Two Radio Listening Clubs (RLCs) from the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW)—Tiwasunge RLC from Chiradzulu and Voices RLC from Chikwawa—came together for an exchange visit aimed at sharing insights and strengthening their respective initiatives.
On March 20, 2025, members of the Tiwasunge RLC traveled to the Shire Valley to meet their counterparts, Voices RLC in Chikwawa. The exchange offered a unique opportunity for members of both clubs to visit the Shire Vector Control (SHIREVEC) Study sites and the Insectary, allowing them to gain firsthand experience of the research work conducted by the MLW team.
Justin Jelason, an entomologist with the SHIREVEC study, welcomed the visit, noting that it provided a rare opportunity for the research team to engage extensively with community members.
John Alufandika, Director of the Voices RLC, praised MLW for organizing the exchange, which he described as a long-awaited initiative that facilitated valuable knowledge and idea sharing. He highlighted the growth of his club over the years, particularly in building partnerships that have helped strengthen their capacity in theatre and fund local charitable initiatives.
Alufandika shared a success story from his club’s work: “I had heard about MLW’s research on tsetse flies led by Prof. Janelisa Musaya in Nkhotakota and parts of the Northern Region. After reading a report on the project, I identified a gap in how the study’s findings were being communicated to communities. I reached out to the project’s funders, who then connected me with Prof. Musaya’s team. Our club was later involved in raising awareness through theatre,” he explained.
He went on to explain how this work led to an opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom for specialized training in Physical Theatre. “This training gave rise to a global theatre consortium, and this year, we are set to meet in Ireland,” Alufandika added.
The presence of MLW’s office in Chikwawa has also played a significant role in the growth of the Voices RLC, with frequent engagements through MLW’s public outreach efforts in the area.
Justin Said Phiri, Director of the Tiwasunge RLC from Chiradzulu, acknowledged the contributions of the Voices RLC, noting that it had set a strong example for his club. “It was a great opportunity for us to learn from such an active club that has formed valuable connections both locally and internationally,” he said.
Phiri also shared his club’s achievements in advocacy: “Tiwasunge has made great strides in monitoring development works in our area, ensuring that projects are executed with the highest quality.”
The two-day exchange visit brought together 50 members from both clubs, providing a platform for learning more about MLW’s work and how each club aligns with the objectives of the Umoyo N’kukambirana Radio Programme.
