Background

Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM-MZUZU) is one of the development arms of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu. CADECOM operations hover around the Diocese’s main strategic goal of “Ensuring spiritual, social and economic transformation and development of individuals, families and communities.” With funding support from St Patrick’s Missionary Society (SPMS), CADECOM is implementing Improved Sustainable Management of Land and Forest Resources Project.

The project is targeting 19 Parishes for the period of 3 years (2024-2027). In the first year July 2024- June 2025, the 6 parishes where interventions have been implemented are; St. Paul’s, St. Padro Pio, St. Denis, St. Joseph Mkasa, St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Albert the Great.

In the second year (July 2025- June 2026) Parishes are St. Theresa, Holy cross, Holy Family, St. Augustine, St. Cecilia, St. Johns and St Joseph. The third year (July 2026-June 2027) last parishes will be St. Peters, St. Bernadette, St. Francis de Sales, St. Monica, Holy Trinity and St. Mary.

The core objective of the project is to improve livelihoods of the most marginalized communities and promote adoption of ecologically sound natural resource management practices among community members.

Purpose of the Evaluation

The purpose of the evaluation is to independently assess the overall performance of the Improved Sustainable Management of Land and Forest Resources Project and determine the extent to which it achieved its intended outcomes and impact from July 2024 to June 2026.

The evaluation will generate evidence for:

 Accountability to St Patrick’s Missionary Society (SPMS) and other stakeholders.

 Learning for future programming.

 Documentation of good practices.

 Identification of implementation challenges.

 Informing future project interventions.

Objectives of the Evaluation

The objectives of the evaluation are as follows:

1. Determine the extent to which the project outcomes have been achieved

2. Determine the effectiveness of project implementation in achieving intended outputs and outcomes.

3. Assess project impact on livelihoods, food security and environmental restoration

4. Generate and document concrete evidence of the positive and negative changes by the project.

5. Gauge the extent of sustainability of the project interventions.

Scope of Work

The consultancy firm will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project. This will include:

1. Reviewing project documentation and relevant reports. – Project proposal- MERL frameworks- Interim and Annual reports (Narrative and Financial)- Project Needs Assessment report Endline Internal Evaluation report
2. Designing and executing data collection methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
3. Analyzing data to assess project outcomes and impact.
4. Providing actionable recommendations for future interventions.

Required expertise:

The consultancy firm should possess the following expertise:

 At least Master’s degree in Economics, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning or any related field.

 5yearsof experience conducting livelihoods evaluations.

 Familiarity with context of Mzimba, Rumphi, Nkhatabay, Dwangwa and Kasungu North.

 Experience using statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, or R.

 Demonstrate knowledge of OECD-DAC evaluation criteria.

 Experience in conducting project evaluations, preferably in the fields of Agroecology, climate resilience, natural resource management and livelihoods, Agriculture, nutrition, child protection and vulnerable adults

Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected;

 An inception report outlining the proposed evaluation methodology and timeline.

 Data collection tools and protocols.

 Draft and final evaluation report, including findings, analysis and recommendations. Ethical and safeguarding requirements.

The consultant shall:

 Comply with social teachings and safeguarding policies of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.

 Ensure informed consent.

 Protect confidentiality of respondents.

 Observe research ethics throughout the assignment. Reporting and timeline

 The consultant will report directly to CADECOM Coordinator while working closely with the Diocesan Monitoring and Evaluation Office.

 The consultancy is expected to be completed within 15 days from the date of contract signing.

Proposals

Interested consultancy firms are expected to submit the following in their applications;

 Company profile and relevant experience.

 Proposed methodology and approach.

 Detailed budget breakdown.

 CVs of key personnel.

Contact Information:

Applications must be submitted to the following address before close of business on Wednesday, 5th August 2026.

The Chairperson

The Internal Procurement Committee

Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu

P. O. Box 2

Mzuzu.

Email: ipc@mzuzudiocese.m

“We are inspired by your efforts here,” one of the Sisters shared. “This is exactly the kind of integrated ecology work the Church is calling for.”

Members of the Sisters of the Earth congregation had high praise for the work happening at the Integrated Ecology Centre in Katoto after a visit this week.

Sister Gail from the USA and Sister Kris from Indonesia, now living in Kenya both members of the congregation founded by Passionist Priest Fr. Thomas Berry, spent the Wednesday morning touring the Centre’s key projects. Fr. Thomas Berry was a leading Church voice on Care of the Earth, and the Sisters said they were encouraged to see that teaching put into action in Mzuzu.

What they saw

The Sisters began their tour from the main entrance where the names of benefactors are displayed, before touring the hostel facilities. They then walked the grounds, passing the Jobidon House, walked through the ecology education walk and stopped at the Centre office for a talk.

At the Model Farming Centre they observed organic farming methods and sustainable agriculture projects already underway. The visit continued to the vast forest area adjacent to the Centre — the same land earmarked for future schools and walked through then bigger pine forest. The Sisters also saw the 4.5KM boundary wall and ongoing tree-planting efforts. The tour ended with a stop at the Sports Centre before lunch.

The Sisters were hosted for lunch by Bishop Yohane Nyirendad and received a gift of Diocesan cloth, which they greatly appreciated.

Their recommendations for Katoto Forest

After walking the forest and proposed school site, Sisters Gail and Kris shared several recommendations:

1. Strengthen reforestation: Expand tree planting with both indigenous and fruit trees to restore biodiversity and provide food security for the community.

2. Environmental education hub: Use the forest and model farm as a learning site for schools, youth groups, and parishes to teach Laudato Si’ and practical care of creation.

3. Community engagement: Involve local communities around Katoto as guardians of the forest through awareness programs and sustainable livelihood projects linked to the farm.

4. Documentation and networking: Record the Centre’s progress with photos and stories to share with international partners working on ecology and faith.

Commitment to support

The Sisters said they see “great potential” in what the Centre is doing to implement Church teaching on care of the environment. They promised to assist Mr. Crief who is the coordinator of the Laudato Si Project with networking and educational resources from their global contacts.

They also noted they will reflect further on the visit and may seek to develop the relationship with Mzuzu Diocese more in the future.

“We are inspired by your efforts here,” one of the Sisters shared. “This is exactly the kind of integrated ecology work the Church is calling for.”

The Integrated Ecology Centre continues to welcome visitors and partners as it works to combine environmental restoration, education, and community development in Katoto.

KANYIKA in Mzimba District has been declared a new pro-parish of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.

The declaration and the appointment has been made today by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu Rt Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda at Holy Cross Parish Nkhamenya.

Kanyika is a rural area located in Mzimba District in the Northern Region of Malawi. It is situated in the southwest of Mzimba District, Under senior chief Mabilawo.

Kanyika Outstation was under Nkhamenya Holy Cross Parish which covers part of Mzimba and Kasungu Districts. From Chatoloma turn off is about 40 kilometers. The new pro parish has 12900 faithful and 50 churches.

The newly appointed Parish Priest of Kanyika Pro-Parish Fr. Amos Katumbi has welcomed the leadership assignment with great joy, pledging to work with Christians and his curate Fr Albert Chirwa in developing the new pro- parish into a full parish.

Fr. Katumbi thanked Bishop Nyirenda for trusting him with the new responsibility and said he is committed to serving the faithful entrusted to him, mentioning that his immediate action will be to finish the construction of the parish church and the Priests’ house.

He had also said that the support and cooperation of Christians will be important in advancing pastoral activities and helping Kanyika Pro-Parish progress.

The appointment of Fr Katumbi and the Declaration of Kanyika pro-parish was made by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, at Holy Cross Parish in Nkhamenya.

Kanyika Pro-Parish is located in the southwest of Mzimba District under Senior Chief Mabilawo and has over 12,900 faithful with 50 churches.

The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu has ordained three new priests during a Eucharistic celebration held at Holy Cross Parish on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The ordination Mass was presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, who encouraged the newly ordained priests to embrace their vocation with courage and dedication as they begin their ministry in the Church.

“You have received this calling, do not be afraid. Go and work with everyone in your different parishes for the service of God’s people,” said Bishop Nyirenda.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Peter Manda thanked the bishop for conferring the Sacrament of Holy Orders and urged parents to support children called to religious life.

Bishop Nyirenda has assigned Father Isaiah Manda to St. Monica Parish in Embangweni, Father Adrian Nyirenda to St. Denis Parish in Rumphi, and Father Andrew Chunga to Holy Family Parish in Nkhamenya.

Meanwhile, the Bishop has appointed Father Amos Katumbi as Parish Priest of Kanyika Pro Parish, a newly established parish carved out of Holy Cross Parish in Nkhamenya.

St. Maria Goretti Vizuzu Outstation under St. Padre Pio Parish in the Diocese of Mzuzu has celebrated 50 years of Catholic faith and service, with Christians being encouraged to remain steadfast in their commitment to God and the Church.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations, held on 4 July 2026, were graced by Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, His Lordship Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, who commended the faithful for their dedication and perseverance over the years.

In his message, Bishop Nyirenda urged the Christians to continue drawing inspiration from their patron saint, Maria Goretti, whose life reflected courage, purity and faithfulness to God even in the face of suffering.

The bishop also challenged the faithful to take an active role in the development of their communities. He encouraged them to work together in addressing challenges in areas such as education, healthcare and access to clean water using locally available resources.

Meanwhile, Parish Priest of St. Padre Pio Parish, Fr. Bernard Ligomeka, praised the unity and commitment shown by the Christians in organising the celebrations. He further encouraged them to continue embracing the spirit of synodality as they grow in faith and service.

Fr. Ligomeka also said that the parish is implementing development projects in the areas of health, education and water.

Established in 1976, St. Maria Goretti Vizuzu Outstation has grown from eight families to 78 families. The church was built by missionary Fr. Visiado and later blessed by Bishop Louis Jobidon.

The Bishop of the catholic diocese of Mzuzu, Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, has hailed the support shown by the faithful and well-wishers during the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu’s fundraising Dinner and Dance held on 3rd July, 2026 at St. John of God in Mzuzu

In his closing remarks, Bishop Nyirenda expressed gratitude to all individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the fundraiser, describing the response as encouraging.

He said it is time for Catholics to believe in their own ability to support the Church through their contributions rather than relying solely on external assistance.

The Bishop noted that the growth and development of the Church depend on the commitment and generosity of its members.

He further called for continued unity and support as the Diocese prepares for its centenary celebrations and other pastoral activities

Reported by: Isaac Thindwa  (Team Leader, Youth Development Unit)   

On 27 June 2026, the SELL Programme, in partnership with Ungweru Organization, successfully conducted Self-Awareness Unit step-down workshops in Lusangazi at St. Padre-Pio Parish and in Mzimba Boma at Utatu-Utuwa Parish. The two sessions brought together 34 young people and created a meaningful space for reflection, sharing, and learning.

These workshops were part of the wider rollout of the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) Programme across Mzuzu Diocese. Their purpose was simple but important: to help young people better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and grow in confidence as they make life choices.

Why self-awareness matters

Self-awareness is one of the most valuable life skills a young person can develop. It helps people understand their emotions, recognize their strengths, and think carefully about how their choices affect others. In a world where young people face pressure from peers, school, family, and social media, this kind of learning is especially relevant.

The SELL workshops gave participants a chance to reflect on their identities and personal journeys. Through guided discussion and practical exercises, they explored how past experiences shape present behaviour and future goals. This approach encouraged openness, honesty, and trust among the participants.

What happened during the workshops

The Self-Awareness Unit was delivered using participatory methods that kept the sessions lively and engaging. Participants took part in personal reflection, group discussion, storytelling, role plays, and other activities that made the lessons practical and memorable.

Key topics included identity, emotional intelligence, communication, personal history, behaviour, sexuality, and responsible decision-making. One of the most important learning tools used in the sessions was Johari’s Window, which helped participants understand the value of self-disclosure, feedback, and trust in building healthy relationships.

The workshops were designed not only to teach but also to encourage young people to speak, listen, and learn from each other. This created a safe and supportive environment where participants felt free to share their experiences and ask questions.

Participation across two sites

A total of 34 young people attended the two workshops. The Lusangazi session had 24 participants and was facilitated by Thom, Jonathan, Grace, Monalisa, and Paul. The Mzimba Boma session had 10 participants and was led by Isaac Maseko and Yolanda Lukhere.

At Lusangazi, the teamwork among facilitators stood out clearly. Thom and Jonathan were supported by Grace, Monalisa, and Paul, who travelled from neighbouring communities to strengthen the facilitation team. Their collaboration showed the growing spirit of volunteerism within the SELL Programme and contributed greatly to the success of the workshop.

At Mzimba Boma, the smaller group size did not limit engagement. Participants were highly active and responded openly throughout the session, showing strong interest in the topics being discussed. This made the workshop highly interactive and productive.

Impact on participants

The workshops had a strong positive effect on the young people who took part. By the end of the sessions, participants had a better understanding of self-awareness and why it matters in daily life. They learned how to recognize their strengths, manage their emotions, improve their communication, and make more responsible decisions.

The sessions also encouraged mutual respect and peer support. Many participants appreciated the opportunity to reflect on their personal journeys and said the lessons would help them in their families, schools, churches, and communities. This kind of learning has long-term value because it helps young people build confidence and become more thoughtful in their relationships.

Challenges faced

Although the workshops were successfully completed, a few logistical challenges were encountered. The main concerns were transport arrangements and meals, especially for facilitators and volunteers who travelled from distant areas to support the activities.

These challenges did not stop the workshops from taking place, but they highlighted an important lesson: good planning and adequate resource mobilization are essential when working with volunteers. The experience also showed the value of bringing together local and neighbouring community volunteers, as this strengthened the facilitation team and enriched the learning experience.

Lessons for future sessions

The workshops pointed to several important lessons for future implementation. First, transport and meals for volunteers should be arranged in advance to ensure smoother delivery and better support for those giving their time and skills. Second, continued investment in volunteer capacity building will help improve the quality and reach of the programme.

Third, the programme should continue organizing follow-up mentoring sessions so that young people can keep building on what they learned. Learning becomes more effective when it is reinforced over time and connected to everyday life.

Appreciation and next steps

The SELL Programme expressed sincere appreciation to Thom, Jonathan, Grace, Monalisa, Paul, Isaac, and Yolanda for their dedication and service. Appreciation also goes to the participants, community leaders, and local members whose cooperation helped make the workshops a success.

The overall achievement of these step-down workshops shows that the SELL Programme continues to make a real difference in the lives of young people. By helping them grow in self-awareness, confidence, and responsibility, the programme is contributing to stronger families, healthier relationships, and more resilient communities.

According to Mr. Crief Daniel the Laudato Si coordinator he said that the global Church’s annual Laudato Si’ Week is a powerful moment for reflection and action. While its theme encourages a global move from hope to action, the Diocese of Mzuzu in Malawi has already fully embraced this mandate, providing a compelling example of how ecological conversion can transform a local community. This Laudato Si’ Week, the diocese’s long-standing commitment stands as an invitation for us all to celebrate not just a concept, but a living, breathing reality.

A living testament to ‘Laudato Si’

Since Pope Francis released his landmark encyclical in 2015, the Diocese of Mzuzu has worked to turn its principles into tangible action. Much of this work is centered around the Katoto Forest, a vital 192-acre green lung that was facing rapid deforestation. In response, the diocese established its Integrated Ecology Centre (IEC) right in the heart of Mzuzu city.

The IEC is the hub for the diocese’s environmental mission, which includes several major achievements:

• Protecting the Forest: A key success was the completion of a 4.5-kilometer perimeter fence at Katoto Forest in 2025, a project lasting two years that halted illegal encroachment and allowed the ecosystem to recover.
• Training Advocates: A core focus is education, with the Centre training youth from local townships and universities in organic farming, forest management, and ecology. New facilities, including a hostel and an ecology hall, are built to expand these programs as Training of Trainers (TOT) hubs.
• Planting for the Future: The diocese holds an annual tree planting season. In 2025-2026 alone, more than 11,000 trees were planted across various parishes, part of a sustained effort to restore the land for future generations.
• Gaining Recognition: This work has been internationally recognized. A lot of benefactors are international who believe in this dream and work.
• Integrating Faith:

A deep spiritual connection underpins all the environmental work of Mzuzu Diocese. This foundation was laid by the Emeritus Bishop John Ryan, who chose his motto, “Everything except sin is sacred,” based directly on the teaching of Laudato Si’. This powerful theology reminds us that care for creation is not an add-on to faith, but is integral to it because every creature, every forest, every drop of water reflects the face of God.

Today, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, the current shepherd of Mzuzu Diocese, has taken this spiritual foundation and given it a quiet, radical direction. He often urges his priests, religious, and lay faithful to “go and work in silence.” These words are not a call to inaction, but to a deeper kind of action-one done without seeking applause, without noise, without self-promotion. In a world that celebrates loud declarations, Bishop Yohane’s instruction echoes the hidden growth of a seed in the soil, or the quiet work of roots drawing water to sustain a forest.

This “silent work” is exactly what the Integrated Ecology Centre (IEC) at Katoto Forest has been doing: planting trees year after year, building fences without fanfare, training young people in organic farming far from the spotlight. It is the patient, humble labour of protecting our common home because it is sacred not because someone is watching. In this way, Bishop Yohane’s “go and work in silence” becomes the living translation of Bishop Ryan’s “everything except sin is sacred.” One gives the vision; the other gives the method.

Why we celebrate

This year, Laudato Si’ Week is celebrated from May 17 to 24. Its theme, “From Hope to Action”, invites us to understand that hope is not passive but is made real through daily choices, community life, and concrete acts of care. The Diocese of Mzuzu shows us the way.

Celebrating the diocese’s work is important for three key reasons:

• It embodies the ‘Hope to Action’ call: The diocese has moved beyond discussion, showing that the Church can be a powerful agent of environmental change.
• It demonstrates ‘Integral Ecology’: The diocese’s work tackles interconnected social, economic, and environmental issues, from poverty alleviation through beekeeping and savings groups to the moral imperative of stewardship.
• It inspires a renewed mission: Their achievements serve as a blueprint for other faith communities, proving that local, faith-based action can make a tangible difference.

The call resonates worldwide

“From the heart of Malawi to the global community, the message is clear: caring for our common home is a sacred duty, and through concrete action, we can build a more just and sustainable future for all.” Mr. Daniel

This year’s global celebration is particularly significant. In his message launching Laudato Si’ Week, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the link between peace and ecology, noting that conflicts around the world have severely slowed environmental progress. He called on everyone to renew their commitment to “integral ecology,” an approach that connects care for the environment with respect for human dignity and the pursuit of peace. This resonates deeply with the work in Mzuzu Diocese, where caring for the forest is also about caring for the community’s future.

Conclusion: celebrating a living, breathing reality

This Laudato Si’ Week, as the global Church celebrates “From Hope to Action,” the Diocese of Mzuzu reminds us that this call is not a distant ideal. Through the Integrated Ecology Centre, their tree-planting campaigns, and educational programs, the diocese is creating a living, breathing reality of what ecological conversion looks like. Their work is a powerful testament to a faith that is alive and actively healing our world. It is a cause for celebration and a model for us all.

Crief Daniel in Nkhata Bay

The Laudato Si’ Coordinator for Mzuzu Diocese, Mr. Crief Daniel, led an engaging input session for 14 catechists gathered at the Pastoral Centre. The training placed the care of the Earth at its heart, equipping the catechists to become frontline messengers of integral ecology in their communities.

The Diocese understands the urgent need to equip catechists with this knowledge. It is sobering that Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, written in 2015, has still not reached many of our faithful. For this reason, Mzuzu Diocese continues to weave ecological consciousness into the life of the Church. The session was highly interactive, blending observation, “talk with nature” activities, and a deep unpacking of Laudato Si’.

“The distinction is clear: not dominion, but stewardship—for the earth was given to us as a gift, not a possession.” Crief Daniel

At the centre of the discussion was the critical distinction between “dominion” and “stewardship”. As Pope Francis reminds us, “We are not God. The earth was here before us and it has been given to us” [LS 67]. The catechists debated this thin line and reflected on the call to be protectors, not exploiters, of God’s creation. All 14 catechists, drawn from the three levels (years) of their of training, were urged to live out and answer the call of the late Pope Francis. The group was challenged to preach and to convert hearts towards the core messages of Laudato Si’, including its practical call to a new lifestyle.

“Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change” [LS 202].The catechists had opportunity to ask questions and receive direction on the Diocese’s concrete steps toward caring for the Earth. This message comes at a crucial time as Malawi and the globe face pressing climate change realities — from erratic rains to droughts and floods that hurt the poorest first.

The group was tasked to embrace a new lifestyle that respects traditional wisdom in caring for the planet, remembering that “we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion” [LS 220]. Mzuzu Diocese is already moving forward with plans to create an Integrated Ecology Centre, with an Ecology Education Centre as its centerpiece. The Diocese knows the importance of raising a generation that is conscious of nature and ready to be its custodians. We are all interconnected: man is not above nature but a participant within it.

Mr. Daniel expressed his joy that the Church is taking this bolder path to train catechists who will reach thousands. These trained catechists will be assigned to different parishes where they will play a bigger role in guiding communities on ecological conversion.

“The SELL Programme stands as a beacon of hope in the Diocese of Mzuzu, bearing lasting fruit by shaping leaders who courageously live out faith, champion justice, and care for our common home.” — Mr. Isaac Thindwa

Also present was Ugweru Organisation, through Mr. Isaac Thindwa, who gave an input on the SELL Programme — Sharing and Experiencing Life Lessons. The SELL Programme remains one of the most important components in the Diocese of Mzuzu, and it continues to bear much fruit by forming leaders who integrate faith, justice, and care for creation.

Mr. Daniel extended heartfelt thanks to the Diocesan Environmental Committee for the commendable work they are doing in answering Pope Francis’ call. He also alerted the public that groups will soon start coming to the new centre to learn about Mother Earth. As Pope Francis wrote, “The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion” [LS 217]. Mzuzu Diocese is answering that summons – one catechist, one community at a time.