By Willy Kadewere 

Chikwawa, August 17, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) through community resilience project is making strides in ensuring that young people in Malawi are empowered. 

This was disclosed in Chikwawa during the closing ceremony of a youth camp called: “Camp 24,” a meeting of all students on MRCS bursary scheme from Mangochi and Chikwawa districts.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, MRCS president, Innocent Majiya expressed satisfaction over this year’s camp as it shows inclusion, unlike in the previous camps which involved girls only, this year’s camp has been unique by involving both girls and boys.

“This year’s Youth Camp was special and shows inclusion as reflected under the theme: “United and equal partners in overcoming our challenges.” This theme gives an equal opportunity to both girls and boys in our society to be shaped and access services equally for a better future,” Majiya said.

Majiya said through the project, they are able to provide capacity building to communities so that they should be resilient to situations, as such youths are equally empowered to make informed decisions. 

Chikwawa District Commissioner representative, Gertrude Jumbe applauded MRCS for organizing the activity which involved the youth, saying through the camp, sessions on life skills and mental health have been learned as such youths must support and transform their communities. 

“We commend MRCS for organizing Camp 24 that supports inclusion, it is our hope that the knowledge that has been imparted to our learners will be used to support and transform their communities,” Jumbe said.

One of the Form 3 students who attended the training from Mitondo Community Day Secondary School, Catherine Gangu emphasized the significance of having youth trainings, saying by coming together, young people share problems they encounter in their communities and also provide solutions. 

Gangu pledged to make use of the knowledge acquired during the training to achieve her goal in life. 

The camp brought together 100 students from Mangochi and Chikwawa, each district represented by 50 students.

In Chikwawa, the project will be implemented for four years in Traditional Authority Makhuwira.