By Andrew Phiri

Thyolo, April 26, Mana: Deputy Director for Civic Education in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Lawrence Useni, has assured communities in Thyolo District that government is committed to provide dialogic platforms where community members including youths should discuss with relevant authorities’ various factors that contribute to Malawi’s rapid population growth.

He made the remarks on Thursday at Bvumbwe Trading Centre, Traditional Authority (TA) Bvumbwe in the district where Directorate of Civic Education in collaboration with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) were recording Malawi Wanga program dubbed Pabwalo, a television and radio play which is aimed at promoting citizen engagement for proactive participation on issues of national development.

He observed that lack of job opportunities among youths and limited access to medical services in some hospitals across the country are among major factors that contribute to alarming population growth as shown by National Statistics Office 2018’s population figures which puts the country`s total population at 18 million.

"One of the issues that came out of the discussion is early marriage. Many youths do not have stable income generating activities.

He said that currently, government is rolling out various initiatives under the Ministry of Youth such as loans through National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) and vocational skills through TEVETA among others so that the youths should have something to do. He advised the youths to utilize the programmes.

Useni called on parents, guardians and other relevant authorities and sectors to provide proper guidance on the youth on the right time to get married.

"We are also calling upon parents to take an active role in advising the youths on the right time for marriages and we believe this will help the government and Civil Society Organizations to work effectively on various programs," he said.

Chairperson for Bvumbwe Area Development Committee, Maulidi Kawere, said MBC and Directorate of Civic Education’s Pa Bwalo was a timely initiative, adding that the initiative has the potential to provide opportunity to youths to speak out their concerns on matters of national interest.

One of the youths in the district, Dickson Makaya, concurred with Maulidi saying there was need for the Ministry of Local Government and MBC to sustain the initiative for public and policy makers interest if the youths were to effectively contribute to Malawi 2063 Agenda.

"Government should strive to reach out to people in the rural areas where many are facing socio- economic challenges such as hunger and poverty. I believe that most challenges that are hindering this country to develop are in rural areas," he said.

Centre for Social Concern, Economic Governance Officer, Agness Nyirongo applauded government for rolling out the initiative.

She called on government and its partners to take extra efforts in investing in health and education sectors, saying the two are key to national development.