Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) has received a K16 million funding from the Swedish Musicians Union.
Mum President Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango confirmed Tuesday saying the K16 million funding is for this year’s project.
“Our proposal was for over K25 million but they have cut it for reasons we don’t know. This has made us to remove some activities which were designated for women’s empowerment and it’s unfortunate,” Mhango said.
He however, said they will be able to do one basic training as unionists, conduct some trainings in the chapters, hold an Annual General Meeting and run the office properly.
Last year Mum received a K20 million funding.
Mhango said he wil l coordinate the programmes alongside Emre Sorkun from Swedish Musicians Union.
“We are very thankful to our friends in Sweden for trusting us and supporting Mum. They actually have promised that if we continue being transparent and committed, support will continue even next year,” the Mum leader said.
The two parties have since signed the agreement.
“Emre Sorkun was here to sign the agreement with Mum and left on Sunday. Again this year Thomas Dyan from FIM will also be involved in monitoring our project,” he said.
Mhango said without this funding they would still be lacking.
“As Mum we do not receive any funding from government and we rely on other stakeholders and Swedish Musicians Union funding has been very instrumental. Last year’s trainings in all our chapters were an eye opener in several areas,” he said.
Mhango said through the fund which is reviewable yearly, they were building a very good foundation for the union.
“We have been transparent always as a union and that is why this funding is continuing and I just want to thank fellow musicians for the cooperation and call upon those who haven’t joined the union to do so. We need to be strongly united in order to achieve positive results,” Mhango said.
He said the signing of the agreement was also attended by Mum Women’s Desk chairperson, Martha Mituka, Mum’s Treasurer, Anthony Dumba and Wendy Harawa.
Sorkun said they have been in partnership with Mum for close
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