YONECO rolled out Youth Open Day events across Mchinji District to provide young people with a platform to share experiences, showcase their talents, and engage with key stakeholders on issues that affect their lives.
The events attracted the participation of young people, community leaders, and service providers. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration and promote meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes at the community level.
Through these gatherings, YONECO is also raising awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), encouraging young people to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing. Participants are accessing a variety of services, including HIV Testing Services (HTS) and counselling support.
Speaking during one of the events, Mchinji District Youth Officer (DYO), Ian Sukali, rhighlighted the importance of such platforms in empowering the youth to speak out and take an active role in shaping their future.
“When young people are given a voice and access to the right information, they become key drivers of change in their communities,” Sulaki said.
The Youth Open Day events are being conducted with financial support from UNFPA under Addressing Challenges to Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment through Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (ACE) Project.
