Mai Aisha Trust Clinches Recognition as Malawi’s NGO with Highest Community Investment

In a remarkable achievement for the humanitarian sector, Mai Aisha Trust (MAT), an independent non-profit organization, has been crowned as a local NGO with highest community investment in Malawi at a ceremony held at Kamuzu palace in Lilongwe on 14 December, 2023.

The accolade not only highlights the organization’s commitment to its mission but also recognizes the crucial impact it has had on rural communities across the country.

The award comes as a testament to Mai Aisha Trust’s tireless efforts in the realm of relief and development, specifically through sustainable and participatory approaches aimed at empowering rural communities to improve their living conditions.

Abdulaziz Yasin, the Operations Manager at Mai Aisha Trust, expressed gratitude and excitement about the recognition saying the award shows that there is a good recognition between the organisation with its donors and communities.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the support we’ve received from donors and partners. It reaffirms our belief in the power of sustainable development and community involvement,” he said.

Mai Aisha Trust has consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing immediate relief needs while simultaneously fostering long-term, positive change. The organization’s approach, grounded in sustainability and active community participation, has resonated with donors and stakeholders alike.

“Our focus has always been on creating lasting impact. We believe that by empowering communities with the tools and knowledge they need, we can break the cycle of poverty. This award validates the effectiveness of our approach and motivates us to continue our work with even greater zeal,” Yasin emphasized.

Mai Aisha Trust, established in 2002, stands as a beacon of hope and change in the realm of humanitarian efforts. As an independent, non-profit making organization, the Trust is dedicated to fostering relief and development in marginalized regions, with a specific focus on employing sustainable and participatory approaches.

At the core of Mai Aisha’s mission lies the commitment to empowering rural communities, enabling them to enhance their living conditions and pave the way for a more promising future.

Adding to that Yasin said Sustainability is a cornerstone of Mai Aisha Trust’s work. The organization recognizes that true empowerment involves equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to break free from the cycle of poverty.

“This is achieved through projects that promote agriculture, environmental reservation, education, clean water provision, healthcare just to mention a few. By fostering self-reliance, Mai Aisha ensures that communities can thrive independently in the long run,” said Yasin.

Yasin further emphasized that as an organization, they are obligated to submit reports to the government, which played a significant role in securing the prestigious award.

“It is our responsibility to provide comprehensive reports on our activities to the government. However, our organization operates on a policy that refrains from publicizing our work. We derive satisfaction from our actions as a means of fulfilling our commitment to our faith rather than seeking community approval,” he explained.

During the same event, while presiding over the ceremony, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera urged NGOs in the country to align their programs with the Malawi 2063 Vision.

He emphasized the need for impactful initiatives that look towards the future, contrasting them with activities lacking vision and a meaningful mission in the present. He also underlined the importance of forward-thinking initiatives in the development landscape.

“Prominent programs should be those that project a positive impact in the future, rather than engaging in activities devoid of vision and a significant mission,” Chakwera stated.

President Chakwera also called upon the Minister of Finance to implement proper regulations on the foreign exchange received by Non-Governmental Organizations operating in the country.

The request reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the financial transactions of NGOs, contributing to the overall effectiveness and impact of their initiatives in Malawi.