Manchester played host to the first ever Malawi Heritage UK Awards recently.
Held at Hulme Hall, the ceremony rewarded a number of groups, organisations and individuals who made tremendous contributions to the community at the height of the pandemic. Fourteen awards were handed out to recipients.
1 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
2 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
3 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
4 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
5 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
6 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
7 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
8 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
9 of 9
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
Allan Mandindi, the Director of Malawi Heritage UK and organiser of the ceremony disclosed that it was inspired by people who carried out selfless community engagements regardless of the risks involved during lockdown. It was also aimed at encouraging people in the Diaspora to get involved in community work because they play a vital role both at home and abroad.
In attendance was Special Guest - Dr. Erinma Bell who delivered a keynote address stating how important it is for those in the Diaspora not to lose their identity because it is easily done with the demands of modern living. She also reiterated the need to teach and remind the younger generation of their heritage so that they are proud of it and keep the culture alive and in turn can pass it on.
Malawi Heritage Awards UK
Malawi Heritage Awards
Guest of Honour – the Lord Mayor of Manchester - Cllr Tommy Judge who attended with his wife: Lady Mayoress Mrs. Carole Judge, in his speech, was full of praise for recipients’ hard work.
The ceremony was well attended by Malawians, friends of Malawi and other distinguished guests including the Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester - Cllr Donna Ludford and Cllr Sean McHale.