BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Adolescence is a time when many children may consider experimenting with alcohol or drugs. A research by Thomas Schofield, an assistant professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University shows parents can reduce that risk by maintaining a healthy and open relationship with their children.

It is against that background that Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA) is implementing a “Happy Family” programme which targets the whole family in an effort to break the intergeneration cycle of alcoholism, with support from FORUT Norway.

MAGGA is implementing the program in Lilongwe, Traditional Authority Chitseka and Blantyre, Traditional Authority Somba.

According to MAGGA official Khama Ziyabu, the “Happy family” initiative is aimed at curbing the problem of drug and substance abuse at its roots by ensuring that children are raised by responsible families.

“With the happy family approach, the role alcohol plays in fueling the cycle of violence is examined in relation to motherhood, fatherhood and the impact of parents’ alcoholism and violence towards young people. The issues of alcoholism, gender-based violence and child rights are addressed,” says Ziyabu.

MaraviPost has established that the programme has already started bearing intended fruits as attested by family of Mr. and Mrs. Mcdonald Chadzeka which was in great chaos before MAGGA’s sensitization campaign on the effects of drug and substance abuse.

“Often he used to come home late. Sometimes around midnight or in the wee hours. I used to leave the house to seek refuge at my parents’ home because there was no peace in my own home,” narrates Mrs. Chidzanja as quoted in the MAGGA magazine.

According to Mrs. Chidzanja, her husband had scars from a myriad of fights he involved himself in at the drinking joints.

“He was becoming insane because of his drinking. But when I noticed that he has stopped drinking after MAGGA came in, I decided to come back and things have greatly changed for the better,” she said.

In total agreement with his wife, Chidzanja says “I used to drink a lot. There was no time for me to think about developing my household. Even my kids had no peace because I used to quarrel with them,” Chidzanja said.

But after MAGGA’s sensitization Chidzanja said is able to live in harmony with his family.

MAGGA training has also turned Weluzani Nkanda, of Village Headman Ntindu in Lilongwe, from a chain smoker to a responsible father.

Mitundu Zone’s Primary Education Advisor (PEA), Backson Tsokonongo, says there have been significant changes among the young girls since MAGGA rolled out its initiative in the area.

“We used to see a lot of girls in schools moving about aimlessly with boys, a sign to us that they were taking either alcohol or some drugs that were disturbing them. But this project has helped quite a lot because after we were sensitized, we also took an initiative to sensitize teachers in all our schools, parents and the Children themselves about the same and there have been significant changes,” he said.

Speaking during an orientation of mentors a week ago at Madziabango Primary School in Blantyre, T/A Somba, where the association also wants to roll out the programme, MAGGA commissioner Mary Ngwale asked the chiefs to encourage families to embrace the programme voluntarily.

“We neeed dedicated families that will be available whenever we want to meet them. We have chosen this area after a simple study which indicates that there is a problem of drug and substance abuse among the youth in this area.

“Let me ask you chiefs to embrace this programme because it is a proven tool to deal with such problems which are so detrimental to the development of the society,” said Ngwale.

Taking his turn, Group Village headman Kantimbanya was delighted to have his area been chosen for the initiative which he described as a “game changer.”

He admitted the problem of drug and substance abuse in his area and pledged that he will support MAGGA’s efforts to curb the vice.

In his remarks, Madziabango Zone PEA Elisha Nabwereko urged teachers take an active role in implementing the programme, saying its fruits will likely ease their work as they will consequently be handling pupils from responsible families.

“This programme is about parents and their children. But these children also go to school and they spend much time with us. I, therefore, urge you my fellow teachers to play active role by giving guidance to the pupils whose families will be under the programme.

“With time we will have responsible pupils and our job will become easy courtesy of this beautiful programme,” said Nabwereko.

The programme is targeting fifty families in each of the selected areas.

Malawi Girl Guides Association is a voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women. The diverse movement has, for more than 15 years, transformed the lives of girls and young women in the country, supporting and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential and become responsible citizens.