By Burnett Munthali
Malawi is at a crucial juncture where the development of its youth should be the focal point of national progress. However, recent trends in underage employment, particularly in the military, signal a deeper issue that needs urgent attention. Just as the country has grappled with underage voter registration in the past, we are now seeing the concerning phenomenon of underage recruitment into the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). This is an alarming issue that threatens the well-being of the nation’s youth and undermines their future.
Underage employment in the military, like underage voter registration, is a violation of basic rights and principles. Young people, especially those under the age of 18, should be focused on education, personal development, and building the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Instead, we are witnessing a disturbing trend where these youth are being recruited into military service, an environment that demands physical and mental maturity. The risks involved in such practices are not only harmful to the individuals themselves but also to the nation, as it undermines the foundational development of our future leaders.
At a time when the global focus is shifting toward equipping the youth with skills for innovation and economic growth, it is disheartening to see Malawi veering in the opposite direction. Our country is spending far too much time glorifying social media platforms like TikTok instead of encouraging young people to pursue meaningful careers in sectors that can actually contribute to national development. Instead of inspiring our youth to pick up weapons for military service at an early age, we should be directing their energies toward education, skills development, and responsible civic participation.
The problem is not just with the military. There is a wider societal issue where young people are being encouraged to focus on fleeting social media fame rather than acquiring practical knowledge or participating in activities that foster discipline, creativity, and national responsibility. Today, many young Malawians are more concerned with gaining followers on TikTok than honing their skills or preparing themselves for the future. This growing distraction threatens to derail the country’s ability to build a capable and responsible workforce.
We must, therefore, reconsider the path we are guiding our youth towards. If we continue to recruit young individuals into the military at an age when they should be focusing on education, it not only compromises their development but also limits the potential of Malawi as a whole. The MDF and other national institutions should not be used as a shortcut to employment for those too young to make informed decisions about their futures. We need to provide our youth with the tools and opportunities to think critically, engage with important societal issues, and develop the skills necessary for long-term success.
As for the role of social media, it should be seen as a tool for learning, social connection, and advocacy, not as a replacement for hard work and self-improvement. The obsession with online platforms like TikTok can distract from the real work that needs to be done to uplift our nation. Instead of encouraging our youth to waste time on trivial content, we should be providing platforms that promote constructive dialogue, education, and skill-building.
In conclusion, Malawi must shift its focus to a future where the youth are equipped with the skills, education, and discipline they need to drive the country forward. Underage recruitment in the military and other distractions such as social media must be addressed head-on. The future of Malawi depends on how well we prepare our young people for the challenges ahead. We must ensure they are not just trained for military service at an early age but are given the tools to become educated, innovative, and responsible citizens who can contribute to the nation’s growth. It’s time for Malawi to stop wasting its potential and start investing in the future of its youth.
