” said the Minister.
She said the administration of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika recognises that empowering communities is key to accelerating economic development, as evidenced by increased investment in social services.
“We need to strengthen social services, including support for persons with disabilities, people with albinism, the elderly, and ensuring that young girls remain in education. We also lack adequate mental health support services. NTU’s knowledge and experience could be a game changer, which is why we want this partnership,” she said.
NTU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Sarah Speight said the development of the agreement forms part of the university’s global outreach strategy. She noted that Navicha’s visit came at a critical time, as NTU is developing programmes aimed at promoting local and indigenous knowledge systems.
Earlier, the Minister delivered a lecture to social work students at the NTU Graduate School, where she invited them to visit Malawi to appreciate the complexities of working with limited resources while still making a meaningful difference in communities.
The memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed in May.
By Kondwani Munthali, Contributor
