Lusubilo Community Care conducted two-day review meetings for 34 SMART Couple facilitators in Karonga and Chitipa Districts under its Gender Project to assess progress made in project implementation, discuss challenges, and identify practical strategies for improving implementation and achieving sustainable outcomes.
The meetings brought together facilitators from implementation areas in Karonga, Rumphi, and Chitipa, who presented reports highlighting experiences, lessons learned, and changes taking place within families and communities through the SMART Couples approach.
During the presentations, facilitators reported noticeable positive changes in many households. They noted that families which previously experienced challenges in communication and decision-making are now increasingly engaging in open dialogue and making decisions together. Facilitators also shared that men and women are gradually working together on family responsibilities such as budgeting, caregiving, and household planning, contributing to improved cooperation and reduced conflicts within homes.
Couples presenting their reports during the review meeting in Karonga
The review meetings also provided a platform for peer learning, allowing facilitators to exchange ideas and discuss practical approaches to addressing implementation challenges in their respective communities.
The meetings were also attended by Lusubilo staff members, District Gender Officers from Karonga, Rumphi, and Chitipa districts, as well as representatives from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), who engaged participants during discussions and provided technical guidance to strengthen implementation.
Speaking during the meeting, Karonga District Gender Officer, Ireen Mwenelupembe, commended Lusubilo for creating a platform that promotes learning and collaboration among facilitators.
“This meeting has helped facilitators understand what their friends are doing in other areas and has created an opportunity for learning and sharing experiences,” she said.
District Gender Officers for Karonga and Rumphi
The meetings concluded with the development of action plans aimed at strengthening implementation in the coming months, improving coordination, and enhancing community engagement for better project outcomes.
Through continued collaboration with facilitators and partners, Lusubilo Community Care remains committed to promoting gender equality, strengthening families, and empowering communities across Karonga, Rumphi, and Chitipa districts.
Lusubilo is implementing the Gender Project with financial support from Catholic Relief Services.