UMSSA participates in a fun walk and community outreach

On 26th October 2024, various staff members from different departments at the University of Malawi participated in a fun walk organized by the University of Malawi Staff Sports Association (UMSSA). The walk, led by University Registrar Mr. Martin Matululu, also featured Village Group Headman Chikanda. The event aimed to foster connections among staff members, promote physical activity to enhance fitness, and give to the community. Over 40 staff members took part, covering a distance of 22 kilometers from the University Office to Pirimiti.

The association donated items valued at over one million kwacha to Pirimiti Hospital and Mikuyu II Prison. 350 packages were distributed and each package contained assorted items, including a pack of sugar, salt, a washing tablet, and a bottle of Vaseline. Mr. Matululu expressed gratitude to the hospital management for allowing the association to donate items and he further thanked the association for organizing the walk and making a valuable contribution to the community. He further stated that corporate social responsibility aligns with the University’s strategic plan and mentioned that students and other stakeholders would be involved in future events of this nature.

In his remarks, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Thoko Bodza Mbewe, mentioned that apart from regularly participating in sporting activities with various public universities and other teams, they also give back to the community as part of their corporate social responsibility. He noted that they have donated items to various groups on multiple occasions and also thanked the management for their consistent financial support. “Some members of the association also contributed, and the idea of corporate social responsibility arose because, as an association, we engage with people, regardless of their beliefs and interests.”

Items were distributed in several wards, including the maternity ward, children’s ward, and outpatients, among others, with 50 people receiving donations. Nursing and Midwife Technician Mrs. Maligalita Mtemula extended her appreciation to both the organizers and everyone involved in the donation, mentioning that patients often lack basic necessities, and this donation arrived at an opportune time to provide essential assistance.

The team then proceeded to Mikuyi II Prison, where they donated 300 packs to inmates aged 18 to 22. The inmates welcomed the team warmly, singing songs that had the staff members singing and dancing along with them. The Station Officer at Mikuyu Young Offenders Rehabilitation Centre, Superintendent Kondwani Mzumara, also expressed gratitude to the association for the donation, noting that many of the items fulfilled essential needs for the inmates.

He further commended the members for the encouragement they offered to the inmates. The event featured a variety of activities, including a comedy performance and verse recitations by the inmates, which added a lively touch to the day.

The fun walk ended with drinks and a braai at the university office, where members continued to interact.