By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, April 2, Mana: Group Village Headman Galang'anga from Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi has urged the youth in his area to be disciplined in the way they carry themselves in order to earn people’s trust for leadership positions.
He made the remarks during a community engagement meeting at Mwazisi in the district.
The meeting was organized by Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLERC) under European Union (EU) funded Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy Project.
He said many youths in his area portray themselves as people without purpose in life which makes it difficult for people to trust them with leadership positions in spite of their abilities.
He, therefore, urged them to utilize the project and prove to take up leadership roles.
"The youth are obviously more exposed than the elderly in a number of areas. A number of them have attained some level of education and can easily understand complex issues such as climate change hence making a difference in their communities.
"However, to achieve leadership roles there is need for discipline so that people in their communities trust them," said Galang'anda.
He called on the youths to prove themselves worthy of political and other leadership positions so that the elderly can take a backseat and let them lead.
He also encouraged women and persons with disabilities in his area to compete for local and parliamentary positions in the September 16 general elections and take a lead in developing their communities.
Youthful aspirant for Hewe-Bembe Ward, Absalom Demwera, said he is ready to take up the position of councilor and urged chiefs and community members to support him.
A female aspirant for Hewe-Bembe Ward, Annie Chipofya, said is ready to lead in developing her area having served in various areas including area development committee (ADC) which has improved her understanding of development processes.
The project, among others, promotes importance of electing women, youths and persons with disabilities, inclusion and addressing violence against women during elections.
