By Esther Ndhlozi and Grace Thesi
Mzuzu, August 13, Mana: Mzuzu Youth Association and Added Power Understanding Sustainable Education (APAUSE) jointly hosted a youth dialogue in Mzuzu on Monday, aimed at empowering youth leadership and fostering mindset transformation.
Speaking at the event, Mzuzu Youth coordinator, Francis Chirambo said the event was part of the commemoration for Youth International Day which falls on 12 August, every year.
Chirambo said the event was a necessary platform to empower youths to participate in the electoral processes by ensuring that they consider to take up leadership positions.
“As a way of remembering International Youth day we wanted to get this opportunity and empower the youth to take part in political decision making and opting to take part in political positions. They should not just be used as violence vessels during campaigns and elections” said chirambo.
He further said Mzuzu Youth Association being part of the youth NGOs body has a goal to reach out to all 15 Wards in the city to ensure that the youth are civic educated on the benefits of having a fair and credible presidential election.
“As an umbrella body for the youth organisations, we are committed to civic educate the youth concerning the upcoming elections. We would want them to consider candidates who have their interests at heart. They shouldn’t just vote for someone because they were bribed” said Chirambo.
Youth Coordinator for APAUSE, Maria Malaso said they are working hand in hand with the Mzuzu Youth Association office to encourage and educate young people on various issues.
“This event gave us an opportunity to reach out to the youths by civic educating them on issues concerning education, health, sexual reproductive health and climate change” said Mabaso.
She encouraged the youth to attend such functions since they talk of issues that are usually not discussed in cultural or religious settings because some content can be too sensitive.
Commenting on the matter, one of the youths who attended the event, Asimenye Mwaighogha hailed Mzuzu Youth Association and APPAUSE for bringing the youths together and equipping them with the confidence to take part in the 2025 elections.
