On Saturday 6 November, the Eva Demaya Centre marked the 20 years of its existence in Malawi with a day of celebration at Luviri. The festivities included speeches, dances, songs and drama in front of invited guests, stakeholders and the people of Luviri.
The Covid pandemic meant that the festivities were more modest in scope than for the 10th and 15th anniversaries; it also meant that foundation members from the Netherlands could, alas, not be present.
But those who were present were able to enjoy this special landmark and appreciate the richness and variety of Tumbuka culture in its various forms. The speeches, from chiefs, health, education and social services officials who work closely with the Centre, highlighted both the challenges which the people face and the many successes which the Centre has achieved over the past 20 years, making the name Eva Demaya respected throughout Malawi.
It was pointed out that none of these achievements would have been possible without the talents, diligence and hard work of Jacqueline, her management team, the Board of Trustees, the Mzuzu staff and especially donors and volunteers in the Netherlands and their tremendous fund-raising activities during these past 20 years.