Mzigo Youth Organization Transforms Young Lives in Mzimba
Mzimba youth frequented "Love Jungle" for immoral behaviour despite police intervention, leading to formation of Mzigo Youth Club for positive change-Blessings Gondwe.
Malawi: In 2019, a spot along the Mzimba River called "Love Jungle" became a hub for youth to engage in immoral behaviour, including drug and alcohol abuse, sexual activities, and smoking marijuana. Despite police involvement, the youth continued to frequent the area, writes Blessings Gondwe.
In 2021, a frequent attendee of Love Jungle, Ephraim Mkali Banda, mobilized fellow youth to form the Mzigo Youth Club with the goal of helping the youth turn their lives around. The club now boasts over 100 members from locations near Mzimba Boma and offers sporting activities such as football, netball, and basketball.
"Many of our members and even those who are not members are now spending time training and playing football matches here at the Chibanja football ground. This has made them stay away from immoral activities," explains the club chairperson.
The establishment of youth football teams has kept young people busy and exposed them to new opportunities. The girls' netball team has also brought girls together to share ideas about sports and education.
Impressed by the club's efforts to rescue young people from immoral behaviour, Mzuzu University's ICT department installed 32 desktop computers at the club's offices in Mzimba Boma.
The club offers computer lessons and has become a source of income for the club as secondary schools bring their students for computer lessons.
"We were compelled to donate the computers after noticing the progress the club made in its efforts to rescue young people from indulging in unbecoming habits and behaviors," said Enock Mbewe, Coordinator for ICT at Mzuzu University.