By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, June 17, Mana: Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) has called upon youths to be on the forefront in taking care of the environment as one way of showing responsibility and giving back to their communities.

The Call was made in Salima when CISONECC in collaboration with National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYCC) conducted training sessions on Climate Change Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

CISONECC's Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Manager, Chimwemwe Kapichi said the importance of empowering young people and CSOs in advancing climate action and to be agents of change in the community.

He said instilling values of environmental protection such as avoiding cutting down trees and avoiding littering at a young age is important because they would grow up to be responsible human beings who have great regard for the environment.

"We know that young people can be powerful advocates when there is need for change, they can mobilize one another and bring change to their society," the Manager said.

Kapichi said the youths are in majority in the country as a result bringing them on board on issues of climate change and environmental safeguarding would yield greater results.

"The project does not only educate participants about climate change but also empowers them to be proactive in their communities, fostering a bottom-up approach to environmental advocacy and action," he said.

District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for Salima, Edgar Kasiyafumbi commended CISONECC for its initiative in raising awareness among children about their rights and responsibilities concerning climate change.

He said Salima is a disaster prone district and some of the disasters are human made through environmental degradation, therefore training youths about such issues is helpful.

"We need the youth to take responsibility of the environment, they need to spearhead issues of the environment and act as champions for other youths in their community," the DSWO said.

One of the youths at the training, Priscilla Majiga, 15 said the training was an eye opener in the sense that she has now been empowered to stand up for other youths to guard against environmental mismanagements.

She expressed optimism that she would inform other youths on climate change, hazardous practices that damage the environment and environmental advocacy.

The activity attracted 70 children and youth participants draw from Traditional Authorities (TAs) Pemba and Kambwiri in the district.

Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through Save the Children International in Malawi is implementing a Capacity Strengthening Programme in the district.