By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, October 30, Mana: Youth Developers Collaboration Theater (YDC Theater) in partnership with HIVOS Foundation is implementing Udolo Wanga Project, which is a creative advocacy initiative aiming to address social issues impacting youths and marginalized communities in Malawi.

Key elements of the project include theater advocacy, school and youth festivals plus dialogue discussion.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Executive Director of YDC Theatre, Fumbani Innot Phiri said they introduced the project to empower young people to engage in critical topics like Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and mental health using arts and media.

“We are utilizing art as a platform for education and awareness in local communities and schools. We host festivals like the Udolo Wanga ghetto youth festival and the secondary school performing arts festival which encourages students and youth groups to showcase creative responses to issues such as SRHR and climate change,” he said.

He added that the project creates a safe space for young people in underrepresented areas to express themselves and advocate for change.

“Through the project we are engaging youths in discussions around topics like gender inclusion and environmental resilience,” he said.

Phiri therefore express satisfaction saying that they have reached their expected outcomes.

“We are using art-based approach, so in partnership with Blantyre District Health Office and six secondary schools within our catchment area of Bangwe and Nancholi Townships we have conducted mobile clinics, theatre advocacy, school and ghetto youth festivals, produced a music album and a cypher plus hosted a series of dialogue sessions,” he said.

In a separate interview, patron of drama club at Our Lady of Wisdom Secondary School, Fraser Mombe, commended the project saying it has created a platform for youths to contribute towards development.

“It is very important to involve the youths in dealing with social issues like climate change and GBV since they are part of the society. Since we say that youths are the future, they must help in shaping that future,” he said.

The Udolo Wanga project started in December 2023 and is expected to end in November 2024.