By Hope Mwandenga

Mzuzu, August 11, Mana: The Mzuzu District Commission Youth Office will be supporting the Mzuzu Youth Open Mic, an event aimed at empowering young people to express themselves freely about mental health issues through art.

The free event, scheduled in the afternoon of August 17, 2024 at Katoto Secondary School's main hall, seeks to create a safe space for youth to share their experiences, raise awareness about mental health, and promote creative expression as a tool for healing and self-care.

"We recognized the growing concern of mental health issues among young people in Mzuzu, and we wanted to provide a unique platform for them to express themselves and connect with others who share similar experiences," said Francis Kamlomo, also known as Conscious, a musician, poet, human rights activist, and event organizer.

The event will feature spoken word poetry, music performances, short storytelling, stand-up comedy, and other creative expressions. Taonga Jeka, a poet, expressed her excitement about the event, saying, "Poetry heals, just like music. This event can help raise awareness and support mental health through discussions and art."

The Mzuzu Youth Open Mic aims to provide a safe space for youth to share their stories and experiences, raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma, promote creative expression as a tool for healing and self-care, connect young people with resources and support services, and empower youth to take control of their mental health and well-being.

By empowering young people to express themselves and share their experiences, the event hopes to create a ripple effect of positivity and creativity, inspiring others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.

The event is a collaboration between Cive Youth, Dream Builders, and Young Life Malawi and people can join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MzuzuYouthOpenMic.