UNIMAWES Finales Honoured for Environmental Awareness Activities

The University of Malawi Wildlife and Environmental Society (UNIMAWES) held its Finale Farewell Function on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at the Little Theatre on campus. The event was held under the theme: "Celebrating Green Leaders – A Journey of Impact and Hope."

The main aim of the function was to honour the society’s final-year students, who have actively played a vital role in the growth of the society. UNIMAWES has become well known for its activism, whose impact is felt even beyond the UNIMA’s boundaries. Some of these activities include campaigns against thin plastic use, public awareness efforts about the environment, and events aimed at educating the youth on the importance of preserving the environment.

The function, which was graced by the Deputy Mayor of Zomba, His Worship Councillor Anthony Gonani, presented an opportunity for the students to interact with the industry experts who were also in attendance. These included Mr Bernard Kaluzi, Financial Educational Manager at Old Mutual. Mr Kaluzi delivered an inspiring address on financial literacy, encouraging the students to invest and create multiple sources of income. He used Lake Malawi as a metaphor, explaining how its many inlets and single outlet reflect the principle of maintaining financial balance through controlled spending.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Japhet Bakuwa, the Director of Standards and Quality Audits at the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), who also happens to be the founding patron of the society, encouraged the students to always be ready to grab every opportunity that comes their way. He also emphasised the significance of integrity in leadership.

In his remarks, the Deputy Mayor expressed strong interest in collaborating with UNIMAWES, affirming his dedication to environmental sustainability. Mr. Vitumbiko Chijere Chirwa, the patron of UNIMAWES, presented the society’s history, its accomplishments, and future direction. He stressed the need for increased stakeholder collaboration in environmental protection initiatives and expressed appreciation for several of UNIMAWES’ partners, with the Malawi Creation Care Network (MCCN) being among the most notable.

The event included a session where final year students were given an opportunity to share  their personal experiences at UNIMA. Mr. Mavuto Mansool Mwale shared with his fellow students how the power of positive thinking has helped him throughout his entire journey at the university. He also mentioned that he was greatly inspired by Mr. Chijere Chirwa’s slogan, “The hard way is the only way,” encourages him to take every opportunity seriously and to never underestimate himself. Another student, Ms. Chifundo Kapondera, shared how her academic knowledge helped shape her environmental actions. She referred to a key concept in Geography: “Near things are more related than distant things.” Through her involvement with UNIMAWES, she was able to apply this idea by taking care of the environment around her.

The event culminated with the Deputy Mayor awarding certificates of recognition to 18 final-year students for their dedication and contribution to the success of the society.