On May 2, 2025, YONECO joined community members and various key stakeholders in an anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) awareness campaign that was held at St. Augustine 3 Primary School in Mangochi District.
The event that was held under the theme “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation” aimed to raise awareness on the prevalent problem of TIP in district which is increasingly vulnerable due to various socio-economic and geographic factors.
As a border district with a thriving fishing and tourism industry, Mangochi attracts both internal and cross-border migrants. Additionally, low literacy levels coupled with demand for cheap labour and limited economic opportunities increases people’s susceptibility to exploitation.
The awareness campaign was marked by a number of activities including an awareness march, a panel discussion, as well as various sporting activities.
The District Manager for YONECO in Mangochi, Funny Chilembo, represented the NGO sector in a panel discussion that was held during the event. In the discussion, Chilembo emphasized on the importance of reporting mechanisms for victims and the general public.
The function was presided over by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security, Erica Maganga.
