NGO urges Mulanje youths to fight child marriages

Parent and Child Health Initiative (Pachi) has urged youths in Mulanje District to avoid indulging in immoral behaviours to secure a bright future.

Pachi district project officer for Mulanje Margaret Mtekateka made said this on Wednesday at Chisitu Primary School during a training for youth clubs from Traditional Authority Chikumbu to equip them with knowledge to fight child marriages under the Chief Kachindamoto Project.

She said: “Youths are key to sustainable development; hence, the need for them to avoid bad behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse.

The youth developing action plans.

| Andrew Tembo

“They should know their rights to effectively stand against harmful cultural practices such as early marriages.”

Mitumbira Youth Club member Maria Chipanda said they will share the knowledge with fellow youths in their communities.

“We will also encourage traditional leaders to abolish harmful cultural practices that fuel child marriages,” she said.

Mulanje District Council assistant social welfare officer Catherine Kalata said the activity complements government’s efforts to strengthen community structures to end child marriages.

She said: “We strive to have productive citizens by ensuring children complete their education.

“By empowering them to know their rights, they will demand action on child protection initiatives.”

Mulanje District Hospital youth friendly health services coordinator Wisdom Chiomba urged the youth to access sexual and reproductive health services in health centres.

Pachi is implementing the Chief Kachindamoto Project with funds from the Royal Norwegian Embassy through UN Women.

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