By Burnett Munthali
Oxfam Malawi, through its “Her Future, Her Choice” project, has successfully returned over 2,000 learners to school, including 1,032 girls who were withdrawn from child marriages since 2019. The initiative, aimed at addressing the barriers young people face in accessing education, has made significant strides in promoting girls’ education and reproductive health rights.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the project held in Traditional Authority (TA) Malili, Lilongwe, Oxfam Malawi Country Director Lingalireni Mihowa highlighted the project’s achievements. “Since 2019, we have managed to withdraw 1,032 girls from child marriages, and they have been readmitted to school. This is a major step towards securing their future through education,” said Mihowa.
Mihowa further explained that the project has reached over 40,000 youths, providing them with access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services. This has empowered many young people, particularly girls, to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
Minister of Gender and Community Development, Jean Sendeza, commended Oxfam’s efforts and urged local organizations to continue the work initiated by the “Her Future, Her Choice” project. “This initiative has transformed the lives of many young people. I encourage other organizations to build on this success and extend these efforts to reach more youths across the country,” Sendeza stated.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada with a K4.5 billion budget, the five-year project was implemented in rural areas of Balaka and Lilongwe. It focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and child marriage by promoting education, providing SRHR services, and empowering young people to create a brighter future for themselves.
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.
