Mangochi youths sidelined in development projects
Mangochi district youth officer Kumbukani Manda has advised duty-bearers, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and other project implementers in the district to involve youths in their projects to empower them.
The official said this on Saturday at Mangochi Town Council hall during a youth network advocacy meeting aimed at advocating for youth issues.
His call came after many youths complained during the meeting that they are excluded in the implementation of projects, a development which is fuelling poverty.
during the meeting
“Let us include the youth in our projects to make them active for them not to engage in immoral behaviours,” said Manda.
He said the district is privileged to have many NGOs implementing youth-related projects; hence, the need to include them.
“I believe this meeting will compel our key stakeholders to start recognising the youth. I also strongly believe the meeting has empowered the youth with advocacy skills to help them advocate for essential services that they may need,” said Manda.
Mangochi district commissioner Moses Chimphepo reiterated the council’s commitment to working with the youth in a number of projects.
“We admit that the youth are always sidelined in a number of projects. But let me say that from now going forward, we will be accommodating them in our development projects,” he said.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) funded the meeting, which was part of the activities under Safeguarding Young People Programme the UN agency is implementing in the district to reduce early marriages.
