UNIMA Students Engage Parliament for Governance Insights

In a bid to deepen understanding of the legislative process, the University of Malawi Students Association Parliament and the Student Representative Council (SRC), on 11th April 2025, embarked on an educational trip to the Parliament of Malawi in Lilongwe. The visit aimed to provide students with hands-on experience of parliamentary procedures and processes, fostering informed and engaged citizenship among the student body.

During the session, students interacted with various Members of Parliament, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara. The legislators delivered a series of presentations to the students. Among the topics covered were how bills are documented in business committees before being tabled in the parliamentary chamber, the roles and functions of the business committee, the passing of the national budget, the development of government policies, the legislative process for passing and amending bills, and several other aspects of parliamentary governance.

In his remarks, Joel Chigaru, the Speaker of the UNIMASA Parliament at the University of Malawi, described the visit as a valuable opportunity to foster understanding of the functions of Parliament. He further explained that the trip was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical governance, while equipping students with essential skills in governance and leadership. “By interacting with Members of Parliament and observing the legislative process first-hand, students gained valuable insights into the role of Parliament in shaping the country’s laws and policies,” he said.

This visit marks a significant milestone in promoting UNIMA students’ development and leadership.

By TIMOTHY HASSAM (3rd year, BA Communication and Cultural Studies)