YONECO, through its ‘Sports for Youth Development Initiative’ has launched MK2 Million Football and Netball Trophies targeting both in and out-of-school young people in the area of Traditional Authority Kwataine in Ntcheu district.
The trophies were launched at Chiole Mission Ground in the presence of thousands of people who converged to witness the occasion.
In her remarks, YONECO’s District Manager for Ntcheu, Sewenthe Mahwayo, stated that the trophies will provide a platform for raising awareness about issues that affect young people in the area. Among other things, Mahwayo stated that the trophies will be used to raise awareness about young people’s Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) issues, sensitizing them about the dangers of abusing drugs and substances as well as drilling them in life skills.
“Our recent assessment has shown that many young people are facing a number of SRH challenges due to the information gap that exists among them. As such, sports is being used for recreation and as a mobilizing tool for reaching out to the youth with SRH information,” she said.
The teams that will participate in the trophies marched into the ground holding placards that displayed messages on the dangers of child marriages, GBV, drug and substance abuse as well as HIV prevention messages among other themes.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Kwataine urged the youth to be responsible for their health and to avoid risky behaviors like alcohol abuse and unsafe sex practices.
“This initiative is very welcome in my area. Through the messages that will be provided during the games, the youth will have an opportunity to properly reflect on their lives and make informed decisions,” the Senior Chief said.
