Unicef takes hygiene lessons to youths in Nkhata Bay
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) has impacted adolescents of Kapoza Care Group at Kavuzi in Nkhata Bay District on the importance of practising hygiene.
The initiative falls under the Afikepo project which Unicef was implementing in the area.
Speaking in an interview, Kapoza care group promoter Jestner Tembo said the adolescents learnt in two phases about hygiene and their health.
She said: “We teach the young girls on the importance of practising hygiene in their homes and encourage them to work hard in school so that they become independent in the far future.
“They attend our educational sessions in the morning and afternoon.
One of the beneficiaries, Ester Funani, 18, said the project has helped her stay in school.
“Through the Afikepo project, I have realised the importance of education; hence, I chose to stay in school so that I can achieve my dreams,” she said.
Her teacher Esther Chirwa said the initiative has protected girls from early marriages and unwanted pregnancies.
Nkhata Bay District Council director of planning and development Edgar Chihana said the project has also helped address malnutrition challenges of under five children.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) launched the Afikepo and Kulima projects across the country’s 10 districts in 2017. Unicef partnered with FAO in implementing the Afikepo project in Nkhata Bay and other districts.
