THRIVE Interactive Conference Rolls Out with High Energy
Today, the second phase of the Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE) 2023–2030 conference commenced in Lilongwe, bringing together participants from World Vision’s Area Programs across Malawi, alongside government officials from ministries, departments, and district councils.
Setting the tone was Gideon Chikatipwa, Programme Manager for World Vision US, who delivered a virtual ice-breaking presentation on THRIVE’s key components. Chikatipwa emphasized the project’s alignment with Agenda 2030, stating.
“THRIVE responds to Agenda 2030 by linking seamlessly to five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 on ending poverty, SDG 2 on ending hunger, SDG 8 on promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, SDG 5 on gender equality, and SDG 10 on reducing inequality.”
His remarks were reinforced by Nthamyo Mbeye, THRIVE Programme Manager for World Vision Malawi, who highlighted the project’s transformative agenda.
“Our investments do not involve handouts. We are committed to creating robust sustainability initiatives that will drive lasting transformation. This journey is strongly supported by our benefactors through sponsorship programs and other philanthropic contributions.”
Among the attendees was Feston Kwerani, Director of Agriculture for Mwanza District Council, eager to learn more about the project’s implementation. He raised questions about budget fluctuations between years, which were clarified by Emmanuel Manda from World Vision’s Finance Department, noting that variations stem from cumulative investments and other commitments.
The afternoon featured presentations on Biblical Empowered World View (BEWV) by World Vision Malawi Livelihoods Coordinator Gladson Chataika, followed by Grace Takumana, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Specialist, and concluded with a session on Savings for Transformation (S4T). Takumana stressed World Vision’s systematic approach to dismantling social barriers through GEDSI.
“Through THRIVE, GEDSI provides a roadmap for development by fostering gender dialogues and removing vulnerabilities to create pathways to prosperity.”
THRIVE is implemented in partnership with Vision Fund and Farm Concern International (FCI) through integrated modules such as Finance Accelerating Service for Transformation (FAST), Savings for Transformation (S4T), Biblical Empowered World View (BEWV), and Inclusive Market Knowledge Access (IMKA).
The eight-year program has an estimated budget of $16 million, targeting over 750,000 beneficiaries in Malawi, and aims to graduate 10 million people from extreme poverty by 2030.