EVENT: Building Resilient Communities: A Youth-Centered Approach
Date: 26 October, 2024
GVH Liti, Zomba District, Malawi
Introduction
Trust Youth Club, in collaboration with the African Harmony Collective (AHC) and United Voices For Global Impact, hosted a one-day interface meeting. The meeting brought together approximately 70 young people from Trust Youth Club and Tikondane Youth Club to address key issues affecting youth in their daily lives.
Objective
The event aimed to provide technical knowledge and foster understanding of critical challenges faced by youth, focusing on:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH): Emphasizing family planning.
- Drug and Substance Abuse: Highlighting it as a mental health issue.
- Youth Economic Empowerment: Promoting self-reliance.
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Empowering youth to act as champions against GBV.
Participation and Facilitation
The meeting saw active participation, with youth engaging in lively discussions and providing feedback. Facilitators from the Health, Youth and Sports, and Community Development sectors led the sessions, supported by community leaders, including GVH Liti, village heads, Village Development Committee members, and civil society representative Mr. Brown Masingati.
Topics Discussed
- Sexual and Reproductive Health/Family Planning.
- Drug and Substance Abuse.
- Youth Economic Empowerment.
- Gender-Based Violence.
Successes Achieved
- Timely organization and smooth facilitation.
- High youth enthusiasm and active participation.
- Involvement of community leaders enhanced the meeting’s credibility and impact.
Impact on Youth and the Community
- Youth are better equipped to avoid substance abuse and engage responsibly in SRH matters, reducing unsafe sex and early marriages.
- Empowered as GBV advocates, they will raise awareness in their communities.
- Economic empowerment discussions inspired self-reliance, contributing to community socio-economic development.
This meeting laid the foundation for holistic youth development, fostering a progressive and resilient community.
