By Jones Gadama
Group Village Headman Silangwa of Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe has emphasized the crucial role culture can play in combating child marriages and saving the lives of young girls.
Speaking at a cultural event organized by the Centre for Youth Empowerment and Foundation for Rural Development (CEFFORD) at Bolero, Silangwa highlighted the importance of cultural practices in shaping the lives of children and communities.
According to Silangwa, cultural topics such as the dangers and prevention of child marriages are essential in reducing maternal mortality rates.
He stressed that preserving culture and nurturing responsible future leaders are also vital components of community development.
The traditional leader’s remarks underscore the significance of cultural values in promoting the well-being of children and communities.
CEFFORD Chief Executive Officer, Chance Mhango, echoed Silangwa’s sentiments, noting that culture is a critical aspect of development. Mhango emphasized that societies lacking cultural values often struggle to develop.
“Through cultural lessons, children are taught about the dangers of stealing and other vices,” Mhango said, highlighting the positive impact of cultural education on children.
CEFFORD is implementing a year-long project targeting 12 cultural clubs in 11 traditional authorities in the district, with support from the Copyright Society of Malawi.
The project aims to promote cultural values and practices that contribute to the development of responsible and informed communities.
The cultural event at Bolero brought together community members, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the importance of culture in promoting community development.
The event provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences on how cultural practices can be leveraged to address social issues such as child marriages.
Child marriages remain a significant challenge in many parts of Malawi, with girls being disproportionately affected.
The practice not only denies girls their right to education but also exposes them to health risks, including maternal mortality.
By engaging traditional leaders and communities in the fight against child marriages, organizations like CEFFORD are working to address the root causes of the problem.
Silangwa’s remarks highlight the critical role traditional leaders can play in promoting positive cultural practices and values. As custodians of culture, traditional leaders are well-positioned to influence community attitudes and behaviors.
By championing cultural initiatives that promote the well-being of children and communities, traditional leaders can contribute to the development of a more informed and responsible society.
The CEFFORD project is a timely intervention that seeks to harness the power of culture in promoting community development.
By targeting cultural clubs in traditional authorities, the project aims to reach a wider audience and promote cultural values that contribute to the well-being of children and communities.
As the project progresses, it is expected that communities will become more informed about the importance of cultural practices in promoting development.
The involvement of traditional leaders like Silangwa will be critical in ensuring the success of the project and promoting positive cultural values that benefit communities.
The cultural event at Bolero highlights the importance of culture in promoting community development and addressing social issues such as child marriages.
By engaging traditional leaders and communities, organizations like CEFFORD are working to promote positive cultural practices and values that contribute to the well-being of children and communities.
As the project continues, it is expected that communities will become more informed about the importance of cultural values in shaping their lives.
