PABWALO MULTIPURPOSE ROOM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
By Joseph Kayira
The Malawi National Library Service (NLS), in collaboration with the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), Music Crossroads Malawi, and Rei Foundation Limited (RFL), described the launch of Pabwalo Multipurpose Room as successful.
According to a press release by the organisers, the launch event, held on Friday, 10th April 2026 at the Pabwalo Multipurpose Room, located within the Malawi National Library Service Headquarters in the centre of Lilongwe, marked the introduction of a new hub for knowledge, arts, and ideas in the city.
The name “Pabwalo,” meaning “The Knowledge Square for Citizens,” reflects a welcoming space for learning and creativity for children, youth, and all those passionate about culture and heritage. The facility is equipped with a modern sound system, a large screen for screenings and presentations, and accessible (barrier-free) infrastructure.
Mpondaminga: Malawi is taking the right path in strengthening its cultural identity through initiatives such as Pabwalo (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
Additionally, Pabwalo will be hosting a wide range of events and workshops, including traditional storytelling, folksong sessions, inspirational talks, art exhibitions, and archival film screenings. The space has a seating capacity of up to 90 people, the press release read in part.
Representing Honourable Alfred Gangata, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Humphrey Mpondaminga, who is also the Director of Arts in the same ministry, welcomed the development, stating that Malawi is taking the right path in strengthening its cultural identity through initiatives such as Pabwalo Multipurpose Room.
Reiko Fukutake: Encouraged young people to fully embrace the initiative (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
Mpondaminga noted that Pabwalo provides an important platform where the younger generation can actively participate in arts and cultural events. He further highlighted that the initiative reflects how Malawi is integrating digital technologies to enhance access to arts and culture. He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to establishing more spaces like Pabwalo across the country.
Dr Selemani: Pabwalo expands traditional role of libraries into creative hubs (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
National Librarian, Dr. Apatsa Selemani, expressed enthusiasm for the Pabwalo initiative, noting that modern libraries have evolved into spaces where people can learn, create, share, and collaborate. He added that Pabwalo expands the traditional role of libraries into a creative hub at the national level. He further emphasized that the space will provide an opportunity for children to learn about and preserve Malawi’s cultural identity on an international platform.
Chairperson of the National Library Service, Brian Sitima Ndau, stressed that the Pabwalo Multipurpose Room will serve as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and skills development, marking a shift beyond traditional reading culture. He added that the space will help young people discover their talents in areas such as music, dance, and other creative arts.
Ndau: Called for increased collaboration (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
According to the press release, Ndau also acknowledged the existing partnership, noting that the collaboration has played a significant role in bringing the Pabwalo Multipurpose Room to life. He further emphasized the importance of increased collaboration across sectors, including culture.
Reiko Fukutake, Founder of Rei Foundation Limited, expressed excitement about the launch of Pabwalo, stating that the project will enhance the appreciation and preservation of Malawi’s cultural heritage. She encouraged young people to fully embrace the platform as an opportunity to showcase their diverse skills and ideas beyond traditional learning.
Sangole: There are opportunities for the youth to showcase their skills (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
Pabwalo Advisory Body Chairperson, Bonney Sangole, observed that due to the growing influence of external cultures, many young people are paying less attention to appreciating and participating in their own cultural practices, often perceiving them as belonging to older generations.
To address this, she noted that the team has developed engaging activities that will take place at Pabwalo to attract youth participation. She also highlighted that updates on these activities will be available on social media platforms. Furthermore, she encouraged young people with various talents to register with Pabwalo for opportunities to showcase their skills.
A cross-section of invited guests (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
One of the participants, Lisa Banda, a musician and dancer from Music Crossroads Malawi, expressed her gratitude for performing folksongs at the launch. She highlighted that Pabwalo has provided a platform to showcase what Malawian tradition and culture are all about, especially as today’s youth are increasingly influenced by modern music. She appealed to all artists to utilize Pabwalo as a channel to perfect their art.
Banda: Expressed her gratitude for performing folksongs at the launch (Photo Credit: Pabwalo Initiative)
