Genet confident in girl mentors

Girls Empowerment Network (Genet) Nkhata Bay district project coordinator Juliet Msosa has said they are confident that Safe Space Mentorship Programme trainees will continue with the interventions even after the conclusion of the programme.

Speaking in an interview after conducting a refresher and reflection training for mentors on Friday, she said she was confident that the project, which is part of the Spotlight Initiative, will be sustained beyond the implementation period which expires in December this year.

Msosa said: “We have been preparing for this exit since last year. And to ensure there is sustainability of safe spaces where young girls meet and voice out issues that concern them, we trained and supported them to form village savings and loans groups.” 

One of the mentors, Elinat Chaguza from Upper Zilakoma said the refresher and reflection training empowered them as mentors.

“We had a mentor training last year. It was necessary for us to reflect on how we have fared so far,” she said.

On sustainability of the safe space mentorship after December, Chaguza said the capacity building skills and the grants that the groups received will sustain the interventions.

One of the participants, Glory Banda, said the programme is bearing fruit and that even local leaders are giving them all the necessary support.

Nkhata Bay district gender development officer Cecilia Kaunda said the council will continue providing technical support to mentors and all the structures the programme created in the community.

Genet is one of the 23 implementing partners of the Spotlight Initiative in Nkhata Bay District.