Chikwawa Launches Youth and Child-Friendly Initiative

Malawi-Chikwawa district has launched a strategic plan aimed at addressing issues affecting youth and children by giving them an opportunity to take part in decision-making in their communities, writes Comfort Bulangete.

The initiative is expected to make Chikwawa a youth-friendly district, as children and youth will be involved in planning and monitoring various community undertakings from 2022 to 2027.

Speaking to the press, Nardin Kamba, Chikwawa District Commissioner, said, “The district has been the first in launching youth and child-friendly initiatives with an aim of improving the welfare of children as well as the youths allowing them to take part in the decision-making process in each and every development that affects them within the district at large."

The initiative is looking for equal opportunities for all children and youths in the district and aims to develop them for a better future.

The strategy implementation needs collaborative efforts, and villages that will be children and youths friendly will be awarded by the district council for performing well, Kamba said.

Chikwawa District Council Chairperson, Councillor Khofati Malunga, said that Chikwawa has many challenges that affect children and youths due to ignorance by authorities, parents, and youths themselves.

The initiative will be an eye-opener as different youth groups will be approached and taught, he added.

Chikwawa Youth Network Chairperson Amos George Mphambalume said that they are facing many challenges such as scarcity of jobs, denied access to be involved in decision-making, and school dropout.

He hopes that with the coming of the initiative, such challenges will be addressed, and they will have a better life.

The initiative launch took place at Chikwawa Community Ground and was attended by different youth clubs, primary and secondary schools, and different non-governmental organizations, including Unicef, which is the main funder of the project.