Partnership General Information

The Norwich-Dedza Partnership has been established to enable organisations and individuals in and around Norwich to assist in the development of the District of Dedza in Malawi. Norwich has many resources in its education institutions, schools, local government, health agencies, voluntary sector, commercial companies and individuals. If these are applied in a combined effort over a period of years in collaboration with the people of Dedza, it could make a considerable difference to their lives.

People and organisations in Norwich also benefit from such a partnership. It provides an opportunity to learn about a different culture, to understand development and environmental issues and to work together in inter-disciplinary teams. There are opportunities for overseas placements for students, staff development for employees and short or long working visits for individuals.

Everyone who visits Malawi and Dedza is impressed by the resilience and ingenuity with which people tackle their problems, their strong family and community ties and, above all, their natural openness and warmth to strangers.

The Partnership promotes and co-ordinates activities in the UK and encourages other organisations and individuals to get involved, either by developing projects themselves, or providing support to existing projects. Involving many elements of the Norwich community in this way provides depth and continuity. It is an innovative approach to the local contribution to international development. The Partnership is a charitable trust run by volunteers, with support from Norwich City Council.

In Malawi, the work is co-ordinated through the local government organisation for the area, the Dedza District Assembly.

Creation of the Partnership

The link with Dedza started in March 2004 when the District Commissioner (Council Chief Executive) spent time with Norwich City Council studying community policing. In October 2004 the City Council agreed that their link would include a shipment of redundant computer equipment, encouraging staff to donate to bursaries for school fees and visits to provide assistance and staff development experiences.

During visits to Dedza in April to June 2005, talks were held about future work. Since then the partnership has broadened out and involved Norwich City College, UEA Development Studies Department, the local churches co-ordinating group, schools and others.

In Sept 2005 the Norwich-Dedza Partnership was established as an independent charitable trust and received registered charity status in March 2006