One of Africa’s leading commercial bankers, the bank of the nation, National Bank of Malawi(NBM) has donated K5 million to the inaugural Parliamentary Service Week, which started Monday and will run until this Friday.
Presenting a five million kwacha dummy cheque symbolising the donation on Tuesday at Parliament Building in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, NBM Lilongwe Service Centre Manager, Maureen Gwembere expressed the bank’s undying commitment in supporting the communities the bank serve through the donation.
Gwembere said Parliament is a very important arm of government and the bank is impressed with the line-up of events that have been scheduled during the Parliamentary Week.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this great and significant initiative which is people-centred. We understand Parliament is slated to visit Malingunde School for the Blind in Lilongwe, this really touched our hearts hence the support.”
However, Gwembere emphasized that NBM is proud to be part of the initiative, as it aligns with their core values of fostering community development and promoting civic participation.
Receiving the donation, Head of Parliament Services, who is also the Chairperson of the Parliament of Malawi’s Institutional Integrity Committee, Lovemore Nyongo, said Parliament Week, themed “Know Your Parliament,” is a unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of openness, engagement, and collective progress that democracy embodies.
Nyongo applauded National Bank of Malawi for the timely donation and urged other companies to borrow a leaf from the bank’s act of benevolence.
“The Parliament Week’s activities include product displays at the Parliament Building, a City Centre parade, a historic Parliamentary sitting at Dedza Stadium, and a community donation to Malingunde School for the Blind,” said Nyongo.
The Parliamentary Service Week is aimed at raising awareness among the public to on the roles of legislators and Parliament.
The National Assembly will Thursday, November 21, 2024 convene at Dedza Stadium in Dedza District for a sitting as part of the Parliament Week celebrations, which largely is aimed at enhancing and strengthening public awareness of Parliament’s functions and operations in the country.
According to the Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara, the Parliament Week, will feature various activities, including pavilions, a street parade, and the historic sitting at Dedza Stadium.
Gotani Hara officially launched the Parliament Week on Monday, at 9:00 a.m. with a colourful parade from Area 18 Interchange.
Parliament Week is organized in collaboration with several organizations and these, among others, include; the United Nations Development Programme, Save the Children Malawi, Centre for Civil Society Strengthening, the Parliamentary Support Program, and the African Institute for Development Policy
“We’re thrilled to be part of this great and significant initiative which is people-centred.”
Maureen Gwembere
NBM Lilongwe Service Centre Manager,