Dances, ululations and faces full of smiles characterised the atmosphere during a ceremony in Phalombe where Ntalawe Village was recognised for its outstanding community development and environmental protection efforts.
The village has emerged the best among 12 villages in the district, winning K1 million from Action for Environmental Sustainability (AFES) for its community development and environmental protection efforts.
It was recognised for its commitment to various activities, including piggery farming, village banking, savings and tree planting.
AFES Project Officer Flora Madikhula said the achievement shows what communities can accomplish when members work together and remain committed to their development initiatives.
Madikhula said united and committed groups have the potential to go far in implementing projects that benefit their communities.
She was speaking in Phalombe today when AFES presented the K1 million award to Ntalawe Green FCA, which is implementing the community activities.
The village has been involved in piggery farming with support from AFES, while its other activities include village banking and savings, which enable members to access loans for various needs.
The community is also involved in tree planting as part of efforts to protect the environment.
Receiving the award, Ntalawe Green FCA Chairperson Rachel Sumbuluta described the support as timely, saying the money will help the group buy feed for its pigs.
“The support has come at the right time. We will use the money to buy feed for the pigs,” said Sumbuluta.
Sumbuluta said the award will also encourage members to remain committed to their activities.
“This award will motivate us to work even harder and remain committed to what we are doing as a community,” she said.
Meanwhile, Programs Manager for Spark Microgrants David Matabwa has encouraged the village to put the money to good use and ensure that the projects continue benefiting the community.
“We hope the community will put these funds to good use and ensure that the projects continue to benefit the people,” said Matabwa.
The development comes as AFES continues to support communities in Phalombe through livelihood and environmental projects aimed at improving household incomes and strengthening communities’ resilience to climate-related challenges.
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