Rumphi District Council petitioned on youth centre

Youths in Rumphi have asked the district council to construct a youth centre in the district to give young people space to interact and share life skills.

Presenting a petition on Saturday to Rumphi district commissioner Fred Movete and district director of planning and development Frank Mkandawire, youth advocate Nicholas Kondowe said most youths were involved in risky behaviour due to lack of space to engage in productive activities.

“Youths need social space to discuss issues affecting them and share experiences and knowledge on how to deal with issues such challenges,” he said.

On his part, Mkandawire assured the youth that the council has space for the project.

Rumphi district youth officer Misheck Msokwa said the centre will enable youths to access services such as psychosocial counselling and vocational training.

“It will also provide recreational services to the youth,” he said.

Statistics at Rumphi Police Station show that 1 231 youths aged between 10 and 35 were arrested between 2017 and 2020 for various crimes, including 83 defilement cases.