Five community-based organizations (CBOs) under the Chisenga CBO Network conducted a quarterly review meeting on 15 May 2026 in Chitipa District, where members assessed progress made, shared challenges, and reflected on lessons learnt from January to April while developing action plans for the next quarter.
The meeting, hosted by Chisenga CBO, brought together Chimwemwe, Chisenga, Tilipo, Chelechele, and Rainbow CBOs. Each CBO presented its quarterly report, highlighting key activities implemented at community level, including child protection initiatives, support to vulnerable households, education support, and agricultural interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.
CBO Member presenting during the meeting
Participants noted that the review meetings continue to serve as an important platform for accountability, learning, and coordination among community structures. The meetings also strengthen collaboration between CBOs and key stakeholders from government departments, non-governmental organizations, and local governance structures such as ADCs, VDCs, GVHs, and mother groups.
Stakeholders who attended the meeting were drawn from Social Welfare, Education, Agriculture, and the Malawi Police Service, as well as development partners including Lusubilo Community Care.
Speaking during the meeting, Group Village Head (GVH) Nachoma commended the CBO network for its commitment to serving vulnerable groups. He praised the CBOs for their continued efforts in addressing gender-based violence (GBV), strengthening child protection systems, supporting learners, and promoting agricultural activities that contribute to household food security.
Child Protection Worker Evanson Kanyika, representing government stakeholders, also applauded the CBOs for their achievements over the quarter. He noted that collaboration between government and community structures has improved service delivery and responsiveness to child protection issues at grassroots level.
Police Officer addressing participants during the meeting
Kanyika further acknowledged the critical role of Lusubilo Community Care in strengthening community systems. He said the organization’s continuous capacity-building support has enabled CBOs to operate more independently and effectively, with many now implementing income-generating activities to sustain their work.
Supporting CBOs is one of the key interventions under the Lusubilo IOVCY project, which is being implemented with financial support from the Coppell Family and technical assistance from Catholic Relief Services. The initiative has contributed significantly to improving the capacity of community structures to respond to local development challenges.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from the CBOs to strengthen coordination, expand sustainable income-generating activities, and continue working together with stakeholders to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable groups in Chitipa District.