As he continues his transformative exploration of CARD’s work across the country, Our Executive Director, Melton Luhanga, conducted field visits on January 22nd and 23rd, 2024, in Zomba and Machinga districts. He visited Group Village Headman Bimbi in Traditional Authority Kuntumanji, Zomba district and Group Village Headman Mitawa in Traditional Authority Chamba, Machinga district.

The purpose of these visits was to gain a firsthand understanding and appreciation for the remarkable progress achieved through the "Community Led Planning and Management for Biodiversity Protection and Resilient Communities in the Catchment Area of Lake Chirwa" project.

With funding from Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and Trocaire Malawi, the project extends across three districts surrounding the Lake Chilwa Basin. The initiative aims to foster the development of environmentally and economically sustainable, resilient communities by focusing on the restoration, sustainable management and protection of the biodiversity in the catchment area of the Basin. 

In an inspiring display of commitment and progress, Our Executive Director Melton Luhanga spearheaded a monumental visit to Mulanje district, overseeing the remarkable strides in Cyclone Freddy relief efforts.

His hands-on involvement and oversight were crucial in ensuring the smooth execution of relief initiatives, encompassing various programs in partnership with CARD and other key collaborators.

During his visit on Tuesday, 9th January 2024, Luhanga witnessed the astounding dedication and unwavering efforts of communities under Traditional Authorities Njema and Sunganinzeru. Their relentless work in response to Cyclone Freddy's aftermath drew admiration during Luhanga's visit.

On 14th December, we proudly participated in the inaugural Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Day, hosted by the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA). The event was nothing short of inspiring as we seized the opportunity to connect and forge invaluable partnerships with fellow NGOs.

With zeal and dedication, we highlighted our steadfast commitment to aligning our efforts with Malawi 2063 and the Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs), emphasizing our dedication to a more sustainable and brighter future. The day unfolded under the theme of “A Strong and Vibrant NGO Sector towards Accelerated Implementation for SDGs and Malawi 2063.” It was a celebration of collective dedication and a rallying call for intensified action towards our shared aspirations.

The atmosphere brimmed with enthusiasm, collaboration and a shared vision for a better tomorrow. We are honored to have been a part of this historic day, energized by the prospects it holds for driving positive change in our communities and beyond.

It was a moment of pride to observe that CARD received commendation and acknowledgement as the “Best Cyclone Freddy Response 2023” by Government of Malawi during the Thursday night dinner for Non-Governmental Organizations, hosted by the State President of Republic of Malawi Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace.

The COP 28 Climate Summit in Dubai has ignited global hope by unveiling groundbreaking commitments against climate change. 

The summit under the theme "Unite, Act and Deliver," CARD is represented by Executive Director-Melton Luhanga and Deputy Programs Manager-Lameck Nkhoma, with support from the Climate Justice Resilience Fund.

The summit commenced with a resounding inauguration on November 30th, 2023. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber's $100 million pledge, aimed at supporting vulnerable nations, inspired other developed countries to collectively commit billions to critical causes.