YONECO Hosts UNFPA Malawi Resident Representative

The Country Representative for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Malawi, Dr Dan Odallo, visited a number of facilities which YONECO is currently using in promoting the rights and welfare of the youth, women and children in Malawi. During the tour, Dr Odallo firstly held a meeting with YONECO management before proceeding to YONECO’s ICT Centre where he was introduced to a number of applications which YONECO has developed. The tools include; the feedback mechanism for rights holders, Child Protection and SRH online Map that supports the Referral System. Furthermore, the UNFPA Rep. was also introduced to a Web-based assessment tool of YFHS Delivery Points which is updated by the service users themselves (young people). The development of the tool was funded by Simavi through Innovation Challenge Project which is being implemented in Mangochi in the areas of Traditional Authority Mponda and Nankumba. Dr Odallo made another visit to YONECO’s Tithandizane Helpline Service Centre which houses the following Toll free Call Centres; Child Helpline, Drug and Substance Abuse Hotline and the GBV Crisis Line. Just within YONECO’s Head Office, the UNFPA Country Representative visited YONECO FM studios where he was guest in a special radio programme that was hosted by youthful presenter, Alinafe Nyasulu. After, the 30-Minute programme on YFM, the UNFPA delegation went straight to Chinamwali Township. At Chinamwali Township, the UNFPA Resident Representative to Malawi toured YONECO’s Youth Drop in Centre where he addressed a number of young people who were at the facility. In his remarks, Dr Odallo urged young people to guard themselves against various SRH challenges that may negatively impact on their development. He also thanked community members for working with YONECO in promoting the rights and welfare of young people in the area. Further to this, Dr Odallo commended the Executive Director for YONECO, Mac Bain Mkandawire for his commitment and selflessness. Dr Odallo stated that Mac Bain Mkandawire’s efforts have led to the growth of YONECO and reached so many people with support as well as necessary skills and knowledge.