A Compassionate System Benefiting the Malawi People - Mr. Reagan Kaluluma

To ensure that each dollar for saving the people from poverty, hunger and diseases will reach the needy directly and in a timely manner, Malawi implemented the Social Cash Transfer Program in June 2006, a direct and transparent system partially subsidized by UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). This is a unique social protection program that provides financial assistance to the lowest income families. As a result, many citizens have been lifted from poverty and hunger, and have been empowered to help themselves live a better life. By the end of 2008, 12,000 households and 40,000 children had qualified and benefited from the highly praiseworthy cash grants.

“Because of the program,” Mr. Reagan Kaluluma, manager of the Social Cash Transfer Program, commented that the disadvantaged families “are able to fend for themselves; they’re able to buy food….And children from these households are now able to go to school.” The program’s success has made it a role model for other African countries.

For their outstanding stewardship, noble compassion and dedication to raising the nation’s wellbeing, and to applaud their progress towards greater prosperity and peace for all citizens, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored the Malawi government, represented by Mr. Reagan Kaluluma, with the Shining World Leadership Award. On February 13, Golden Year 7 (2010), in a ceremony in Virginia, USA, Mr. Kaluluma was presented with the Award Plaque and Master’s publications.

Very much moved upon receiving this recognition, Mr. Kaluluma expressed his gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai, saying, “I feel so humble that of the many people who are doing a number of social support programs in Africa and worldwide, You chose Malawi as one of the countries to be honored, and said that ‘Malawi is doing a good job.’ And everyone in Malawi is very happy that people are watching what we are doing. They will know there is a cash transfer program which is capable of transforming the lives of people in Malawi.”

In a follow-up letter, Mr. Reagan Kaluluma added, “I am personally impressed with what your Association is doing towards bringing love and kindness among people regardless of their geographical differences. This is a way to restore the planet Earth. People will indeed not care how much we know or possess until they know how much we care about them. How I wish we had more people of your calibre who can instill a spirit of love and care among the people in a hopeless world.”

We deeply thank Mr. Kaluluma and the Malawi government for your enlightened leadership and genuine concern for your co-citizens. By protecting the long-term welfare of the most vulnerable, you also have elevated the well-being of the entire society and our world. May the beautiful people of Malawi and her wise government be blessed always.