The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) office in Likoma District is facing growing criticism from residents over what they describe as persistent closures and lack of accessibility, raising concerns about its effectiveness in delivering civic education services.
Investigations by Malawi24 have revealed that the NICE office in Likoma is frequently closed, resulting in many residents being denied access to vital information and civic engagement services.
Several community members who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed frustration, stating that their repeated visits to the office located within Likoma often end in disappointment.
According to the residents, the office appears to be largely inactive outside of election periods. They allege that operations only intensify during elections, a trend they say contradicts the role NICE plays in other districts, where offices remain open and accessible to the public throughout the year.
“Here in Likoma, we question the relevance of this office because it is always closed. Yet there are many issues affecting the district that require the intervention of NICE,” said one concerned resident.
Students have also echoed the concerns. Mercy Banda and Deborah Mwale, both secondary school learners, said they have on several occasions visited the office for academic research, only to find it closed.
“We rely on institutions like NICE for information, especially for our studies, but it is discouraging when the office is always shut,” they said.
NICE is mandated to provide civic education, promote democratic values, and facilitate community engagement on governance and development issues.
However, residents in Likoma argue that the continued inaccessibility of the office undermines these objectives and leaves a critical gap in civic awareness within the district.
When contacted for comment, Likoma NICE District Officer, Alick Mahata, responded via WhatsApp: “If your question had come in early 2024, I would certainly have agreed with the observation.”
However, stakeholders say there is an urgent need for authorities to address the situation to ensure that the institution fulfills its mandate effectively.
As concerns mount, residents are calling for greater accountability and consistent service delivery, emphasizing that civic education should not be limited to election periods but must be an ongoing process accessible to all citizens.
