This week, we gathered for a special event at Ligowe in Neno district centered around planting trees, a vital initiative for our community and the environment. The Archbishop of The Archdiocese of Blantyre, The Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa emphasized the importance of trees, describing them as the lungs of our city that absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen we need to survive. He highlighted their role in cooling our streets, reducing flood risks, and providing habitats for wildlife. With support from AMECEA and Centenary Bank, this initiative aims not only to beautify our surroundings but also to foster a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

In his address, the archbishop urged everyone to take part in tree planting, reinforcing the message from Pope Francis’s Encyclical, Laudato Si', which calls for us to care for our planet. He encouraged schools to adopt tree care initiatives and for adults to utilize every available space for planting. Each tree we plant symbolizes hope for a greener future, offering shade and clean air for generations to come. By working together, we can cultivate a legacy of environmental responsibility and make a meaningful impact on our community and the world. Let us embrace this call to action and plant trees with the intent to nurture and protect our environment.

His Grace also called on the government to put in place laws and regulations that will help curb the uncontrolled cutting down of trees as is the case in other countries.

This week, we gathered for a special event at Ligowe in Neno district centered around planting trees, a vital initiative for our community and the environment. The Archbishop of The Archdiocese of Blantyre, The Most Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa emphasized the importance of trees, describing them as the lungs of our city that absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen we need to survive. He highlighted their role in cooling our streets, reducing flood risks, and providing habitats for wildlife. With support from AMECEA and Centenary Bank, this initiative aims not only to beautify our surroundings but also to foster a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

In his address, the archbishop urged everyone to take part in tree planting, reinforcing the message from Pope Francis’s Encyclical, Laudato Si', which calls for us to care for our planet. He encouraged schools to adopt tree care initiatives and for adults to utilize every available space for planting. Each tree we plant symbolizes hope for a greener future, offering shade and clean air for generations to come. By working together, we can cultivate a legacy of environmental responsibility and make a meaningful impact on our community and the world. Let us embrace this call to action and plant trees with the intent to nurture and protect our environment.

His Grace also called on the government to put in place laws and regulations that will help curb the uncontrolled cutting down of trees as is the case in other countries.

July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Did you know that 1 in 3 victims of human trafficking globally is a child? These children face unimaginable challenges, including: Sexual exploitation, Forced labor, Illegal adoption, Begging and Recruitment into armed groups.

Root causes of child trafficking:

- Dysfunctional families

- Poverty

- Inequality

- Shortcomings in child protection

Let’s join hands to protect our children from child trafficking. Together, we can #EndHumanTrafficking and create a safer world for all.

As the world prepares to commemorate World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024, Malawi is taking a significant step towards combating this heinous crime by launching a bench book aimed at guiding magistrates and judges when sentencing trafficking in persons offences, alongside a protection officers training manual.

Recently, judicial officers gathered in Lilongwe to validate the bench book, alongside stakeholders from the Ministry of Homeland Security, Malawi Law Commission, UNODC, Human Rights Commission, Plan International Malawi, and CADECOM Blantyre. Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda highlighted the challenges faced by the TIP Act since its enactment in 2015, including disparities in sentencing. The bench book aims to address these disparities and provide guidance on sentencing of TIP cases.

CADECOM Blantyre, with support from the United States Government - Department of State through Plan International Malawi, supported this exercise as part of its three-year project implemented in Mwanza and Mulanje districts. The organization's contributions to the development of the bench book will help ensure that traffickers are held accountable and victims receive the support they deserve.