Advent is a time of Spiritual Rebirth

Posted on 01/12/2012 by andiamotrust

Bishop Zuza

2nd December 2012 is the day the whole Roman Catholic Church begins a new season on the liturgical calendar. The season of Advent! The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) through it Chairperson has since asked Christians to use this period for spiritual rebirth.

“As Christians, we believe that Christmas is a very big and important time. Thus it needs adequate preparation spiritually and physically. It was for this reason that the Season of Advent was inserted in the calendar. Advent is a season of deep reflection, penance and meditation. It is a time of spiritual rebirth,” reads part of the message.

The ECM notes that Malawi is slowly getting immersed into a world of consumerism (a culture of buying things). The Bishops cautions Christians against celebrating Christmas without Christ. As the four weeks of Advent go by, the Catholic Bishops are asking Christians to take time off their busy programmes to reflect deeply about their personal relationship with God and fellow people.

“A Christian must do deeper soul-searching, and this will lead to remorse for their weaknesses. At the end there must be repentance and making amends. There cannot be Advent without change in our life; and this is the heart of Advent.”

According to Wikipedia, Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. In the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian and Methodist calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, which is the Sunday from November 27 to December 3 inclusive.

By Web Office

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Comfort ‘Community Hospital’ gets Ultrasound scanner

Posted on 30/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Dr. Gabriele, Comfort Community Hospital staff, and Fr. Mario happy for the ultrasound scanner

Professor Carlo Pappone has done it again. This time he has donated Ultrasound scanner worth millions of Kwachas to soon to be called Comfort Community Hospital.

According to NH Choices, ultrasound scan can be used in several ways such as monitoring an unborn baby, diagnosing a condition or guiding a surgeon during certain procedures.

On pregnancies, Ultrasound scans can produce images of unborn baby inside the womb, and display them on a monitor.

Ultrasound scans can help diagnose problems in many parts of the body, including liver, gallbladder, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, ovaries. testes and breasts.

For example, it can help to detect whether a lump in one of these organs is a tumour or a cyst.

Ultrasound may also be used to diagnose problems with blood vessels, joints, ligaments and tendons, skin and eyes.

Speaking when he received the machine, Dr. Mwale of Comfort Community Hospital has thanked Professor Pappone for this “great gift” which is not easily found in Malawi hospitals.

Ultrasound scanner

“This machine is portable, meaning that we can use it anywhere. I know that this machine will help not only Comfort Community Hospital but also Balaka District Hospital,” says Mwale.

Dr. Pappone is the founder and Director of the Arrhythmology Academy at San Raffaele University-Hospital in Milan. Inaugurated in 2005, the Arrhythmology Academy promotes advances in interventional electrophysiology techniques ensuring these are translated as quickly as possible into healthcare benefits for society.

The Academy upgrades theory and practice through interactive discussion and comments during live procedure demonstration performed by Dr. Pappone, meetings, and lectures. These training programs are attended annually by interventional electrophysiologists from all around the world. The Academy is accredited by the European Society of Cardiology (EBAC).

Just this year Professor Pappone also donated state of the art beds for the paediatric ward of Comfort Community Hospital.

By Web Office

 

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AYCT awards Innocenzo and Nazzarena

Posted on 30/11/2012 by andiamotrust

From left: Fr. Mario Pacifici, Nazzarena, Andrew Galeta, Innocenzo and Paride Pasquali

Every time volunteers come from Italy, a dinner is organised at Nankhombe house to welcome them. Likewise when they are going back to Italy, there is a farewell dinner for them. Last dinner was not an ordinary dinner.

Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) awarded Innocenzo and Nazzarena of Orizzonte Malawi Association and Latina Camperists Association under the leadership of  President Paride Pasquali for their “outstanding commitment, sincere participation and support” towards AYCT metal workshop staff and Comfort Clinics Nursing Personnel respectively.

AYCT also appreciated the warm welcome that the family of Innocenzo and Nazzarena gives to Alleluya band every time the band is in Italy. The certificate has been  signed by Fr. Mario Pacifici and Andrew Galeta, the Founding Trustee and Executive Director of AYCT respectively.

Innocenzo and Nazzarena were in the country together with Bruno and wife, Angelo Mistrini and Paride Pasquali. Among many things they have done while in the country is to refurbish Nankhome chapel.

The new look chapel of Nankhombe house

During the same dinner AYCT also welcomed another volunteer Egidio from Closone, who will use his vast experience to help the trust grow further.

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Balaka Market gutted down by Fire

Posted on 30/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Fire has gutted down part of Balaka market which is situated close to the Chibuku Tavern. Source of the fire is not yet known. Our photographer went to the scene and the following is what he has shown us:

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Guardian Shelter ready for use

Posted on 29/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Comfort Guardian Shelter

He doesn’t call it an “official” opening. Fr. Mario Pacifici calls it “hand over” but it is now official that the guardian shelter to be used by guardians of patients for both the paediatric ward and maternity wing for soon to be called Comfort Community Hospital is now fully operational. The official opening will be held at the presence of the association “SOS MALAWI of CECINA MARE” which sponsored the project.

Fr. Mario Pacifici addressing the gathering

“The shelter provides all the facilities, including a space for cooking, showers and toilets like the tradition and standards of all decent hospital is Malawi,” explained today 29 November 2012 to the gathering.

Dr Mwale, speaking on behalf of the Comfort staff thanked Fr. Mario, donors, volunteers for the beautiful structure.

When the turn of Mr. Paride, Italian volunteer from Latina, came for him to speak, he was emotional.

“It is my wish that these structures will continue to provide care and cure to many in order that we improve the lives of women and children who are the future of Malawi.”

Mr. Paride visited Balaka two years ago when the structures were just being constructed.

Fr. Mario introducing Jill Claus

During the same handing over ceremony, Fr. Mario introduced Jill Claus who is the administrator of Comfort Community Hospitals since July 2012.

Also present on the function were Comfort members of staff, a group of volunteers from Italy, Mr. Basilio Murowa, and a cross section of people from the neighbouring communities.

The Comfort staff members guided the patients and visitors through the corridors and rooms of the Shelter, Paediatric ward and Maternity at the end of the ceremony.

This is the incubator

This is the labour ward

This is the theatre room

“We thank you”

Comfort Community Hospital opened its doors in 1997 as a clinic. Now the hospital has four functional departments namely: Out Patient Department (OPD); Dental Department; Paediatric Ward and the Maternity Department. The female and male wards will be opened soon.

The community hospital is under the pillar of “healthcare” under Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust in Balaka.

By A.M – Web Officer

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AEI award students

Posted on 27/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Cecilia Haleke, a Form IV student showing off her award

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It started as a simple thing two years ago but now it has become a custom to award students who do well in their respective institutions as a way of motivating them.

Sunday 25 November 2012 was the day the deserving students received their awards. Venue was Umodzi Hall, which is within the AEI campus

The awards were given to three best students from each of the four classes in the secondary school, three students in all trades at the technical schools, two to most disciplined individuals in the campus and six more to the outgoing Electrical Installation students who have been here since 2009.

These students were selected looking at their performance in class as well as discipline. These awards they have received is one way of motivating the students to work hard in class and to live exemplary to their fellow students.

In his remarks Fr. Mario Pacifici said students should always live exemplary life and that they must work hard in class in order to achieve their goals. Fr. Mario also thanked the six outgoing students and advised them to live with Andiamo HEART meaning they should always show LOVE, JUSTICE among other things.

Fr. Mario also thanked the AEI coordinator, Patrick Bwanali for his humility. The AEI Coordinator chose to stay in the office instead of attending his graduation ceremony in Lilongwe.

Bruno (Left) represented Orizzonte Malawi Association

The AEI coordinator in his remarks thanked all the volunteers for the good work they are doing to the students. Amongst the volunteers present was Bruno, leader of Orizzonte Malawi delegation, Dr. Gabriel who is also sponsoring a Form 1 Student who was also among the awardees.

Bwanali said AEI does not take this gesture for granted. He also praised the six outgoing Electrical Installation students for both their behaviour and outstanding performance they showed in the past four years.

The awards are given every year under the sponsorship of Mr. Leopoldo Comini through Orizzonte Malawi. Among the gifts that the students received are two beautiful pens and a voucher.

By Yohane Konde

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AEI Students in Exams

Posted on 26/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Cecilia Haleke, a Form IV student writing Biology Paper II

Students of Andiamo Education Institutions are from today 26 November 2012 writing different examinations.

While the Secondary School students are busy writing their end of term examinations, the technical students are busy with the November 2012 Series Trade Test Examinations.

Secondary School students have started with Mathematics, Bible Knowledge, Biology and Biology Paper II in Forms 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

Mr. James Phiri, the headmaster of Andiamo says these examinations are very important to both the students and the teaching staff.

Form II students writing Bible Knowledge paper

“From the results of these [examinations], teachers will know whether their students understood or not,” Banda says for students who are in Forms 2 and 4, these examinations will determine whether they must go back to either Form 1 or 3.

The story is different in the Technical college because students are not writing just end of term examinations but from the government of Malawi through the Ministry of Labour.

According to the acting deputy principal of Andiamo College, Rodrick Khauya, starting at 9 this morning will be Grade 3 Motor Vehicle Mechanics students who are writing Theory.

“In the afternoon Grades 2 and 1 will also be writing their Theory Examinations,” says Khauya.

These examinations come just after 30 students were awarded for doing well academically and being disciplined last Sunday 25 November 2012 after mass, which was celebrated in the Umodzi Hall.

During the same function six students who were doing Electrical Installation under TEVET bid farewell to their fellow students.

In her speech, Chifundo Polela thanked the management of Andiamo Education Institutions for the job well done and she urged her fellow students to work very hard in class.

Fr. Mario Pacifici, who is also the founding trustee of Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) advised the students to be ambassadors of AYCT.

By Web Office

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Ulanda England finishes 9th.

Posted on 24/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Ulanda England

Ulanda England of Wings of Hope has finished ninth in the 8km Junior Cross Country that had over 100 athletes taking part.

Ulanda could have finished in a better position than 9 had he not fallen and got injured in the first kilometre of the race because of overcrowding, says Alessandro Marchetti.

“This is a great result though,” says Marchetti who together with Dennis Phiri, a teacher at Balaka Secondary School, make sure that athletes from Balaka participate in regional and national competitions.

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Breaking News

Posted on 24/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Enelesi Aufi

Enelesi Aufi, one of Andiamo Wings of Hope athletes has finished first in the 6km Girls Junior Cross country that is taking place at Zomba Ground.

According to Alessandro Marchetti who has travelled with the team to Zomba, there were 78 participants in this race.

Enelesi beat Memory Chauluka of Zomba Police team who is also a member of the junior national team.

Other athletes of Wings of Hope who participated in this race have also done much better. Hilda Kawenda of Andiamo Secondary School finished in the top 10 positions and Rhoda Mackson and Ruth Daka in the first 20 positions.

Enelesi Aufi participated as a guest athlete because she is still doing her Primary School education in 6th Edition of Hope Trophy sponsored by Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT). The competition was meant for the secondary schools around.

Andiamo Education Institutions (AEI) offered her a scholarship to study at Andiamo Secondary School next. She comes from Mbera in Balaka.

More will follow from Zomba.

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Kapandatsitsi receive an early Christmas Gift.

Posted on 23/11/2012 by andiamotrust

Fr. Mario looking with disbelief the great turn up

People from Kapandatsitsi village were jubilant today 23 November 2012 when they were presented a block of two classes of the nursery school which is to be finished fully soon. A total of 240 children were present sending a message to the administration of Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) that this gift of a school was long overdue.

Speaking during the function, the founding trustee of AYCT Fr. Mario Pacifici thanked the people for coming in large numbers. He also asked them to take part in the development activities.

Comedians teaching through drama

“You shouldn’t only ask for help but we should ask to help each other,” stressed Fr. Mario.

Group Village Headman Nsamanyada promised to AYCT members present that he will make sure that they work “like ants” in unity to make sure that the project is completed in time.

One of the activities organised on this day was a comedy by two Kapandatsitsi Primary School students. In the comedy, the two comedians stressed the importance of sending children to nursery school.

“If we send the kids to the nursery school, we are making them ready for the Primary School,” they said.

The school is being built with the help from people from Severino, Arcola, Viggiano, Monte Rosso – 5 Terre, Costa Group and other companies and many people of goodwill.

Cinzia, a wife to Marco who was also present spoke on behalf of all the people who have made this dream come true with full of emotions. Speaking through Fr. Mario as a translator, she thanked for presence of people who came on this big day.

Some of the volunteers present during the function

Also present on the function were volunteers from Orizzonte Malawi, AYCT Executive Director Andrew Galeta, and Sub Traditional Authority Sawali.

Kapandatsitsi becomes the fifth nursery school under AYCT after St. Monica, John Paul II, Chimwemwe and Chikondi. In these schools, children are prepared for Primary School education.

By Web Office

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