Promoting primary justice, solution to police cells’ congestion – NICE

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust says knowledge of primary justice in villages could help reduce police case workload and clear the cells of petty offenders.

Speaking on Tuesday in Balaka during orientation of 20 volunteers, NICE Trust Civic Education Officer for the district Henry Zekaria said some human rights abuses and cases can be amicably resolved at community level rather than being brought to police.

“The police is reeling under a heavy burden of a backlog of cases some of which could easily be dealt with by traditional leaders and volunteers as part of primary justice. This is part of promoting primary justice to facilitate speedy and fair justice delivery.

“The orientation focused on signposting and referral systems which enable the volunteers to know which case to refer to police or traditional leaders. It also showed them remedies available for different human rights abuses at the local level,” Zekaria said.

NICE Trust Para Civic Education (PEC) Moreen Andaki for Livilivi said the orientation has helped her understand what primary justice is all about and how it can help speedily resolve wrangles at the village.

“There are cases that can be referred to the traditional chiefs which the community could take to the police making access to justice process lengthy and expensive. We will now cascade the knowledge of primary justice to others ably,” she said.

Balaka community policing coordinator Robert Njalam’mano said people should differentiate between civil and criminal cases to help reduce case congestion at the police there by also reducing costs involved .

NICE Trust is implementing access to justice through the ‘Chilungamo’ project with funding from European Union.

Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.

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