Gerald Kampanikiza, News Reporter
LILONGWE – Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima has appealed to institutions in curriculum development to work together and produce professionally trained chaplains who can contribute to the well-being of the region and in turn promote national development.
He made this call on Friday as he presided over the official closing ceremony of Council of Chaplaincy Ministry (COCHAM) 2nd International Conference of Chaplains in Malawi at Daeyang Luke University in Lilongwe.
Chilima urged the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and Medical Council to work with the COCHAM in promoting national development.
In his remarks, the second in command acknowledged the crucial role chaplains play in various institutions by offering much needed psycho-social and psychotherapy support especially currently in dealing with a mental health crisis coupled with the impact of COVID-19.
In his statement, COCHAM Executive Director, Mabvuto Chipeta emphasised on the importance of integrating chaplains in all institutions to provide much needed spiritual, emotional and psychological counselling to those struggling with different traumas.
Dr Chilima was presented with a certificate for his role in Malawi’s political transformation, zeal to serve and continue to inspire the youth.
A symbolic MOU was signed between Daeyang and COCHAM in which Daeyang will offer professional training and certification of chaplaincy.
The conference which took place from 15-19th August, 2022 was held under the theme “Dialogue, Digging and Diversity of Chaplaincy Ministry” and brought together participants from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
