Saint Egidio Urges Youth to Protect Elderly, Combats Accusations of Witchcraft

Saint Egidio, a Christian community organization, calls on youth to protect the elderly and combat accusations of witchcraft.

Meliness Phiri one of the order persons who attends Saint Egidio

MZUZU, MALAWI — Pius Ndovi, a commissioner at Saint Egidio, says the organisation is working to protect the elderly in Malawi, writes Tionge Hara.

Ndovi said this during an exclusive interview with AfricaBrief in Mzuzu on Thursday.

Ndovi highlighted the importance of ensuring the well-being and dignity of the elderly, stating that they have a right to age happily in society.

He further explained that Saint Egidio is currently conducting awareness campaigns and engaging with youth to change the perception of accusing the elderly of witchcraft.

Pius Ndovi (in red)

Meliness Phiri, an elderly attendee of Saint Egidio born in 1946, expressed gratitude for the positive impact the community organisation has had on her life.

Operating in all districts in the Northern region, except Likoma, Saint Egidio also extends its network to prisoners, children at the primary level (School of Peace), and youths (Youth for Peace).

Founded in 1968 after the Second Vatican Council by Andrea Riccardo, Saint Egidio has evolved into a global network with communities in over 70 countries, including Malawi.

Here is the whole interview that Tionge had with Ndovi:

---