Brighter Future for Parenting Adolescents in Blantyre with Launch of Promote Intervention Project

Blantyre, Malawi - Hopes and dreams for a brighter future among parenting adolescents in Blantyre have been reignited through the initiation of the Promote Intervention Project by the Centre for Social Research (CSR) at the University of Malawi, writes Moses Sakala.

This project aims to provide support to 270 adolescent mothers, aged between 10 and 19, from the Blantyre district, which topped the 2021 post-COVID-19 study as one of the districts most affected by early pregnancies and marriages.

The project was officially launched on May 11, 2023, at Shalom Palace Hotel in Blantyre.

Associate Professor Chrissie Thakwalakwa, who also serves as the CSR Director, expressed the project's objectives, with a strong focus on promoting the prosperity of young mothers through education and vocational training.

"The Promote Intervention Project has three main intervention areas. Firstly, we aim to provide financial assistance, child care, and health training to parenting adolescents. We will support their children by covering the fees of community-based child care centres, and we will assist the mothers in either returning to school or attending vocational training schools," explained Thakwalakwa.

Stephano Joseph, Principal Gender and Development Officer in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, commended the intervention, noting that many girls will be inspired by their peers who are participating in the project and will feel empowered to pursue education.

Regina Banda, one of the beneficiaries from Mbayani Township, shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating that it has revitalized her commitment to returning to school.

The Promote Intervention Project has also partnered with the Technical Entrepreneurship and Vocational Education Training Authority (TEVETA).

The project is set to run for one year, during which each beneficiary will receive $10 USD, equivalent to MK12,000 per month.

The initiation of this project offers a glimmer of hope for parenting adolescents in Blantyre, providing them with the necessary support and resources to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.