Malawi Diocese Trains Youth Paralegals to Boost Rural Justice Access
Upon completion, they will return to their communities to provide legal guidance and work with the justice department on case prosecution.
KARONGA, Malawi — The Catholic Diocese of Karonga is sending 15 young people to receive paralegal training to improve access to justice in rural communities across three northern districts, writes Lusekero Mhango.
The 16-week program at the Malawi School of Government in Mpemba, Blantyre, will train the participants—14 men and one woman—to handle grassroots legal issues, including mob justice and witchcraft accusations.
"The Bishop identified a critical need for access to justice in local communities served by the diocese, primarily due to inadequate representation at the grassroots level," said Obert Mkandawire, Desk Officer for the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace.
The trainees come from parishes in Karonga, Rumphi, and Chitipa Districts. Upon completion, they will return to their communities to provide legal guidance and work with the justice department on case prosecution.
Trainee Yohane Kaonga from St. Peters Parish in Chitipa said, "As a young person from a rural area, I've seen firsthand the challenges people face in accessing justice."
Kate Kondwe, a scout from St. Francis Parish in Karonga, will join the program that promotes justice and equality in her community.
Aid to the Church in Need International is providing financial support for the initiative, which was spearheaded by Bishop Martin Mtumbuka.