Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, February 27, Mana: Marist Brothers in Malawi on Monday rolled out a goat pass-on programme targeting young people from underprivileged families.

Speaking after a symbolic presentation of the goats at the headquarters of Traditional Authority (T/A) Maganga in Salima district, the National Provincial Councilor for the Marist Brothers in Malawi, Brother Francis Jumbe, said the programme seeks to empower youths.

He said the programme is in line with their philosophy of making a difference in the world by showing young people that they are loved, safe and cared for.

“Today, we are distributing 50 goats to the first line beneficiaries who are expected to pass on the benefits to the second line of beneficiaries. We expect that the goats will help the targeted youths to generate income for investment in other entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Jumbe.

He assured the beneficiaries that they will be offered expertise on how to take care of the livestock by linking them with the district agricultural office.

He then pleaded with the beneficiaries to look after the goats well and jealously guard them against theft.

One of the beneficiaries, a 24-year-old Christina Phiri, from Umodzi Business Ladies, commended the brothers for the initiative, saying the programme will play a crucial role in transforming her life.

She said as a single mother, she lacks resources to take care of her child, hence she is hopeful that through the pass on programme, she will establish herself businesswise to be able to take care of her child.

“I have been struggling to afford a decent life for me and my child; this is a gateway to a better future. I pledge to raise the goats very well and ensure that we pass on to the next line of beneficiaries,” assured Phiri.

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Salima, James Mwenda, described the livestock pass-on scheme as a pathway out of poverty for the young people in Salima.

Mwenda assured the Marist Brothers in Malawi of the government's commitment to partnering with the religious brothers in improving lives of the underprivileged in the society.

"We would appreciate if this initiative would be scaled up to other areas in the district so that more youths should benefit and improve their lives," he said.

The livestock pass-on scheme is a component of the Girls Education Project, the religious brothers are implementing with financial support from an Irish charity called Misean Cara.

Apart from Salima, the project is being implemented in four other districts of Lilongwe, Balaka, Zomba and Dedza.