‘Youths critical in achieving MW2063’

Community leaders in Zolozolo West in Mzuzu City have said the youth are critical in achieving the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) goals if they are empowered.

Speaking during a mindset change assessment session organised by National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust on Tuesday in Zolozolo, bloc leader Clapperton Nkuna said most youths were involved in risky behaviour because of lack of support.

He expressed concern with what he termed high levels of immorality among the youth in the area.

“Our youths are critical for achieving the MW2063 goals, but drunkenness and drug abuse make them fail to engage in meaningful income-generating activities,” said Nkuna.

Mzuzu City Council director of planning and development Yona Simwaka said they will establish a development control unit, comprising council officials and community members to engage the youth in meaningful ventures.

He said: “We need to have a development control unit which will be guided by laws on how to deal with illegal vending, vagabond and provide lessons to young people on different developmental topics.

“This unit will also empower the community and youthsto own projectsimplemented in their area.”

Nice Mzimba North coordinator Freency Mwandira commended community members in Zolozolo West for making suggestions on how to address their challenges.

“Most importantly, they have suggested to have a development control unit which will oversee all projects and make sure they include the youth in their implementation,” she said.

Nice is holding meeting with communities, engaging them on MW2063, the country’s long-term development strategy.