Mzimba NGOs court MPs on bursary schemes

A taskforce of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) running secondary school bursary schemes in Mzimba has bemoaned lack of proper coordination in the administration of bursaries in the district.

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Speaking Monday when the taskforce met with Members of Parliament (MPs) for the district, a representative of the taskforce, James Gondwe, said they have noticed gaps in bursaries including those under Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He said the taskforce decided to organise the meeting with MPs to discuss ways on how they can better run bursary schemes in the district.

“There has been no proper coordination of efforts in as far as bursaries are being administered such that there have been cases where stakeholders are supporting same beneficiaries.

“This made us come together and come up with harmonised solutions. Since MPs are also administrators of bursary fund at constituency level, we thought it wise to engage them as well,” he said.

MP for Mzimba South, Chambulanyina Jere, appreciated the stakeholders for organising the interactive meeting.

“I have liked the suggestion of having a harmonised database on those offering bursary schemes in the district so that we avoid issues of giving support to same people or same area.

“During the meeting, there were also suggestions that constituencies should have well structured committees which can be responsible for handling all bursary issues which is a welcome development,” he said.

District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba South, Bernard Nangwale, said his office will put together all the resolution which will be presented at a full council meeting for adoption.