KUUWA Project Transforms Lives of Youth in Kasungu District
The KUUWA Project is a collaborative effort between the Good Health Organization, Nkhamenya Mission, and Plan International, with operations exclusively in Kasungu district.
KASUNGU, Malawi — The Kulimbikitsa Ufulu Ndi Umoyo Wa Achinyamata (KUUWA) Project, implemented by the Good Health Organization, a local non-governmental organization based in Kasungu district, and Nkhamenya Mission, has been making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the region since its launch in 2019, writes Johans Mumba.
This transformative project is expected to conclude next year.
KUUWA focuses on educating and empowering young people in Kasungu district through outreach programs.
Participants receive training on the significance and accessibility of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), as well as engagement in income-generating activities for youth empowerment.
Mark Chungu Mkhota from Traditional Authority Santhe of Nzotheka Youth Club shared his experience, stating, "Prior to the project, I had to rely on my parents to make ends meet. Now, I can proudly say that I am self-reliant and engaged in various income-generating activities thanks to the project. Good Health Organization equips us with various skills, including business management. Additionally, we are educated about the risks of teen marriages and how to prevent sexually transmitted infections."
Mkhota, like many others, used the skills and seed money provided by the project to venture into small-scale businesses, such as pig farming.
Memory Chakwantha, another youth, utilized the seed money provided by the project to borrow 50,000 kwacha, which she invested in farming.
She was able to turn her investment into 250,000 kwacha. Chakwantha emphasized that the project has truly empowered the youth in the district.
Kasungu District Youth Officer, James Mathia, commended the project for its positive impact.
He noted that outreach programs have provided youth with access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services, resulting in increased numbers of teen mothers returning to school after giving birth.
Additionally, young people are more aware of forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and reporting mechanisms for GBV incidents in their communities.
Mathia highlighted the project's economic empowerment aspect, as it provides seed money, inputs, and livestock to support youth in various business endeavors. He also mentioned that the project has enhanced the capacity of youth clubs by offering training in business management, leadership, and other skills.
Stella Mbewe, KUUWA Project Officer, shared insights into the project's activities, stating, "Since 2019, we have supported approximately 27 youth clubs through the project, with an expenditure of around 60 million kwacha. The project engages supported youth clubs in income-generating activities and village savings and loans. Youth clubs are empowered to select their preferred business ventures, such as beekeeping. Good Health Organization provides training and necessary resources for these chosen enterprises."
The five-year KUUWA Project has a budget of 2.1 billion kwacha and operates in eleven Traditional Authorities within Kasungu district.
Its primary objective is to empower children and young people, especially girls, to live in an environment free of violence while having access to sexual and reproductive health rights.
The KUUWA Project is a collaborative effort between the Good Health Organization, Nkhamenya Mission, and Plan International, with operations exclusively in Kasungu district.