By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, March 20, Mana: Newly elected Chiradzulu District Youth Network chairperson Brighton Halala has urged fellow young people to join forces and work collaboratively with other partners to address challenges which most youths in the district face.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday after his election, Halala said currently young people in the district are facing challenges, citing rise in teenage pregnancies, child marriages, school dropout, and unemployment.

He added that all the challenges have huge impact on socioeconomic well-being of many young people in the district.

Halala, therefore, said it was important for the young people to come together to addressing the challenges so that they should create a conducive environment, adding that such an environment would make the young people thrive and contribute to Malawi's Vision 2063.

"Let me also express my gratitude to my fellow youths for entrusting me to lead the youth network. I promise to work with the young people and the council plus other development partners to advance the aspirations of young people in the district," he said.

Outgoing chairperson, Anusa Gerald, urged the newly elected leaders to priorities inclusiveness and coordination among youths and to attract support from various stakeholders.

"We have young people living with HIV and various disabilities. It is important to involve them in developmental activities taking place in the district," he advised.

Chiradzulu District Council Youth Officer Shameem Chabwera said the network provides young people a platform where they can share ideas and appreciate each other's roles and responsibilities on how to reach out to their fellow youths in communities.

She, therefore, urged the newly elected committee to familiarize itself with the National Youth Policy of 2023-2028, saying this will help committee members to unleash the much needed approach for meaningful youth participation in development.

"As a council, we are ready to work with them to uplift young people in the district in all aspects of life," Chabwera added.

Chiradzulu District Council organized the elections where, in addition to Halala, Bertha Wilson was elected as vice chairperson, Deborah Njala as treasurer, and Chrispin Wyson as Secretary, among other positions.