By Yankho Kandio

Salima, December 20, Mana: Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with United Nations Children (UNICEF), has launched a groundbreaking initiative targeting the youth in Traditional Authorities Ndindi and Kambalame.

The programme, aimed at combating climate change, focuses on empowering young people through training in fruit tree planting, backyard gardening, and transformative leadership.

Speaking on Thursday, on the sidelines of a donation in the area of Traditional Authority Kambalame, District Youth Officer Sharon Kumwembe, highlighted the importance of empowering youths in different skills acquisition.

Kumwembe said at the heart of the initiative is the provision of seedlings, water cans, and buckets to facilitate practical skills development.

"By engaging the youth as active agents of change, the programme seeks to foster a culture of environmental responsibility while contributing to Malawi’s Vision 2063 goals,” she said.

She said the initiative has the potential to create long-term benefits for the youth and their communities.

“This programme equips young people with practical tools and knowledge, empowering them to tackle climate-related challenges while contributing to food security through sustainable agricultural practices," she said.

She added: "It’s more than just planting trees; it’s about shaping a generation of leaders committed to transforming their communities."

District Community Development Officer, Samuel Chimwaza expressed optimism that the programme will enable the youths to gain transformative leadership skills.

"We are urging young people to take an active role in influencing change and aligning their efforts with national development goals,” he said.

On this point, Chimwaza said the initiative has taken a multifaceted approach and aims to not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also create economic opportunities and build resilient communities in Salima.

"As the youth begin planting fruit trees and establishing backyard gardens, they are not only greening their environment but also setting an example of proactive citizenship, the legacy of today’s efforts will benefit future generations,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries from the area of Traditional Authority Kambalame, Idrissa Mailosi, said he has gained important skills that will help him gain financial independence.

"I have received skills in backyard gardening, from which I will be selling some of the harvests, and also the skills will be spread to other farming ventures, " he said.

The initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar programmes across Malawi, inspiring other communities to prioritize youth-driven climate action as a pathway to sustainable development.