Karonga Diocese Sends 15 to Mpemba for Paralegal Training
By Noel Chatepa
The Catholic Diocese of Karonga has on 11th January 2025 embarked on a journey of enhancing legal awareness and access to justice in the Diocese by sending 15 individuals for paralegal training at the Malawi School of Government in Mpemba, Blantyre. The participants were selected from various Catholic groupings in the Parishes of the Diocese, including Scouts, Catechists, and CCJP volunteers.
The selected individuals will undergo a 16-week training program that will cover topics such as the rule of law, legal procedures, dispute resolution, human rights, and advocacy. The training is designed not only to equip them with legal knowledge but also to empower them to address pressing issues within their communities.
During a session at Tuntufye FM radio premises prior to their departure for Blantyre, Desk officer for the Justice and Peace department Mr. Obert Mkandawire highlighted that this initiative is the brainchild of His Lordship Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga.
âThe Bishop emphasized the importance of incorporating Malawian Acts into the training curriculum such as the Chiefs Act, land Act (Customary Land Act), Older Persons Act and Witchcraft Act as these laws directly relate to challenges faced by people in the diocese’s three districts: Karonga, Chitipa, and parts of Rumphiâ, said Mkandawire.
Mkandawire highlighted that there is a significant lack of access to justice within these areas due to lack of proper representation at grassroot level. He expressed optimism that after completing their paralegal training, these 15 individuals would play a crucial role in bridging this gap. âAfter completing the course, by collaborating with CCJP and the Pastoral Department, they will play an active role in preventing conflicts and be able to assist in the administration of justiceâ.
Among those selected is Kate Kondowe, a 23-year-old Catholic scout from St. Francis De Sales Parish in Livingstonia (Rumphi District). She shared her enthusiasm towards the training, âI am very grateful for this opportunity; our community faces a lot of injustices. For instance, there was a recent land dispute where an individual sold land that did not belong to him, this has caused chaos in our community, and it has not yet been resolved. There are also instances where elderly people are accused of witchcraft, this training is important as it will enable us to tackle such issuesâ.
The Diocese will fully support these participants by covering tuition fees along with accommodation, meals, and transportation costs, a commitment made possible through funding from Aid to the Church in Need-Germany, an international Catholic charity organization.