Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn) has urged youth mobilisers in Mangochi District to speak against drug and alcohol abuse to help build a society free from substance misuse.
The organisation’s project coordinator Tamanda Tembo made the call on Saturday when she visited youth mobilisers from traditional authorities (T/As) Jalasi and Chimwala to appreciate drug and alcohol abuse cases in their areas.
The visit followed Mejn’s Forut Project, which seeks to empower young people aged between 15 and 24—both in and out of school—to fight drug and alcohol abuse in T/As Jalasi, Chimwala, Mponda and Nankumba in the district.
“You need to move around your communities and tell your fellow friends about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse,” said Tembo.
She expressed concern with the growing involvement of young people in substance abuse.
“We want to see youths stay away from drug and alcohol abuse. Instead, we want them to focus on education and participate in empowerment activities,” said Tembo.
Youth mobiliser Chimwemwe Andiwatch from Chiponde pledged to take the message to her peers.
“There are many people brewing local beer in the area, which makes it easily accessible to the youth. What is worrying is that they do not only abuse alcohol but also smoke,” he said.
Her fellow mobiliser Chikondi Mlomba also committed to engaging his peers on the dangers of substance abuse in an effort to help them change their behaviour.
He, however, appealed to government and other stakeholders to establish a youth-friendly health corner at Chiponde Border to provide young people with a safe space for interaction and personal development.
Village head Chiwaula also called on Mejn, government and other stakeholders to economically empower young people through loans and support needy learners with school fees.
The activities were funded by Norad through Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid.
