Life Concern Organisation (LICO) is implementing a community empowerment programme which provides goats and pigs to study circle groups in the district. So far six study circle groups have benefitted through this initiative in the area of Traditional Authority Mwahenga and Mwankhunikira.

Study circle groups pull together people within communities with a sole purpose of discussing ways of fighting the further spread of HIV and AIDS and maternal health. In Rumphi district, Life Concern Organisation has established over 70 study circle groups who are championing issues of safe motherhood, sexual reproduction health and prevention of mother to child transmission services. Members of study circle groups have also been helpful in promoting HIV couple testing, formulation of community by-laws on maternal and safe motherhood as well as early marriages. An ideal study circle group comprises about 10 members.

Handing over of two pigs to one of the study circles by Frank Phiri, Project Officer (left)

LICO Monitoring and Evaluation officer Nelson Kondowe says the study circle group has been instrumental in the implementation of various development projects. It is community driven and thus ensures sustainability of various development initiatives. He says this is why LICO thought it wise to financial equip them with livestock which will be under a pass on programme so that they are financially independent. Besides the livestock, LICO is also supporting couples living positively with soya, beans and vegetable seeds so that they are able to cultivate their own gardens as one way of ensuring availability of nutritious foods at household level.

by Elias Nyirenda