Category: News

The Technical Director of Malawi Karate Federation, Bahebe Pascal Dogani has asked the government and the populace to regard Karate as a non violent sport.

Bahebe said this on Saturday 29 November 2025 at Chaminade Marianist secondary school in Lilongwe where the school organised a Karate tournament dubbed Pro-Lee Karate championship involving it’s students and other eight clubs in the Central region of Malawi.

Bahebe observed that Many people think that Karate is to shed blood a mentality that needs to be removed.

“There is a need to desensitise the populace to undo the impression that karate is for violence. It is very unfortunate for the government and other stakeholders that they don’t invest more in this sport. You know, Karate disciplines people, is for self defense, makes our bodies strong and health, improves our thinking behaviours during this time where everyone seems glued to their budgets. That’s why this sport is even good for students like those here at Chaminade Marianist,” said Bahebe, who is also Chief Instructor of Malawi Japan Karate Association (JKA).

He has however appealed to the community and the government to support the youths by even going further to have a test study where some instructors would be integrated as a way of giving back to the community a thing which can be used to unearth talent.

Speaking to Radio Alinafe, one of the form 1 student participant who won a bronze medal in the girls category under the age of 13, Tamandani Masanza thanked the introduction of the sport in the school saying it helps her concentrate in school, being disciplined and stay healthy.

” I love Karate because the cutters help me to get organized and stay health. In the past I used to lose many things because I wasn’t putting myself in order. I am a changed person. If all the schools had this sport, the youths would change the world,” said Tamandani Masanza.

Tamandani added that the sport will positively impact their attitude and behavioural change as students in the school.

In his remarks, Brother Malesi Jude who is the Karate instructor at Chaminade Marianist secondary school who also organized the tournament thanked all the participants for showing up and spicing the event.

“I am very thankful to the Karate family in the Central region and Malawi as a whole for gracing this event. It is good to have such sport in schools if we have to have well disciplined students who can study without any problems. S a school we believe in discipline and therefore whatever instills discipline among students shall be prioritized,” said Brother Malesi.

During the tournament several people won different gold, silver and bronze medals in Cutter and Kumite competitions for both boys and girls from the school and other eight clubs in the Central region according to their age groups.

By Alex Nasoni

Two powerful initiatives led by Mirriam Foundation and Congregation of Teresian Sisters are making a profound impact on vulnerable communities in Malawi, offering hope, dignity, and economic empowerment to women and people living with HIV.

The Mirriam Foundation has been widely praised for its different transformative initiatives among people living with HIV in Dedza District.

Mirriam from Netherlands who is the founder of this foundation, established this foundation in the past 15 years after encountering different groups of people in Bembeke area Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza, especially people living with HIV and AIDS.

During a recent visit by Elizabeth Brunner from Germany, support groups under Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza expressed heartfelt appreciation for the foundation’s efforts in improving their livelihoods.

After visiting different supoort groups, Brunner commended the visible transformation in the lives of beneficiaries, noting that despite their HIV status, many individuals are now thriving through empowerment activities.

“I will advocate for more support from well-wishers when I return to Germany,” she said, “so that these support groups can continue living healthy and dignified lives.”

Denis Chinthochi, chairperson of the support groups, highlighted the foundation’s impact. “The lives of those affected have greatly improved in their households thanks to the assistance we receive from the Mirriam Foundation and Sister Teleza’s guidance.”

Meanwhile Sister Teleza Mulenga who is the contact person for Mirriam Foundation. said she is also impressed with what the support groups are currently doing through pig farming initiatives and farming, which said there is great change to the lives of many people.

” from the visit, I have realized there is alot of change since I became a contact person for the foundation. There is alot of change which is happening to the people, for instance I have followed the lives of people, looking at them them health wise, their health status has been improved from time to time with different interventions which they receive from Mirriam Foundation.”

Currently, fifteen groups under Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza benefit from the foundation’s support, which includes food aid, pig farming, and access to seeds for crops such as maize and Irish potatoes.

One inspiring testimony came from Ellen David of Kadammanja Village. Diagnosed with HIV in 2007, Ellen endured years of illness before beginning antiretroviral therapy. Today, she radiates joy and strength, crediting the Mirriam Foundation’s support groups for her renewed health and ability to care for her children. “These initiatives have uplifted my family and inspired many others to reclaim their lives,” she said.

Meanwhile, at St. Mary’s in Dzaleka Refugee Camp under Nanthomba Parish, a Catholic women Association expressed deep gratitude to the Congregation of Teresian Sisters for their skill-building programs aimed at economic self-reliance.

Through training in soap making, body lotion making, and other practical lessons, women are now equipped to launch small businesses and support their families. “We face many challenges in caring for our households,” one participant shared, “but these skills have given us hope and a path to transformation.”

She also highlighted that with the withdrawal of USAID under United States of America, as refugees there are now facings more challenges at the camp, like shortage of food and other basic human resources.

The women also voiced their openness to receiving further training and support to improve their daily lives.

Sister Teresa Mulenga, who is the projectcoordinator, emphasized the importance of empowering women even within refugee settings. “We saw the need to equip these women so they can stand on their own,” she said. “They deserve the opportunity to thrive.”

These stories reflect the unwavering commitment to social justice, community development, and the dignity of every person especially those living on the margins.

Through faith-driven action, the Mirriam Foundation and the Congregation of Teresian Sisters are helping communities rise, one life at a time.

By Titus Jata Phiri

By Titus Jata Phiri

Mtima Woyera Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe recently held a vibrant three-day Parish Eucharistic Congress aimed at deepening the faith of parishioners and encouraging regular reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The event which started from 24_ 25 October, was held under the theme “The Eucharist at the Heart of Christian Life,” drew inspiration from the national Eucharistic Congress held earlier this year at Maula Cathedral as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year celebrations.

The Congress featured teachings led by Father Enock Kanjira, a Rector from Kachebere Major Seminary, who passionately urged parishioners to become instruments of spiritual renewal within their communities.

He emphasized the need for a transformative approach to the Eucharist, encouraging Christians to move beyond routine attendance and instead approach the celebration with reverence and purpose.

“We should not just take it as a daily routine because we are Roman Catholic Christians,” Father Kanjira said. “We must recognize the importance of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist for our spiritual life.”

Father Kanjira also reminded parishioners of one of the key resolutions from the National Eucharistic Congress that all faithful are encouraged to receive the Eucharist on the tongue, as a gesture of reverence and unity in faith.

Parish priest Father Innocent Mtapaonga, expressed his hope that the teachings would inspire lasting spiritual growth.

“I would like to ask all parishioners to practice what they have learned so that others may also come to know that God is in us and that we are Pilgrims of Hope,” he said.

Father Mtapaonga commended Father Kanjira for his dedication and insightful presentations, noting that the sessions would greatly enrich the parishioners’ daily spiritual journey.

Joseph Gumbo, Chairperson of the Parish Council, described the Congress as highly accessible and impactful, expressing optimism that parishioners would share the teachings within their Small Christian Communities.

Topics covered during the Congress included, the Eucharist as the summit of Catholic faith, the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation , Spiritual preparation for receiving the Eucharist and other Catholic teachings.

As Sacred Heart Parish continues its journey of faith, the Eucharistic Congress stands as a testament to the parish’s commitment to spiritual renewal and communal growth anchored in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.