Tag Archives: Malawi Youths

Sports

Youths Urged to Champion Peace and Security in Malawi

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

As Malawi approaches the campaign and general elections period, Principal Youth Officer in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chikondi Chasukwa, has called upon youths in the country to be champions of peace in their respective communities. Chasukwa made the remarks today in Machinga during the dissemination of the National Action Plan for Youth Peace and Security, also known as the UNSCR 2250 National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan, which was launched last year, aims to promote youth peace and security in Malawi. Chasukwa emphasized the importance of youths taking an active role in promoting peace and security in their communities, particularly during the upcoming elections period.

According to Chasukwa, youths have the power to shape the future of Malawi, and it is essential that they use this power to promote peace and stability. “Youths are the backbone of this country, and it is crucial that they take an active role in promoting peace and security,” Chasukwa said.

The meeting, which brought together youths from across Machinga district, was organized by Youth Impact organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Local Government and National Unity.

Chief National Unity Officer in the Department of National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Symon Mvundula, underscored the need for youths to familiarize themselves with the National Action Plan. “It is essential that youths understand the National Action Plan and take an active role in promoting peace and unity in their communities,” Mvundula said.

One of the participants, Madalitso Peter, who is also Chairperson for Mizinga Youth Network in the district, described the meeting as timely. “The messages we have received today are crucial, and we are grateful that they have reached youths from rural communities who often lack such information,” Peter said.

Youth Impact is implementing a peace and conflict management project in Machinga, with funding from the UN Secretary-General through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The project aims to promote peace and stability in the district, particularly among youths.

As Malawi prepares for the upcoming elections, it is essential that youths take an active role in promoting peace and security. The National Action Plan for Youth Peace and Security provides a framework for youths to engage in peace-building activities and promote stability in their communities.

In a region where conflicts are prevalent, it is crucial that youths are equipped with the skills and knowledge to promote peace and stability.¹ By empowering youths to take an active role in promoting peace and security, Malawi can ensure a stable and peaceful future.

As Chasukwa emphasized, youths have the power to shape the future of Malawi. It is essential that they use this power to promote peace and stability, particularly during the upcoming elections period. By working together, Malawian youths can ensure a bright and peaceful future for their country.

Malawi

First Lady holds interface meeting with youths on sexuality and HIV prevention; President Mutharika talks on positive thinking

Maravi Post correspondent

Getrude Mutharika welcoming the youths at Sanjika Palace

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi First Lady, Madame Gertrude Mutharika on Saturday, called on all stakeholders in the country to invest in sexual and reproductive health services, specifically those tailored for the youth. She said the youths are pillars of any development in the country.

 

Madam Mutharika, who is the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV and Aids (OAFLA), said this at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre during a meeting she held with youth on Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and rights, and HIV prevention. 

 “Remember we say, “Nothing For Us Without Us,” not so?  Allow me to add that, “Nothing for the Youth Without the Youth.” Young people must take part in all social, economic and political processes. 

 “The youth must be given priority in all aspects of national development. Time is now for the Youth to be given the space to unleash their full potential,” Madam Mutharika said.

 “This event is in line with the mission and vision of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA). As the president of OAFLA, I want this country to lead in addressing gaps in the provision of sexual and reproductive health services, and HIV prevention to the people, especially young people.

  “I am driven by the passion to take OAFLA to the people. OAFLA prioritises the interests of young people,” she added.

 The First Lady said the youths have potential to change the country, therefore, they must be given priority and the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills.

The first lady said the youths have potential to change the country, therefore, they must be given priority and space to showcase their talent and skills.

“Our premise is that, if we help young people to know their bodies, they will make good decisions that will benefit them in the present and in future. Good decisions that will help them ward off HIV and STIs as well as early and unplanned pregnancies.

“It is vital that players in the health sector in Malawi, led by government, ensure that as many places as possible, can offer youth-friendly sexual and reproductive services. Research indicates that our youth are struggling to access sexual reproductive services, as such this new knowledge must inspire us to take action and empower Malawi youth to fight back,” Mde. Mutharika said.

President Peter Mutharika upon arrival at Sanjika Palace

 

Furthermore, the OAFLA president said that “one of the most powerful weapons that we can employ in our fighting back, is investing in youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.”

On hhis part, State President Peter Mutharika, who stormed the event venue with dancing antics to a song called “Undiberekere mwana”, asked the youths to set goals and have patience while chasing their dreams.

 Mutharika, who said at a young boy  wanted to become a soldier, reaffirmed his desire to see the youths making strides in different areas as a youth champions for Africa.

“What I can say is please work beyond your competitor and be ambitious. Above all be disciplined people and think positively on issues to do with your country.

“My government will not leave youths alone. Shortly we are expanding University loan programme so that we can accommodate as many youths at higher learning,” he said.

The president also took time to censure journalists who always write lies about Malawi, arguing such negative reporting is detrimental to the development of the country.

 

First Lady Mde. Gertrude Mutharika is also expected to have a similar interface meeting with youth in the Central and Northern regions. The Southern Region interactive session, attracted youth from all public and private universities, including youths from churches of all denominations.

 The theme of the meeting was ‘Bridging Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Rights Gaps among the Youth in Malawi.