The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has distributed 10 free-play radios to Malawi Union on the Blind (MUB) and Radio Listening Clubs in the Southern Region to empower them in accessing information.
The radio listening clubs were drawn from Blantyre, Mulanje, Thyolo, Chikwawa, Neno, Balaka, and Mwanza.
Speaking after handing over the radios in Blantyre on Wednesday, Chairperson of NICE Public Trust Board of Trustees, Boniface Chibwana said initiative reflects the Trust’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, including vulnerable and marginalized groups, have access to credible information that promotes active citizenship, democratic participation, and national development.
“For many people, especially persons with visual impairments, radio is more than just a communication tool, it is a window to the world, a bridge to important conversations, and a platform for empowerment.
“These free-play radios, powered through winding and solar energy, provide a sustainable way of accessing information without depending on costly batteries,” Chibwana said.
He the cautioned the listening clubs to take care of the radios saying they are meant for all club members, not just one individual.
MUB Executive Director, Ezekiel Kumwenda commended NICE Trust for the initiative saying it empowers those that are visually impaired to access information through the radio.
“As MUB, we took an extra step to initiate Press Review programs in radio station across the country because we know our members cannot manage to access information through newspapers.
“Radio provides a platform for our members to listen and capture what is happening around the world. With this opportunity to access information through the radios provided by NICE Trust, we will be able contribute to the realisation of Malawi2063 vision,” he said.
“For many people, especially persons with visual impairments, radio is more than just a communication.”
Boniface Chibwana
Chairperson of NICE Public Trust Board of Trustees
