ADRA Malawi chairs LILONGWE CIVIL Society Network (LICSONET)

Written by Chikondi Madumuse, Advocacy Officer & Ted Nyekanyeka, M&E /Research Coordinator

Background

Civil Society Organizations in Lilongwe felt the need to come together and form a network that would enable them to raise their profile and create a platform to promote networking and information sharing among CSOs and other stakeholders in Lilongwe. There was a felt need for these organizations to interact and have a common understanding of developmental issues being raised in the district. The network would also offer appropriate representation at various development forums within and outside the district.

In some cases CSOs working in the district have not had a chance to showcase their activities and raise the challenges of project beneficiaries. Therefore, the network would promote and market CSOs activities through joint planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects in the district. The network will also play an advocacy role and carry out advocacy activities or projects in the district, which are beneficial to member organizations and the communities they serve. Furthermore, the network would interface with Local Government, Donors, other CSOs and International agencies for promotion of good governance and human rights. Through its interface with the district council the network will lobby with local Government in enhancing service delivery in the areas of health, food security, environment and other key areas to improve welfare of communities.

The network would also develop and maintain database of all CSOs in the district.
In order to achieve its objectives the grouping came up with a constitution. This constitution would enable the network to operate in a systematic manner.

The network was officially launched on 24th August, 2011 at Lingadzi Inn in Lilongwe.  ADRA Malawi was elected as the chair of the network for a one year term. Other CSOs elected in the executive committee are Mai Khanda Trust (Vice Chair), Circle for Integrated Community Development CICOD (Secretary), Care International-Malawi (Vice secretary), Console Homes (Treasurer) and  Community Members are;
Landirani trust, DAPP Malawi, Self Help Africa, Family Planning Association of Malawi and CYCA. In total the network consists of over 20 CSOs including International and local CSOs.

ADRA has been supporting the revamping of the network through the Action for Social Change Programme which among other things is focusing on strengthening the capacity of civil society networks in advocacy. The programme is being funded by DANIDA under the strategy for Danish support to civil society in developing countries.

Speaking after the elections, ADRA’s M&E /Research Coordinator, Ted Nyekanyeka said, “ADRA is committed to this endeavor and would work towards making the network a vibrant one. ADRA appreciates the trust that members of the network have placed on us. We would like to assure the network that our commitment to the network activities will continue and we are encouraging members to fully support this network. We hope this network will bear fruits that will promote and strengthen our capacities as civil society organizations as well as promote interaction among us. If we work together we’ll produce strong voices for the marginalized.”