Chiradzulu Youth Network chairperson Brighton Halala says Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is a valuable initiative for creating job opportunities and empowering youths to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, he highlighted the safety net’s positive impact among the youth.
“Some youths struggled to get employment but now they are not only earning an income to meet their daily needs but also helping in conserving the environment,” said Halala.
Chiradzulu. | Blackson Mkupatila
He encouraged the youth to work diligently and selflessly, emphasising the importance of achieving the country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063.
“These years, we are experiencing early rains, which could be attributed to the efforts in catchment areas, including tree
planting and caring existing ones through natural regeneration. If we can continue on this path, the district will be evergreen everywhere by 2063,” he said.
Geoffrey Smart, a youth from Namulenga Catchment Area in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpunga, said the programme has equipped him with practical skills to take care of the environment.
“As a data collector, I am entrusted with collecting data from supervisors and sending it electronically to the central office. Using gadgets such as smartphones for data entry and transmission has improved my technical knowledge,” he said.
Upper Thubwe Catchment supervisor Dalitso Innocent from T/A Kadewere, emphasised the important role young people are playing in environmental conservation efforts.
“Out of 501 participants here, 195 are youths,” he said.
Innocent said the youth are the ones handling most arduous tasks such as digging swales and storm drains
