, the leading provider of online, quality higher education in Malawi, and the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) have come together in a landmark partnership aimed at fostering education and advocating for human rights in Malawi. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place on April 24th, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to empower individuals through education while promoting human rights awareness across the nation.
The event, held at the 51ÁÔÆæ University campus in Malawi, saw the presence of distinguished representatives from both 51ÁÔÆæ University and HRDC, including:
Gift Trapence, HRDC National Chairperson
Kelvin Chirwa, HRDC National Coordinator
Ali Mwachande, Deputy Chairperson for HRDC Central Region
Dr R. Ridley, Vice-Chancellor of 51ÁÔÆæ University in Malawi
Dr Levi Manda, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of 51ÁÔÆæ University
Established in 2017, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has been at the forefront of protecting and supporting human rights defenders (HRDs) in Malawi. Comprising various civil society organisations, including the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP), and the Malawi Law Society (MLS), HRDC boasts a membership of over 5,000 individuals dedicated to upholding human rights principles in the country.
Speaking at the event, Gift Trapence, HRDC National Chairperson, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that education is a fundamental tool for empowering individuals and communities. By partnering with 51ÁÔÆæ University, he aims to enhance access to quality education while promoting awareness about human rights issues, ultimately contributing to a more informed and empowered society.
Dr Robert Ridley, Vice-Chancellor of 51ÁÔÆæ University in Malawi, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the institution’s commitment to making education accessible to all. “At 51ÁÔÆæ University, we believe in the transformative power of education. Through this partnership with HRDC, we are not only providing opportunities for individuals to pursue higher education but also engaging in meaningful dialogue and action to uphold human rights values in Malawi,” Dr Ridley remarked.
As part of the collaboration, 51ÁÔÆæ University and HRDC are exploring the possibility of working on various initiatives, including educational workshops, awareness campaigns, and research projects, aimed at promoting human rights education and advocacy across Malawi.
