The North-West University (NWU) is dedicated to playing an impactful role on the African continent in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

A prime example of this is the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the Centre of Excellence in Nutrition (CEN) at the NWU that has for 22 years been making meaningful contributions towards achieving zero hunger (Goal 2), good health and well-being (Goal 3), and quality education (Goal 4).

The latest contribution by CEN was in Malawi from 26 July to 4 August, where they facilitated leadership training as part of the Capacity Development of Nutrition Officers for Food Systems Governance in Malawi (CapDev-Malawi) Project.

Five CEN staff members hosted a five-day leadership development workshop ─ the first of two workshops planned ─ for principal nutrition and HIV officers (PNHAOs) from all 28 districts in Malawi. The team comprised Prof Robin Macleod, Prof Johann Jerling, Mrs Zione Kalumikiza, Dr Averalda van Graan and Ms Claudine Jordaan.

“The workshop series is funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and all 35 key role players in the Malawian nutrition landscape participated,” says Johann.

Participants at the first workshop, held at the Makokola retreat on the shores of Lake Malawi, included high-ranking officials from the National Department of Nutrition,  two GIZ employees and all the district nutrition leaders in Malawi.

The principal secretary responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health of the Malawian government, Mr James Manyetera, joined the workshop one morning and met with participants and the facilitation team. During the week, the NWU team also met with Martina Kress and Bernice Müller from GIZ for discussions.

“It was a resounding success. All participants rated the workshop highly and said they were very likely to recommend it to their peers. Participants also reported  that the workshop significantly contributed to their confidence and ability to successfully lead their teams to implement nutrition activities more effectively,” says Robin.

Workshop paves way for positive change

The preliminary analysis of the workshop evaluation shows that participants intend to implement several changes based on their workshop experience, she says. These changes include improving punctuality, enhancing communication skills, fostering teamwork and practising daily reflection.

“Many aim to empower their teams and create a motivating environment while focusing on emotional intelligence, time management and maintaining a positive outlook. In addition, they plan to strengthen relationships, set clear goals, provide and value feedback, and adopt effective leadership styles.”

Robin says some participants noted the importance of accountability, reducing emotional reactivity and encouraging upward leadership and support for juniors.

The second workshop will be hosted in September, when 10 PHNAOs and their teams will be invited for a follow-up workshop. This workshop aims to develop the district teams into more coherent units that can effectively bring about change in the nutrition landscape of their districts.

NWU staff members and their Malawian colleagues who participated in the successful CapDev-Malawi workshop.