Youth Council, Partners commemorate Women’s Day, Launch five-month story competition

The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) and some of its partners joined the rest of the country and the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday, 10 March, 2017, at Mponera Community Technical College in Dowa district.

The IWD falls on 8 March, and was this year commemorated under the international theme “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030”. Malawi however localised the international theme to “Closing the Gender Gap in the World of Work by 2030”.  This day was set aside by the United Nations to promote women’s rights and participation in political, social and economic environment. The theme notes some of the gender gaps that currently exist in the employment, education and other various sectors.

A cross-section of people attending the IWD commemoration in at Mponera Community Technical College, Dowa

The event involved the participation of the Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Training Authority (TEVETA), some government ministries and youth groups in Dowa district. The commemoration was supported financially and technically by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) through its Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP) currently being implemented in the country.

The event was conducted in two different sessions: the morning session involving an empowerment and motivation talks for in and out of school female youths and practical sessions in tailoring, welding, plumbing, carpentry and bricklaying, technical fields that are customarily dominated by males. The afternoon session involved community interaction among the pupils from primary and secondary schools, students from the technical college and members of the community.

Brick and mortar: Secondary school pupils trying out their bricklaying skills

In the morning session, the secondary and primary school pupils received motivation talks from current technical and vocational college students and graduates, after which they put their hands to practice, excitedly participating in the three afore-stated technical areas.

Girls listen attentively as a role model demonstrates and explains some plumbing skills. 

Ahaa! So this is how it looks like through the welding mask?! Wow!

There was a heavy downpour not long after the afternoon session had started but that did not stop the people from carrying on with the commemorations. The event was interrupted for some time as everyone went into the college hall to continue with the colourful function.

The community engagement session involved speeches from various stakeholders, an orientation and motivation session from TEVETA, which marketed the trades currently being offered in the technical colleges, appealing to the female youths to take up the challenges as had done their role models who were currently successful in the industry. There were also speeches from the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare and the UNESCO-STEP.

They watched the demonstration of the skills with the attention and serenity of a lizard that is about to catch a life-giving fly

The excitement in the girls could not be overemphasized

During the event, NYCOM and UNESCO-STEP also launched a story writing competition for young people. The competition requires young people aged 10-35 to write and submit stories about women they know who are courageous and have pursued non-traditional careers and have shaped new gender roles.  

The competition, billed as the "Ngwazi Zazikazi Story Competition", will run from March 10 to July 10, 2017, but the presentation of the main prizes is expected to be made on International Youth Day (IYD) on August 12, 2017. There will also be monthly and weekly prizes before the main prizes are presented. Some of the winning stories will also be aired on a local radio station that is yet to be named.

Reggae-Dancehall songstress, Sangie, performing 'Ngwazi Zazikazi', the theme song for the IWD in Malawi. She features Chiwamba in the audio and its yet-to-be-released video. 

The event was spiced up by performances from female reggae-dancehall songstress, Sangie and renowned vernacular poet, Robert Chiwamba. There were also performances from local performing arts groups. Chiwamba and Sangie have also provided the theme song and theme poem form the IWD and the story writing competition.

Chiwamba pouring out his energy in support of women empowerment. His poem, also titled 'Ngwazi Zazikazi' is also already going around faster than a rumour.

H E Arthur Peter MUTHARIKA talks about AU Summit 2017, KIA

Vacancy: Finance and Administration Officer

National Youth Council of Malawi

VACANCIES

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and motivated candidates to fill the vacant position of Finance and Administration Officer tenable at the National Youth Council of Malawi Secretariat, Lilongwe.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is a statutory corporation established through an Act of Parliament (National Youth Council of Malawi Act No.22 of 1996). National Youth Council of Malawi is mandated to register youth organisation, coordinate and regulate youth work in Malawi as well as to facilitate and implement development activities that promote health and development of young people. The vision of National Council is a Malawi where young people are able to develop their full potential and contribute to sustainable development of their country.

 Finance and Administration Officer

Position Objectives   

The Finance and Administration Officer is responsible for proper financial management, human resources management and administrative systems of NYCOM. He/she will ensure efficient and effective financial, administrative and human resources support services to the core operations of NYCOM Strategic Plan.

Major Duties and Responsibilities  

·         Lead in the development and implementation of financial management and administrative systems for effective management and use of organizational resources including staff at NYCOM and affiliate levels.

·         Implement and monitor human resources policies and systems including performance management.

·         Prepare and monitor NYCOM budgets and cash flows

·         Ensure timely disbursement of funds

·         Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions in the accounting system.

·         Produce donor reports, management reports and Board reports

·         Manage donor relations

·         Organize audit for NYCOM and affiliates to ensure compliance, accountability and transparency

·         Build capacity of staff responsible for financial management and administration.

·         Ensure efficient management of programme staff including annual appraisals of finance and administration staff, coaching, training and mentoring.

·         Assist the ED in development and implementation of fundraising and resource mobilization strategies and activities.

·         Manage of the finances of the NYCOM and the day-to-day running of the Finance and Administration section.

·         Advise the Board and management on financial matters of the NYCOM.

·         Prepare monthly and quarterly financial and management accounts.

·         Coordinate preparation of annual budgets for submission to the Government.

·         Design and review internal controls and accounting procedures.

·         Trains youth from partner organizations in financial management and liquidation of donor funds.

·         Oversees the management of the inventory.

·         Keep personnel/staff records

Required Qualifications and Experience   

·         Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or its equivalent

·         Minimum of 2 years’ experience in similar position

·         Knowledge in computerized financial accounting programmes.

·         Understanding of acceptable accounting principles and procedures

Required Attributes and Skills       

·         Ability to work with the youth

·         Good analytical skills

·         Must be detail-oriented

·         Good communication skills

·         Good computer skills

Mode of Application

Interested candidates meeting the minimum requirements should send their applications and updated curriculum vitae with three traceable referees to the following address.

The Executive Director

National Youth Council of Malawi

Plot 112, Area 47 Sector 2

Private Bag 389

Lilongwe 3

The Closing date for receiving application is 22^nd July, 2016, 16:30 hours. Application received later than the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. The successful candidate is expected to report for duties by 1^st September, 2016.

The National Youth Council of Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Fundraising for Desks with Makwelero

NYCOM’s main slogan and purpose is “uniting youth for development”. Our focus is to coordinate all efforts of youth development in Malawi. At NYCOM, we believe that all young people should be empowered through education, networking, and information exchange. We strive for this together with our affiliate organizations and indeed with others not yet affiliated.

Included in our five year Strategic Plan, NYCOM advocates for access to inclusive education for all youth including youth with disabilities.

Recently we were so impressed with the actions and ideas of one of our affiliate organizations and we went the extra mile to help them mobilize learning resources for a special needs class in a primary school in Lilongwe.

Makwelero is an organization founded by recent University graduates hoping to inspire the volunteer spirit within other youth in the community by helping struggling primary school pupils learn to read and write. By providing one on one tutoring in reading and writing, they hope to promote the eradication of illiteracy within schools across Malawi.

Upon establishing a tutoring program at the Lilongwe LEA School in the Capital Lilongwe, it was jarringly obvious the school does not have adequate resources, which is unfortunately the case for most public schools across Malawi. The learners do not have desks to sit in or books to learn with, and the school blocks are falling apart with broken windows and gaping holes in the ceilings and floors.

In order to bring some resources to the school, two of our Canadian volunteers started an online campaign called “Adopt a Desk”. People are encouraged to donate $50 CND for the purchase of a two-person desk. The goal is to raise $2 500 to revamp one classroom at the school.

Within a few days 25% of the funds were already raised but then came to a halt shortly after. To gain more momentum we revisited the school armed with a video camera and a vision. We wanted to shoot a short video that would encourage more people to understand the situation and need for promoting a healthy learning environment for students here in Malawi.

Here is the video titled, “A day in the Life”:

If you would like to know more about the campaign and how to donate go here:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/adopt-a-desk-in-malawi/x/12474033#/

If you would like to know more about what Makwelero is doing go here:

https://makwelero.wordpress.com

Notice on Compliance for Youth Organisations Registered under the NYCOM Act

Please take note of this notice which was also issued in both the Malawi News and the Weekend Nation of 31st October 2015.

National Youth Council of Malawi is a Statutory Corporation established by an Act of Parliament (National Youth Council of Malawi Act (1996)) and mandated to register youth organisations and coordinate, promote and regulate youth work in Malawi.

For organisations to register as affiliates of the Council, there are conditions that they are required to meet. These conditions are supplied to each organisation along the registration process. The coordination and regulation functions of the Council hugely bank on the affiliates meeting a number of other requirements, prime of which are payment of affiliation fees and submission of reports at regular intervals.

Section 23 of the National Youth Council of Malawi Act (1996) gives the Council powers to register and assess youth organisations operating in Malawi. Section 25 of the Act gives the Council the power to cancel the registration of any organisation that ceases to satisfy the minimum standards outlined. Youth Organisations registered by and affiliated to the National Youth Council of Malawi are also required to pay annual affiliation fee, submit quarterly reports to the Council and be effective in their operations.

National Youth Council of Malawi has noted with concern the continued inclination by most affiliates towards failure to comply with, or blatant disregard of, compliance measures. The National Youth Council of Malawi is, therefore, hereby informing all registered youth organisations and the general public that the Council will deregister all youth organisations that do not comply with the provisions of the Act and cooperation guidelines. Youth organisations that will not show any improvement or compliance by 31st December 2015 will be deregistered and will be required to return their certificates to the Council’s registered address. The names of the deregistered youth organisations will be published in the press.  

National Youth Council of Malawi has also noted with concern that some youth organisations are operating illegally without registering with the National Youth Council of Malawi. Such organisations are advised to either register with the National Youth Council of Malawi or stop operating as youth organisations. Take note that Section 22(ii) of the National Youth Council of Malawi Act bars any organisation from operating as a youth organisation if it is not duly registered. 

The Council would also like to implore all stakeholders in youth development to desist from working with youth organisations that are not duly registered with the Council or with District Youth Offices, and from establishing parallel structures.

For further enquiries contact:

The Executive Director, National Youth Council of Malawi, Plot 47/2/112, Private Bag 389, Lilongwe 3.

Tel: 01761425/01762026; Email: info@malawiyouthcouncil.org

Emplyment Opportunity

 

National Youth Council of Malawi

VACANCIES

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and motivated candidates to fill the vacant positions of Finance and Administration Officer and Program Officer – Sexual Reproductive Health tenable at the National Youth Council of Malawi Secretariat, Lilongwe.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is a statutory corporation established through an Act of Parliament (National Youth Council of Malawi Act No.22 of 1996). National Youth Council of Malawi is mandated to register youth organisations, coordinate and regulate youth work in Malawi as well as to facilitate and implement development activities that promote health and development of young people. The vision of National Council is a Malawi where young people are able to develop their full potential and contribute to sustainable development of their country.

1. Finance and Administration Officer

Position Objectives   

The Finance and Administration Officer is responsible for proper financial management, human resources management and administrative systems of NYCOM. He/she will ensure efficient and effective financial, administrative and human resources support services to the core operations of NYCOM Strategic Plan.

Major Duties and Responsibilities  

·         Lead in the development and implementation of financial management and administrative systems for effective management and use of organizational resources including staff at NYCOM and affiliate levels.

·         Implement and monitor human resources policies and systems including performance management.

·         Prepare and monitor NYCOM budgets and cash flows

·         Ensure timely disbursement of funds

·         Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions in the accounting system.

·         Produce donor reports, management reports and Board reports

·         Manage donor relations

·         Organize audit for NYCOM and affiliates to ensure compliance, accountability and transparency

·         Build capacity of staff responsible for financial management and administration.

·         Ensure efficient management of programme staff including annual appraisals of finance and administration staff, coaching, training and mentoring.

·         Assist the ED in development and implementation of fundraising and resource mobilization strategies and activities.

·         Manage of the finances of the NYCOM and the day-to-day running of the Finance and Administration section.

·         Advise the Board and management on financial matters of the NYCOM.

·         Prepare monthly and quarterly financial and management accounts.

·         Coordinate preparation of annual budgets for submission to the Government.

·         Design and review internal controls and accounting procedures.

·         Trains youth from partner organizations in financial management and liquidation of donor funds.

·         Oversees the management of the inventory.

·         Keep personnel/staff records

Required Qualifications and Experience   

·         Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or its equivalent

·         Minimum of 2 years experience in similar position

·         Knowledge in computerized financial accounting programmes.

·         Understanding of acceptable accounting principles and procedures

Required Attributes and Skills       

·         Ability to work with the youth

·         Good analytical skills

·         Must be detail-oriented

·         Good communication skills

·         Good computer skills

 

2. Program Officer - Sexual Reproductive Health

 Position Objectives

The PO will ensure program development and management and effective implementation of projects in Sexual and Reproductive Health. He/she will ensure timely planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting. He/she will ensure both female and male youth participate in all projects.

 Major Duties and Responsibilities  

·         Advising all registered youth NGOs on all matters pertaining to NYCOM projects in non-discriminatory SHR education and interventions.

·         Designing and organizing capacity building training programmes for youth organizations.  

·         Liaising with donors, the department of youth, youth NGOs and all relevant partners to mobilize partnership and collaboration in project planning, monitoring and evaluation.

·         Ensure timely planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

·         Advising the Executive Director on all project matters.

·         Any other duties assigned by the Executive Director.

 Required Qualifications and Experience   

·         Bachelors Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Environmental Health Sciences, or any Social Sciences related field.

·         Minimum of 2 years in managing donor funded projects.

·         Knowledge and experience in Youth and Sexual and Reproductive Health.

·         Knowledge in project management cycle: planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

·         Knowledge in participatory approaches.

·         Knowledge in working with partners and stakeholders

Required Attributes and Skills       

·         Ability to work with the youth

·         Be a team builder

·         Strong communication skills

·         Strong computer skills

·         Ability to meet deadlines

·         Ability to travel extensively

Mode of Application

Interested candidates meeting the minimum requirements should send their applications and updated curriculum vitae with three traceable referees to the following address.

 

The Executive Director

National Youth Council of Malawi

Plot 112, Area 47 Sector 2

Private Bag 389

Lilongwe 3

 

The Closing date for receiving application is 13^th October, 2015, 16:30 hours. Application received later than the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

The National Youth Council of Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.