NGOs have been urged to engage communities to choose projects as they know best what their needs in their areas.
Speaking on Monday during a breakfast meeting with Development Partners and Heads of Mission at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza said engaging communities before implementing projects creates the spirit of ownership among people.
“We are into decentralisation giving power to the people to have a say that is what is called governance. Communities should have a say before any development is brought in their areas, there should be no imposition of any activity or project, ” she said.
The Minister further said localisation of partnership where local NGOs partner with international NGOs will ensure sustainability of developments that NGOs implement.
UN Resident Coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh concurred with the Minister saying the impact of NGOs can be seen if communities are being involved.
“Communities know best what their needs are, for sustainability of projects the people need to be consulted of what their needs are,” she said.
NGORA Chief Executive Officer Edward Chileka Banda said some areas have many projects while others are neglected, he said they will conduct NGO mapping to ensure fair distribution of projects across the country.
The CEO further encouraged NGOs will attend and the public to attend the planned NGO Day saying that the day will offer them a chance to appreciate what NGOs are doing.
The NGO day will take place on the 14th of December under the theme “A Strong and Vibrant NGO Sector Towards Accelerated Implementation for SDGs and Malawi 2063.”