By Wellington Sibale

Neno, May 11, Mana: Neno Shifters, a youth-led organization has taken steps in strongly campaigning against child marriages through various activities such as open days in schools under the theme, ‘advocating for ending child marriage and mitigating climate change, gender-based violence and disability through youth empowerment in schools’.

At an open day over the weekend at Chikonde Community Day Secondary School, Neno Shifters, Executive Director, Mike Mikeas, said there was a need to sensitize young people on the detrimental effects of child marriages and where, how to report gender-based violence (GBV)

“We aim to educate the youth through a series of activities about the impact of early marriages and climate change. Previously, we conducted a similar event at Chiwale Secondary School, but we felt that some students did not receive adequate information, and this is why we chose to hold this event here at Chikonde Community Day Secondary School,” said Mikeas.

He added that the initiative also stressed on importance of child education and environmental conservation, saying the youths need to take a leading role in addressing such issues, considering that they are leaders today and tomorrow.

Child Protection Officer at Neno Police Station, Sub-Inspector, Austine Kamwendo, commended Neno Shifters’ initiative, saying cases of child marriages are increasing at an alarming rate in the district.

He said there was a need to collectively respond to the contributing factors of child marriages with speed before the district regrets irreversible consequences.

“In partnership with Social Welfare Office and other organizations, we managed to end 20 child marriages this year, compared to 17 during the same period last year,” Kamwendo added and pointed out that limited means of transport remain a challenge to reach out to communities in the remote areas of Neno.

A Student at Chikonde Community Day Secondary School, Mphatso Milanzi, said the awareness was timely and relevant, saying the youths need to be informed on the negative effects of child marriage and be aware of various forms of GBV and where to report such cases.

“Information on the effects of child marriages and gender-based violence is crucial to the youth. If more girls become pregnant and marry early, there will be a reduction in the number of educated girls in our district.

“We welcome such initiatives because they provide platforms for the youths to discuss the importance of education and the negative effects of child marriages,” she added.

Neno Shifters implements youth-focused initiatives with financial and technical support from Save the Children through a campaign, Shifting Power to the Youth.