Youth Group Cleans Lilongwe Streets in Environmental Push
Wednesday's clean-up drive was one such initiative demonstrating the Catholic youth's commitment to sustainable environmental practices for Malawi's future development.
LILONGWE, Malawi — A Catholic youth group organized a clean-up campaign through the streets of Lilongwe on Wednesday, with young people collecting litter as part of an environmental initiative, writes Benson Kamonjola.
The Young Christian Workers movement drew participants from parishes across the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, spanning from Nkhotakota to Mchinji districts. Youths gathered at Mtima Woyera parish and walked through the capital's streets picking up trash until reaching Maula Cathedral.
"It is necessary for us to advocate for a cleaner and sustainable environment," said John Namalenga Jr., president of YCW for the Lilongwe Archdiocese.
"As young people, it is our responsibility to take care of our communities and contribute to Malawi's 2063 development agenda."
Namalenga said the clean-up exercise reflects YCW's mission of having youth play an active role in the growth and development of society.
He urged his peers to be at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts.
Charity Bonongwe, a participant from Msamba Parish, underscored the importance of young people realizing their duty toward protecting the environment.
"This is our responsibility — to keep our surroundings clean and also plant trees in our local areas," Bonongwe said. "As the energetic youth, we must take care of our natural surroundings."
In addition to environmental work like clean-up campaigns and tree planting, the Young Christian Workers movement carries out various charitable activities. These include visiting orphanages and child care centers to provide support.
YCW draws its members from Catholic church youth groups across Lilongwe Archdiocese's deaneries.
The movement aims to inspire and mobilize young people to actively shape their communities through social outreach programs.
Wednesday's clean-up drive was one such initiative demonstrating the Catholic youth's commitment to sustainable environmental practices for Malawi's future development.