The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP)

This is an arm of the Social services Directorate mandated to deal with issues relating to promotion of justice and peace.Its efforts center on upholding human dignity through institutionalizing principles of democracy, respect for human rights and freedoms, citizen participation, good governance, rule of law, and promoting access to quality public services.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP)

STAND IN DIOCESAN COORDINATOR

Anthony Bisenti
Anthony Bisenti

ROLE DESCRIPTIONs

    • Overseeing Commission's activities
    • Oversight to different projects
    • Foster collaboration among members

Responsibilities

    • Report to the Director of Social Services
    • Manage and organize the commission

Contact Us


Our

Purpose

    • Ensure that the activities and interventions of the commission are carried out according to the mission of the Directorate
    • Ensuring alignment with Diocesan mission and goals
    • Foster collaboration within the Directorate

Our

Goal

    • Promotion of adherence and awareness of human rights.
    • Promotion of economic justice.
    • Provision of research and advocacy services.

Our

Mission

    Creation of a God–fearing, just and peaceful Malawian society that promotes integral development and lasting peace that will contribute to the common effort of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi and the whole church.

Our Projects

CCJP is currently implementing the following projects:

1. Paralegal Service Provision

Paralegal Service Provision

Donor: Non Funded

Impact Area: Nsanje, Chikwawa, parts of Thyolo and Blantyre

Description

Project Overview: This non-funded initiative remains vital to CCJP’s mission, ensuring access to legal aid and advocacy for the poor and marginalized. Through paralegal services, CCJP upholds the Church’s commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights, assisting those who face legal and social injustices. Despite the absence of funding, this service validates the existence of CCJP in the Diocese and continues to support vulnerable communities in seeking justice.   Project Duration: Ongoing

Project Duration: On going

2. Chisankho Watch Project

Chisankho Watch Project

Donor: National Democratic Institute

Impact Area: Nsanje, Chikwawa, parts of Thyolo and Blantyre

Description

Project Overview: Chisankho Watch (CW) is a coalition of four organizations namely: Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Gender and Justice Unit (CJU), the Meeting Hub (mHub) and Public Affairs Committee (PAC). This coalition is dedicated to monitoring and enhancing the electoral process in the lead up to the 2025 general elections and thereafter. The aim of the coalition is to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process with technical and financial support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Project Duration: Ongoing

Project Duration: On going

3. Enhancing the Participation of Women in the 2025 General Elections

Enhancing the Participation of Women in the 2025 General Elections

Donor: UNDP

Impact Area: Nsanje, Chikwawa, parts of Thyolo and Blantyre

Description

Project Overview: This initiative promotes women’s active engagement in the 2025 General Elections through civic education and awareness programs. By empowering women with knowledge about their rights and the electoral process, the project fosters inclusive and democratic participation. Key Objectives: Increase civic knowledge among women. Empower women to participate in elections and decision-making. Foster an inclusive and diverse political environment. Project Duration: Ongoing

Project Duration: On going

4. Shire Valley Transformation Program GBV Service Provision

Shire Valley Transformation Program GBV Service Provision

Donor: It is being funded by the World Bank through the Malawi government

Impact Area: It covers the Following TAs of Chikwawa: TA Kasisi, TA Mlilima, TA Ndakwera, TA Maseya, and TA Lundu

Description

The project seeks to establish and strengthen mechanisms through which people can prevent, report, and mitigate cases of GBV especially those that relate to the Shire Valley Transformation Program (SVTP). The project strives to reduce the risks of GBV that may arise from the multi-billion kwacha SVTP—which has brought forth labor influx and boosted economic activities in surrounding communities. Implementation Areas: The project is being implemented in the following Traditional Authorities: TA Kasisi, TA Mlilima, TA Ndakwera, TA Maseya and TA Lundu in Chikwawa District. Project Duration and phases The project runs for 4 years. It is being implemented in the phases below: First Phase: May 2020 – May 2022 Second Phase: April 2024 – April 2026

Project Duration: May 2020 - May 2022

Featured News

Catholic chiefs called to foster unity

Sun

13

Sep 2026

Catholic chiefs called to foster unity

Catholic Traditional leaders from within the Diocese of Chikwawa have been urged to establish good relationship with the communities they serve and also with the Church. The call was made today 13th September, at Mzimu Woyera(Nkhate) parish, where the leaders gathered to mark the beginning of their journey to form a grouping of catholic chiefs in the Diocese. Celebrated under the theme “ Be strong and show yourself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and keeping His commandments … that you may prosper in all that you do” (1Kg2:2-3), the celebration was led by Bishop Peter Musikuwa. In his speech to the leaders, Bishop Musikuwa called on the leaders to execute their duties as a God given mission to serve His people. He therefore, called on all chiefs to have good relations with both the communities they serve and the Church. The celebration was marked by two main parts, Eucharistic celebration with the chiefs together with the faithful of Nkhate parish, and then later an interface between the Bishop and the chiefs. The meeting resolved that every parish must have a functioning executive by December 2026. So far, three parishes, namely Nkhate, Molere and Konzalendo have already been registered.

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Mustard Seed Communities Marks Ten Years with Open Day in Chikwawa

Sun

13

Sep 2026

Mustard Seed Communities Marks Ten Years with Open Day in Chikwawa

The Diocese of Chikwawa joined Mustard Seed Communities Malawi for an Open Day, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at Mpotadzingwe Village, Traditional Authority Kasisi, Chikwawa. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter Musikuwa was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. Priests, Brothers, Sisters, members of the Laity Council, the faithful, partners from Zimbabwe Mustard Seed Communities, government officers, companies and well-wishers attended. Bishop Musikuwa thanked the Parish Priest, Parish Council and Christians of Chikwawa for organizing the day. He expressed gratitude to the District Social Welfare Office for identifying vulnerable children and welcomed the Zimbabwe delegates as a sign of oneness. The Bishop also thanked the Friends of Mustard Seed Communities, companies such as PEP Stores, Centenary Bank, COFO and many individuals for their support. He noted that Mustard Seed Communities arrived in Malawi on 1 October 2016 and is marking its tenth year of service. Bishop Musikuwa encouraged the Church to celebrate this anniversary every year and called for quick repairs to the poor road leading to the center. Village Headman Mpotadzingwe thanked Mustard Seed Communities for the development it has brought and appealed for improvement of the road, which becomes impassable in the rainy season. District Social Welfare Officer Aaron Macheka thanked the centre for its partnership in caring for vulnerable children in line with the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act. He welcomed the plan to introduce vocational skills training. Father Francis Mpatsa, Vice Board Chairperson of Mustard Seed Communities Malawi, thanked all present for their support. Companies and individuals who attended shared various gifts with the children. A luncheon followed the Mass, guided tour and speeches. The Diocese looks forward to continued collaboration with Mustard Seed Communities in caring for the most vulnerable.  

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Chikwawa Diocese celebrates outstanding MSCE success

Fri

11

Sep 2026

Chikwawa Diocese celebrates outstanding MSCE success

Secondary schools under the Diocese of Chikwawa have delivered an impressive performance in the 2026 MSCE results released by MANEB. The Diocese is filled with pride over this remarkable improvement that reflects hard work discipline and dedication by both teachers and learners. Mzimu Woyera Seminary and St Lawrence Girls Secondary School achieved a perfect 100 percent pass rate bringing great joy to the entire diocesan family. Phwadzi Secondary School produced the best candidate among all diocesan schools with an outstanding score of 12 points. Education Coordinator for Chikwawa Diocese Geoffrey Madala, described the results as a clear sign of progress and commitment. He said “This year’s MSCE results show that schools under Chikwawa Diocese have performed well. This shows a great improvement than last year as all schools have managed to produce more candidates with grades that can be enrolled in Public Universities. We take pride in all schools.” Madala further highlighted the excellence at Phwadzi Secondary School where 13 candidates scored between 12 and 19 points showing strong teamwork and determination. The highest points scored by candidates from each diocesan secondary school are as follows Mzimu Woyera Seminary 13 points, St Lawrence Girls Secondary School 15 points, Phwadzi Secondary School 12 points, Nkhate Community Day Secondary School 15 points, Fatima Community Day Secondary School 13 points, Mitondo Community Day Secondary School 19 points and St Michael’s Community Day Secondary School 16 points. These results stand as a powerful testimony to the quality of Catholic education offered in the Diocese of Chikwawa. The Diocese warmly congratulates all successful candidates teachers and school management teams for this outstanding achievement and encourages them to continue striving for even greater excellence.

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CWA meet in Tengani to celebrate Mary’s Motherhood

Thu

10

Sep 2026

CWA meet in Tengani to celebrate Mary’s Motherhood

Catholic women from across the Diocese of Chikwawa begin a three-day gathering today at Tengani Parish in Nsanje District. The meeting runs from Thursday 10 September to Saturday 12 September 2026 under the theme “The Year of the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Its focus is “The Catholic Woman, Messenger of Hope in the Family,” inviting every Catholic woman to grow as a bearer of hope within her home. Fr Felix Bzyakulima, Chaplain of the Catholic Women Association in the Diocese, will guide the participants on their spiritual journey and practical Christian living. Sessions will cover how a Catholic woman serves faithfully in the home, the parish and the wider community. Participants will also learn about Synodality, the shared journey of the Church, which rests on one baptism and one faith in God for all Catholics throughout the world. Mrs Nancy Chilenje, Chairlady of the Catholic Women Association in Chikwawa Diocese, said the aim is that every woman leaves the meeting ready to serve her family, her community and her Church with renewed strength. She expressed gratitude to the priests and sisters who prepared the programme, noting that their support helps the women walk together in unity. Beyond spiritual formation, the gathering will offer skills training, including simple business ideas that help mothers improve the lives of their families. Women will also share practical ways of facing the daily challenges that arise in the home. By: Communications Department

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