UNIMA STAFF IN FUN WALK

As one way of fostering a healthy relationship among staff at the University of Malawi, the University of Malawi Staff Sports Association (UMSSA) organized a fun walk on July 28th, 2023. The fun walk covered a distance of 12km, starting from the University Office in Zomba City and ending at Songani, a popular trading centre outside the city.

The activity was led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, who was joined by over 80 staff members from various departments. These participants represented different sections of UNIMA, including management, academics, accountants, librarians, and others.

In an interview with Professor Sajidu, he expressed his excitement about the exercise and stressed that it served two functions: promoting individuals’ health and well-being, and enhancing the bond between the management and staff in both support and academic categories. He noted, for example, that the University employs over 500 support staff, many of whom are not acquainted with each other. Therefore, the exercise played a significant role in facilitating interaction and familiarity among staff.

The Vice Chancellor further pointed out that by participating in such activities, both the management and staff could improve their health, thereby contributing to the overall success of the institution, since people who enjoy good health would also be able to contribute optimally to the university. Additionally, he proposed that the exercise should be conducted once every month to consistently promote the fitness of the staff.

The Chairperson of UMSSA, Martin Likongwe, who is also a Food and Nutrition lecturer, explained that while staff members are typically engaged in various sports activities, the association decided to introduce a walking exercise to accommodate those who are not involved in sports.

“The fun walk was organized to promote camaraderie among staff members and enhance positive working relationships,” Likongwe stated. “A fun walk provides a platform for people to socialize and interact while exercising.”

Many of the participants expressed satisfaction with the exercise, and look forward to more of such activities in the future.