By Alfred Manjawira
ABUJA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s Former First lady Callista Mutharika on Sunday January 19, 2020 attended an annual celebration of MALLPAI Foundation, an organization that that advocates for sustainable legacy on Education for the Alma iris (out of school Children ) aiming at building and creating lasting Agricultural , SME’s and skill Acquisition Opportunities.
In her speech as the special guest of honor in Abuja madame Mutharika expressed gratitude over the timely invitation considering that Africa as the whole is currently facing a lot of challenges as far as keeping more children in school is assessed.
The former first lady said that there is nothing more noble than to be associated with success stories of MALLPAI Foundation calling it tough yet a possible ten year journey that has proven to be a shining example of what love among humans can achieve.
Madame Mutharika also noted with satisfaction some of the amazing work the MALLPAI Foundation has been doing in the previous few years especially at striking strategic partnerships with other players with a aim of targeting beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
“Multi stakeholder partnerships are a key driver in successfully formulating a more holistic development framework that will produce more sustainable and transformative outcomes in our times.
“Expanding the role of the various actors engaging in such partnerships is pivotal to promote the exchange of ideas, technical expertise and financial resources. I am a mother and like any other woman,” says Mutharika.
She adds, “I see it distressing to see children grow up with no discernible future and it is the utmost pain of a woman to see a child dropping out of school and I believe this is what inspired my sister , the first lady Aisha Bagudu to take special interest in out-of-school children”.
The two day meeting also highlighted some of the crucial needs to be incorporated in Agricultural industry as another part of the MALLPAI Foundation programs.
Madame Callista therefore applauded MALLPAI for identifying Agricultural and SME sectors as routes to economic emancipation emphasizing that Agriculture does not only provide food on the table but also poses as the process of life sustainability.
The grouping employs many people as it is the case with Malawi where Agriculture only carters jobs for over 80% of the population.
She also stressed it that there is therefore an opportunity for MALLPAI Foundation to grow since SMEs also drive innovation and competition in markets
The event also marked the gland achievements, celebrating ten years anniversary of the organization’s existence whose main agenda aimed at discussing the way forward towards building a conducive environment for sustainable legacy on Education for those children out of school.
Other speakers at the meeting were chairman of the event His Excellency Vice president of Nigeria Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the governor of Kebbi State His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and first lady of Kebbi State Her Excellency Aisha Atiku Bagudu among others
