By Burnett Munthali
Youths in Machinga have expressed concerns over the limited access to digital platforms and information, which they say is a major challenge in several parts of the district. Speaking during the commemoration of International Youth Day, Happy Myson, a youth champion under the Power to Youth program from the area of Traditional Authority Sale, linked this digital gap to the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in the district’s rural areas.
Myson emphasized that the lack of access to vital information, particularly on sexual and reproductive health, has left many young people vulnerable. “In many rural areas, youths don’t have the necessary platforms to access important information, and this is leading to increased cases of teen pregnancies,” Myson said.
In response, Melifa Mganda, a community-based educator from Traditional Authority Mizinga, called for the revitalization of telecentres in rural communities. She believes this would significantly enhance young people’s access to digital information and resources. “Bringing telecentres back to life will empower the youth with the information they need, from education to health and beyond, ultimately improving their livelihoods,” Mganda noted.
Both Myson and Mganda underscored the importance of bridging the digital divide in rural Machinga, calling on stakeholders to invest in digital infrastructure and education to support the district’s youth.
