Marianist Brothers Satisfied with their Missions in Karonga Diocese
By Chimwemwe Chisi (TFM)
Marianist Brothers have expressed satisfaction with the way their congregation is carrying out its missions in the Diocese of Karonga by citing among other things the achievements being registered by the institutions under their care.
This was revealed on 23rd January when Chaminade Secondary School and Miracle Technical Institute held a joint celebration marking Chaminade Day in honour of their founders Father William Chaminade and Adele Tranquilia.
Speaking in an interview after the celebration, Brother Pachalo Mfune, a Marianist, said Chaminade Day is of great essence to their congregation and the two academic institutions as it helps them reflect on their mission.
“I am very happy on this very day since it is one way of reflecting if our institutions are progressing in accordance with what the founders wanted and am glad that we are moving in the right direction,” said Brother Mfune who is also the Director of Miracle Technical Institute.
“On this day we also pray and remember our departed brothers and sisters of the lay movement,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Head Prefect of Chaminade Secondary School Benedict Mumba stated that they get inspired with the role models that come to their school each time they celebrate the day.
“My fellow students and I have gained a lot through this event because we get inspired by the role models who come to our school. Through their speeches we are encouraged to work hard,” said Mumba.
The Head Teacher of Chaminade Secondary School John Island Mtambo said he was overjoyed with the Marianist Brothers because through them their school came into existence.
Mtambo said, “I am pleased with this very day since it is the reason that Chaminade Secondary School came into being and its existence has transformed many lives through quality education it offers as well as employment opportunities it offers.”
Chaminade Secondary School and Miracle Technical Institute are some of the learning institutions existing courtesy of Father William Chaminade among others in the world.
Miracle Technical Institute in Tree Planting Exercise
By Norbert Mzembe
In living the spirit of Laudato Si, which calls for care of the environment, Miracle Technical Institute in Karonga embarked on a tree planting exercise to replace trees cut in the course of construction work and practical training in carpentry and joinery, and bricklaying.
The institute, which falls under the Catholic Diocese of Karonga, partnered with Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Training Authority (TEVETA) to carry out the exercise during which 3000 seedlings were planted at the school’s campus.
Speaking during the launch of the exercise, Brother Pachalo Joseph Mfune, Director of the institute admitted that the school has for decades been an enemy of the environment by cutting down trees without replacing them. He said the management decided to embrace nature by replanting trees where they are cut, because the college relies much on trees for most of its activities.
“Over the past ten years the college has some many activities that led to excessive cutting down of trees for the construction work without replacement,” he said.
TEVETA Regional Service Centre Manager for the north, Conceptor Kachoka said it remains their responsibility to nurture the environment by planting trees, especially at Miracle Technical Institute, because they promote technical courses like carpentry and Joinery (CJ), bricklaying and others which demand more trees.
She then urged students and all members of staff at the college to look after the trees they have planted for the benefit of the future generation.
During the exercise, at least 3000 tree seedlings were planted within the college campus and every student from each department was assigned to plant eleven (11) seedlings which they are expected to take care of.
TEVETA thereafter, promised to give tokens of appreciation to students whose trees will survive as a way of motivating them to nurture the trees.
This was the first time for Miracle Technical to replace the trees that the college has been using in the construction of facilities such as classroom blocks and furniture.
Minister of Labour Tours Miracle Technical Institute
By Maureen Soko
The Minister of Labour Youth and Manpower Development, Francis Kasaila, has expressed satisfaction with the work Miracle Technical Institute is doing in training young people in various vocational skills.
The Minister made these remarks when he visited Miracle Technical Institute on 11th January, 2018, as part of his familiarization tour of technical colleges in the Northern Region of Malawi.
Speaking after touring the vocational training facility, the Minister said he was pleased with the good work the college was doing in preparing young people for the future.
In his remarks, he said he was happy with the courses offered by the college which include Hotel Management and Catering.
“I am delighted with the courses you are offering some of which are not offered by most colleges in the Northern Region. Graduates of Hotel Management and Catering, for example, are marketable as they easily find jobs in the expanding tourism sector.” He said.
Hon. Kasaila further praised the college for being one of the pioneers of SPVET (Solar Photovoltaic Electrical Training) Programme, which is aimed at increasing access to electricity to many Malawians.
“As you all know, about 90% of Malawians do not have access to electricity, hence the coming in of this programme,” said Kasaila.
On another note, the Minister asked the authorities at the institution to increase intake to accommodate more young people who wish to acquire vocational skills.
Speaking on behalf of Miracle Technical Institute, the Director, Brother Joseph Pachalo Mfune, said the institute will continue to offer the very best to the students for them to effectively contribute to the development of this country.
Brother Mfune said the school is failing to complete some of the construction projects they embarked on due to financial constraints. However, he expressed hope that they will be able to complete the work with help from the partners, such as TEVETA and European Union.
Miracle Technical Institute opened its doors in 1999. To date the college has successfully trained 2500 young men and women in various vocational skills.