On Sunday Triephonia Mpinganjira who is also an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist launched K10 million netball and football trophy targeting schools in Neno as way of her resolve to fight chronic illness among children in the district.
Mpinganjira through her organization called African Child Foundation (ACF)- said it has always been her concern to help in raising awareness and fighting stigma involved in children who suffer chronic illness in the district.
She conducted a study and found out that many children with chronic illness such as epilepsy, asthma, polio and many others are just locked in the houses. They barely get medical attention and they are not allowed to go to school or play with their friends. Most of them end up dying without attention.
After having that information she thought of doing something to deal with that problem.
The Entrepreneur and Philanthropist launched this sports project targeting all school going youths. She want them to be the champions of this problem. To be the first police what is happening in their communities and report to their teachers. For them to understand the signs and symptoms of these illness so that when they see them, they should be the one taking it up through various duty bearers in the communities.
Sports bring various people together especially the youths. That’s why we have used sports to create spaces for discussion and awareness of fighting against chronic illness among children. Through sports we will be able to attract the youths and that is what we need to spread the message” said Mpinganjira..
Almost all the primary and secondary schools in Neno participated in various sporting activities during the launch. Netball legend Mary Waya she was also at the event and she challenged the youths to take a leading role in ensuring that everyone is leaving a health life in their communities.
A Malawian musician Zeze Kingstone and comedian Mr Joker blessed the youth with a beautiful performance.