Dear Reader
September 2026 is here, leaving us with only three months until the end of the year. A lot has happened and continues to unfold. Despite everything, our focus must on making sound decisions to ensue that our efforts are yielding positive results.
A new academic year is set to begin on 14th September. As a Chichewa adage goes, liwiro la mumchenga nkuyambira limodzi (A fair start makes for a fair race). It is crucial that all continuing students and those of school-going age start together with their peers on the first day. This is also a period of zinamwali (initiation ceremonies), with young boys and girls currently in initiation camps. We must recognize the urgency of time and ensure all ceremonies conclude before the new academic term commences.
Initiation rites should not interfere with students’ return to school. Parents, guardians, community members and leaders, should all play a role in ensuring that children are enjoying their fundamental right to education. Learners who start school later than their peers often struggle to catch up. Consequently, the students end up losing interest in education altogether. When this happens, it is not just the individual child who loses out, the entire nation also loses a potential leader, innovator, brilliant educator and what-have-you. A timely start gives every child an equal opportunity to learn, settle into school and succeed in his or her studies.
As schools are about to open, students must also understand that their right to education comes with associated responsibilities. We urge all parents and guardians to encourage students, especially those who have passed national examinations and are in high spirits, to avoid risky behaviors and excessive last-minute celebrations. Furthermore, young people should not let excitement about the end of the holiday lead to drug and substance abuse or other risky behaviors that could prevent them from returning to or remaining in school.
The world commemorates International Literacy Day on 8th September 2026. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Literacy for People, the Planet, and Prosperity.” This year’s International Literacy Day has its own significance; it marks the Day’s 60th anniversary. In this regard, let us remember that literacy extends beyond the ability to read and write. Literacy further equips individuals with knowledge and skills that enable them to make sound decisions, meaningfully participate in socioeconomic activities and contribute effectively to sustainable development of their societies.
Literacy is essential to development. As such, it is critical for Malawi to prioritize investingg in literacy to achieve sustainable growth and national prosperity. Malawi needs to create enabling learning environments where children acquire essential skills and knowledge that are critical for development.
On a sad note, it is everyone’s prayer to see an end to the current economic challenges which Malawi is wrestling with. However, the expected end seems not yet in sight. Malawi is still grappling with economic challenges like high levels of public debt which also have a negative bearing on the wellbeing of families and children. The various economic hardships can potentially increase vulnerability to child labor, child marriage, school dropout, exploitation and other forms of abuse. As such, child protection and welfare must remain central to the country’s efforts to improve the economy and achieve prosperity.
Economic recovery and strengthening efforts should translate into reduced household pressure and an improved quality of life for children and families. The political environment in Malawi continues to deteriorate, and the escalating strife can only lead the country to a catastrophe. The ongoing debate over the independence and authority of the Speaker and the entire legislature, which constitutes one of the three arms of government, is a critical issue.
Any misunderstanding that arises from this should be resolved through constitutional, parliamentary and other democratic processes. There is a need to remember that differences of opinion are normal and necessary in a democratic dispensation. This being our case, we should always ensure that political disagreements are not descending into intimidation, personal attacks, or any other actions that undermine our cherished democracy.
Sadly, the impact of uncontrolled tempers and intolerance has far-reaching consequences on the rights and welfare of the people we are mandated to serve. This is our call for responsible political leadership in Malawi. The country needs leaders who believe in tolerance, engagement, and dialogue. As a nation, we are facing many socioeconomic challenges. The least our leaders could do is to redirect their energy and time from petty politics to finding solutions that improve citizens’ welfare.
Malawi is going into the 2026/2027 agricultural season with concerns over the potential effects of the impending El Niño. The seasonal outlook indicates a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall and severe dry conditions across the country, particularly in the central and southern region districts. We commend the Malawi government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) for strengthening preparedness for this impending disaster by activating Tier 1 Drought Early Warning Actions.
However, we need to do more as some rivers and streams are still flowing. We should consider using various irrigation techniques to support farming communities. Additionally, these actions should not be left to the government alone. All actors and stakeholders must join forces in a concerted effort to protect our available food and water resources.
As a country, it is time to promote the rights and welfare of youth, women, children and all vulnerable groups of people. We must also promote responsible political dialogue and prepare our communities for climate-related risks. As we are addressing the contemporary challenges, let us also ensure that we are also building a stronger and more resilient Malawi of tomorrow.
Have a wonderful September 2026
