Ntchisi, Malawi. A rude awakening awaits polygamists, incestuous individuals and early marriage advocates if Malawi’s policy makers heed and respond favourably to resolutions and by-laws proposed by youths in Ntchisi district.
Culture, early marriages, poor education, unemployment and low social, economic and political participation by youths are some of the topics that brought together 40 youths in Ntchisi to discuss issues that spread their chances of failure in life.
Four days of deliberations, unpacked twelve concerns and proposed recommendations that were summarized in a petition presented to the District Council for reflection by the district’s National Parliamentarians, councilors and traditional chiefs.
“Out of the twelve issues that were fished out, the house came up with eighteen resolutions as well as by-laws that will be circulated for use by all traditional leaders,” said Speaker of the youthful August House, Esau Matafale calling on the District Council, members of the National Assembly, Councillors, traditional chiefs to populise the resolutions and make sure they are implemented.
“In the petition the house is also asking government to increase its annual budget allocation to the education sector, provide qualified teachers and desist from unnecessary curriculum changes,” said Matafale in the wake of budget cuts for the educational sector and the introduction of a new curriculum.
Matafale said the parliamentary session which mostly focused on the reproductive health rights of the youth, agreed to charge parents who drive their children into early marriages with US$90 fines.
“Polygamous people will be charged US$357 while those who sleep with their children will have to spend 14 years in prison,” said the 21 year old whose colleagues have also asked government to strengthen life skills and entrepreneurial education as well as provide access to softer financial services specifically targeting the youth.
QMAM Executive Director, Saiti Jambo said the youths will present the petition to the National Assembly during the next parliamentary sitting so that some of the issues raised can be scaled up on a national level.
The district’s first ever Youth Parliament, was supported by the Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM) with financial assistance from the German Development Bank (KfW) through the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) under the Strengthening Public-Private Partnership in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) – N’zatonse Project.
