Special Adviser to President Lazarus Chakwera on Creative Industries, Q Malewezi, who is also a renowned poet, on Friday called upon poets and creatives in the country to use creativity as a tool for recovery, empowerment and change.
The ‘People’ maker said this at Alliance Francaise in Blantyre during the celebration of World Poetry Day event, an event which Poetry Association of Malawi (Pam) organised.
The event coincided with the Post Pandemics and Disaster Recovery and Management collection launch funded by the Copyright Society of Malawi through the Copyright Fund.
“This is a special day but let us elevate it by using our creativity for a purpose,” Q, who also recited a poem at the event, said.
He hailed Pam for the Post Pandemics and Disaster Recovery and Management Collection initiative.
“This project is a powerful reminder that the challenges brought by Cyclone Freddy did not end with the storm.
“Through poetry, young voices from Phaloni and Chanza primary schools shared their experiences and reflections on resilience,” Q said.
He said there is power when people step back and allow those affected to speak for themselves.
“Our responsibility is to amplify their voices. We must create more platforms for young people to express their challenges, dreams and aspirations,” Q said.
Pam Board Chairperson Deus Sandram said they were happy to launch the collection on World Poetry Day, underlining the power of poetry in bringing about change.
“Let this collection inspire young people to use their talents to bring about change and speak for the voiceless. Otherwise, we are thankful to Cosoma for the support,” Sandram said.
On the day, University of Malawi (Unima)’s Department of Literary Studies in Zomba also organised an event which included a panel discussion and poetry recitals.
In another development, Unima Students Representative Council on the same day, through to Saturday, held a Cultural Weekend aimed at celebrating “our traditions”.
