Books published by Kachere Series

This book traces and examines the interaction between Christians and Muslims in the areas of Dedza North-West and Lilongwe East, the Nkhoma Mission area in the Central Region in Malawi. Through history to the present day situation, the book establishes the principles which have guided and are guiding interfaith dialogue in the area, by relating these approaches to the current thinking on relationship between Christianity and other faith communities. It is the intention that this book may help to remove the fear of Christians that Islam is expanding very fast in Malawi and the perception of some Muslims that Christianity is dominating in most issues over the Muslim minority in Malawi. To help in this process suggestions are made on how dialogue between Muslims and Christians can be conducted that both communities can grow in respect and understanding on how they may address current issues concerning them both, like the HIV and Aids pandemic, gender issues to mention a few.

This study is a critical investigation of a theological basis for believers and the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian in Malawi to support a culture of human dignity and human rights, and specifically in the light of the classic Reformed doctrine of atonement, as reflected in the works of Calvin and Barth and also the Westminster Confession. It is argued in this study that the very essence of public recognition and consistent implementation of human rights is far reaching when understood in the light of the Reformed view of the atonement.

The post-World War II colonial reconstruction programmes for economic recovery and general political and social development in Malawi (then known as Nyasaland) necessitated increased education. But the sincerity of metropolitan development plans for the colonies could only be adequately appraised through the degree of demonstrated commitment in the implementation of the announced plans. This study seeks to examine chronologically the development and application of colonial education policies during the period 1945 to 1961 in Malawi. The parties involved included the British Colonial Office, the Nyasaland Protectorate Government and the Christian missionaries on the one hand, and the European settlers, Asian, Coloured and African communities on the other as the target groups of the policies. Devising educational policies of equitable benefit to all the racial and social groupings in Malawi posed enormous problems to the colonial administration. This study, examining the dynamics and course of policy, contends that, given the prevailing economic and political conditions, non-European education, especially that of Africans, experienced retardation in favour of European education. Sometimes apparent government ineptitude, combined with calculated needs for the Europeans, produced under-development for African education in Malawi and the country's economy. In the end, African education operated against the odds of missionary and government apathy. This book discusses the impact on education, generally, of the Nyasaland Post-War Development Programme, the Colonial Office Commissions of 1947, 1951 and 1961, and the local Committees set up to inquire into the retardation of African education in its various categories, including female and Muslim, in response to both local and international pressure. Although considered a priority, African education developed slowly, contrary to the declared goal of Post-War colonial policy of self- determination with its potential demands for trained local manpower. The argument demonstrates the tenacity of the Federal Government of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in playing down African education as a political strategy from 1953 to 1961 at the same time as it accorded a better deal to Asian and Coloured education.

A Practical Guide to Understanding Ciyawo has been developed over fourteen years and systematically explains for the novice the important aspects of Ciyawo grammar for effective communication. A practical grammar guide, the instruction is accessible, giving the basics of pronunciation, to building verb tenses, to ways of combining the different elements of the language in order to form sentences.

This biography of Elizabeth Mantell helps to fill a major gap in the literature on church and mission in Malawi. Women missionaries have been numerous and influential. Yet, on the whole, they have done their work without seeking or receiving much in the way of public recognition. The book will hold particular interest because of the period which it covers. Much has been written about the pioneering days of missionary work in Malawi, the 1875-1914 period. The book also makes an original contribution to the story of one of the famous centres of mission work in Malawi. Ekwendeni was among the first mission stations to be established and has continued to be prominent in the work of Livingstonia Synod right up to the present day. It has had a particular orientation to medical mission, the sphere in which Elizabeth found her forte.

This volume brings together extracts from the explorers' diaries accompanied by a narrative situating the texts in geographical, historical and socio- political context. They complement the publication of some of McEwan's earlier diaries, and are arguably the most important, dealing with the last portion of William McEwan's life - his arrival in Malawi, his meeting with Swahili slave traders, and his experiments with photography. Finally, the writings document McEwan's death as told by his companion Donald Munro.