Blantyre-based Youth Club Empowers Rural Youth with Mindset Change Program
Matope Youth Club in Blantyre, Malawi, empowers rural youth by providing a mindset change program and access to support resources.
BLANTYRE, MALAWI — Matope Youth Club, a Blantyre-based organisation, has been implementing a mindset change programme since 2021 to help rural youth overcome social struggles, writes Thokozani Beaton.
The club, established in 2021, has been delivering messages on behavioural change to over 60 youths in David Village, Traditional Authority Somba, Blantyre, most of whom had dropped out of school.
One of the beneficiaries, 18-year-old Florence Kapuma, shares her story of how the organisation influenced her decision to return to school after becoming pregnant.
"Matope Youth Club has encouraged me in many aspects. The club's efforts made me return to school when I dropped out due to pregnancy. Now I'm happy that I am continuing my studies while looking after my child," said Florence, who recently wrote her Primary School Leaving Certificate (PSLC) examination.
Florence also mentioned that through her participation in the club, she received support and resources that enabled her to establish a small business to meet her domestic and educational needs.
Shallow Banda, 21, another club member, praised the educational messages provided by the club, describing how they helped him make better life choices.
After performing poorly on his Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) exams, the club motivated him to retake the exams this year.
"I wrote MSCE examinations in 2021, but I did not perform well. After getting encouragement from membership in this club, I returned to school to retake this year's exams," said Banda.
Macdonald Kumitawa, the coordinator for Matope Youth Club, explained that in addition to providing behavioural change education, the organisation also connects the youth with youth-friendly forums to learn about crucial issues, including sexual and reproductive health rights.
"Our aim is to empower the youth with information on life in general and education in particular. We also talk about making healthy choices and sexual and reproductive health rights," said Kumitawa.
Kumitawa emphasised that, besides encouraging young people to pursue their studies, the club links them to youth-friendly platforms that provide education on sexual and reproductive health issues, helping them minimise distractions and challenges that hinder their education.
Peter Mizedya, the District Youth Officer for Blantyre, commended the club's significant role in empowering youth and encouraged them to actively participate in youth-friendly activities and share positive ideas.
He also called on community leaders to support these groups and provide opportunities for youth to participate in community development initiatives, as the future of the country depends on them.