ICS blog

The Committee Association Against AIDS (Cocosi) is a group of young people working to provide information to young people and adults in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. They are also aiming to create a change of attitude in people to achieve gender equality, and respect of sexual and reproductive rights.

One of the main objectives of Cocosi is to contribute to the reduction of violence based on gender. It also wants to create an environment free of discrimination against people living with HIV and the LGBTI group (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex).

The Journey started with a pre-placement training in Salima at Mpatsa Lodge for the In-Country volunteers. Among other things, the ICV’s were taught about what ICS Progressio  is, how it works and what is expected from them. A successful three day training in Salima lead to a week's orientation in Lilongwe at Crescent Guest House, where the UKV’s journey started. We spent a week here forming friendships with our new arrivals.

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a day celebrated by the United Nations since 1985. The day falls on 5 December, where it offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations, individual volunteers and communities to celebrate and promote their contributions at local, national and international levels- focusing on the achievement of the millennium development goals.

 Ever thought of how you will be remembered when you are gone?

After a productive stay in Mulanje, Team Sapitwa did not just leave Mulanje with nothing; rather, a mark that will stay in people’s hearts forever, sustainable special projects.

After working with different schools and youth clubs, Team Sapitwa finally settled for Namalowe Secondary School and Milonde Youth Club for their special projects.

Recently, Team COWLHA Wa Mawa conducted learning workshops with the support groups we’ve been visiting. In these workshops we covered upcycling and composting as well as conducting questionnaires about their HIV status and discrimination.

On Saturday 22nd November team Umoza’s community liaisons organised a football tournament between secondary schools. I took this opportunity to raise awareness about the effects of cannabis and alcohol usage at a young age on young people’s mental wellbeing. This was personal to me because I have had friends who developed mental health issues because of misinformed choices they made about taking drugs as young teenagers. 

I am Joana Phiri, born on the 31st March 1992. I have a certificate of MSCE which was obtained at Phwadzi. Now I am working with Progressio as a volunteer. On 23rd October 2014 we went to N’gabu, where we visited some support groups of women living with HIV and AIDS. There were 4 support groups; Magomero, Chisomo, Nthandizi and Tiyanjane. The main aim was to find out the problems they are facing and what they think can be the solution to their problems.

They say to write is difficult, to have written is pride. And since I graduated from college writing my own articles has been a mountain that I have always failed to climb. I always looked down on myself and never tried. When I joined Progressio Godwin repeatedly said that ICS is a learning process but still I remained doubtful.

Ever thought of how you will be remembered when you're gone?

After a productive stay in Mulanje, Team Sapitwa left a mark that will stay in people’s hearts forever - a special sustainable project. 

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a day celebrated by the United Nations since 1985. The day falls on 5 December, where it offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations, individual volunteers and communities to celebrate and promote their contributions at local, national and international levels- focusing on the achievement of the millennium development goals.