Mzimba North District Youth Office has equipped mentors of adolescent clubs in Mzuzu City with skills to bring behaviour change among the youth perpetrating crime in the city.
The training follows reports of rising crime in the city involving the youth.
To transform the youth and ensure a city free of crime, adolescents have formed clubs to serve as safe spaces where youths can express themselves, learn life skills and receive guidance from trained mentors.
| Whitney Chinula
Such training of mentors took place at St Andrews’ CCAP Church in Mzuzu on Saturday where community leaders, law enforcement officers and mentors attended.
Mzuzu Police Station community policing officer Bashill Kavweche said tackling youth misconduct requires more than police intervention.
“I call upon bloc leaders to support us in curbing malicious behaviour among adolescents,” he said.
Kavweche’s message resonated with local leaders who often witness the trouble young people make in their neighborhoods.
Nkhokwe Ward bloc leader Apison Mkweu said the issue hits close to home.
“I am concerned with the bad behaviour among the youth,” he said.
Mzimba North District Youth officer Misheck Msokwa described the training as a critical step in building that support system.
“The training will empower mentors to influence change among youths,” he said.
A participant Yilinase Chawinga said she will use the skills to empower her fellow youths with life skills.
The clubs aim to fill a gap that many communities have longed for—the absence of structured support systems for adolescents.
