On March 29, 2024, the Compassion Connectors in Malawi held their inaugural national meeting at the Shepard Academy in Zomba District. This historic gathering marked a significant step forward for the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC) in Malawi, bringing together Connectors from various regions to establish a unified strategy and collaborative framework for their compassion work.
The primary objective of the meeting was to foster mutual understanding among the Connectors, share experiences, and discuss the implementation of their compassion initiatives. The agenda also included important administrative tasks such as the registration of GCC Malawi, opening a bank account, and electing national executive members.
The meeting saw the participation of 13 Connectors from both the central and southern regions of Malawi, representing a diverse array of professions and backgrounds. These included small business owners, government school teachers, healthcare professionals, and extension workers. The connectors hailed from Kasungu, Ntcheu, Lilongwe, Mchinji, and Zomba districts.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to register GCC Malawi as a charitable and non-profit organization. This registration will be pursued with the Register General and the Council for Non-Governmental Organizations of Malawi (CONGOMA). Additionally, the organization will open a bank account, with three signatories designated: The National Lead/Coordinator, the Head of Programs, and one connector.
The executive management team was established to oversee the implementation of programs and projects according to plan. This team will also provide support to connectors in their respective districts. Kennie Mboma was appointed as the Head of Programs, responsible for consolidating activity reports from all connectors and submitting them to the National Lead/Coordinator, Suzy Dzimbiri, who will, in turn, share these reports with GCC’s Chief Operations Officer, Matt Hawkins.
The meeting underscored the importance of transparent and efficient resource management. Connectors agreed that all activities and resources received in their districts should be reported to the GCC Malawi executive for monitoring and control. This will ensure accountability and effective use of resources.
Despite the meeting’s success, there were challenges. The session was shorter than desired due to the upcoming Good Friday services, which required connectors to return to their respective districts. However, the connectors expressed a strong desire to conduct such national planning and review meetings quarterly. They also emphasized the need for a physical address and office to enhance the organization’s visibility and operational efficiency.
The connectors outlined their expectations from the GCC headquarters, including assistance with the registration fee and leadership training. These supports will be crucial in building the capacity of GCC Malawi and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The profiles of the connectors reflect a wide range of expertise and dedication to various compassionate causes. From youth action and disability education to elderly care and climate change, these connectors are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
The national meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with connectors leaving Zomba energized and united in their mission to bring compassion-driven change to Malawi. Their collective efforts and the support from the broader GCC network promise a brighter future for the communities they serve.
Evans Ijakaa is a Digital Journalist and National Coordinator of Compassion Connectors Kenya.