By Shadrek Mweso, LCC-4

On September 25, 2024, the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) through its Institute of Industrial Research and Innovation (MIIRI) introduced the Village Science Academy project to Thyolo District Council in a quest to explore possible opportunities for collaboration in its implementation in one of the areas in the district.

Driven by “Innovation and Enterprise” and “People and Society” pillars of the recently launched MUST 2024-2030 strategic plan, the Village Science Academy is an initiative dedicated to bringing scientific literacy to rural communities in enable them participate in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his remarks, Thyolo District Commissioner (DC), Hudson Kuphanga, thanked MUST for deciding to collaborate with the Council in the project and asked for more collaborations in various aspects.

“As a Council, we are very much ready to work with you in this project. We also believe in the power of innovation and therefore it could be quite impactful if we could collaborate with MUST not only in this project but sign a Memorandum of Understanding that would see us innovatively grow together in the implementation of various development projects,” said Kuphanga.

MIIRI research fellow, Wongani Langa, expressed his gratitude to the DC and his team for the warm welcome.

“Apart from addressing the scientific knowledge gap in rural communities, this project also seeks to provide opportunities for university students to engage with rural communities, share knowledge, and collaboratively come up with locally-inspired cutting-edge innovations that would offer solutions to problems people in rural communities face, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs and Malawi 2063,” Langa said.

Thyolo District Director of Planning and Development, Earnest Kaphuka, commended the project, saying it aligns well with some of the activities in the Council’s development plan.

“The project is interesting and collaborating on this project will not only help in realization of our district development plan but also indirectly help us to execute some of the Council’s activities,” said Kaphuka.

The Village Science Academy initiative underscores MUST’s commitment to finding human-centred ways of giving the majority Malawians the capacity and opportunity to participate in the actualisation of SDGs, and the MW2063.