tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15098977949942826132024-03-14T07:42:42.333-07:00Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO)Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05196404242698137590noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-20869964309954645882019-05-28T07:55:00.003-07:002019-05-28T07:55:56.039-07:00ANNOUNCING THE 2019 MILEAD FELLOWS: Africa’s Most Outstanding Emerging Women Leaders<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: justify;">
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Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa proudly announces the 2019 MiLEAD Fellows. The new cohorts, selected in the 11th year of the MILEAD Fellows Program, represent Africa’s most promising young women leaders, who have demonstrated the courage, passion and commitment to lead and shape the future of Africa. The Fellows were chosen through a highly competitive selection process based on their outstanding leadership promise, community service accomplishments, and commitment to the advancement of women and social justice in Africa.</div>
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“These exceptional leaders, bring their remarkable individual characteristics, but come together to learn and collectively build a better Africa. These MILEAD Fellows have responded to Africa’s call for a new kind of leadership- to shift power to the people and to be good stewards of power. The MILEAD program will help them fulfill this mission by deepening their capacities and capabilities with a supportive ecosystem, as they utilize their talents to shape the future of their communities and Africa’s place in the world. - by MILEAD Selection Committee [<a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moremiinitiative.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2pmkIMls3Zn0dwnIa1ASUcUOPKsw8mPyJb1A9-fqesqUwT6z0ruNmHFS0&h=AT3VUtivwl7mIwypabUwXvBpqnT0Fc1LQ-zL2PJ-Jfe9drnMot1Wvy0e9gIa1MxO0iSFrQcGsh3W_cgDnGf_flFG5h6BKM5r_ZD__xiMuDe0p9ZCs_tmtZHIjpyT7GBlE_usKlDe0Inxf9Jbim5908-SSyJkdC0x8Xqae7Qk58Z4GMp-YrSb8ojmyH2bVgp1H6e__tpHhfsj2C6g-LtmVkjDrYavMTjTp5IbxgO5oZCfbH1Ks3tNZTrOhFGcFrAW_CrUXbilqE1-Hi3u3kcGDm1-x_q17VK9EC6HhBQ0WrUA_-WrU6v7zydAXeIgv1dtOHZAd9YpoAgJoDAsCPi84WtK8FyZkiEy_2AGLRNgE6nzUSNc8HV7sDzOj2Tji6hr1olFXCx76EBwclVQ2co7i8xpiBTCC3xw16f60DBwxe620CXpdykKaQVXPm0PxijDnyN67NRAj6grO8cbZrQ5XX_PHB7hCOdYi8uK3Fd2lx1Dw-LJNp4K-pvce9XbiyaRlA4PU1uCvjOePplPw9LrQJNACCAbiLrtQCx4iJlOeFQW53eB7VwYadA6HfZkCjeRi-iJYu4bcEapvWtgTeSNnYExKa2EVV17YIDr-wZTS6N9rJZFm9VAh_hCxMSVTnIgn0o" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.moremiinitiative.org</a>]</div>
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THE 2019 MILEAD FELLOWS</div>
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The 2019 MILEAD Fellows represent a truly Pan-African diversity and potential. Representing 26 African countries and the Diaspora, the 2019 Fellows bring highly diverse socio-cultural backgrounds combined with multi-disciplinary academic and professional experiences and aspirations. The Fellows are between the ages of 19 and 25, and are already actively leading change on pertinent issues at many levels - from entrepreneurship, agriculture and women’s health, to politics, environmental innovations and gender justice. They are a new generation of African women leaders ready to provide the bold and inspirational leadership needed to shift power and lift Africa to its rightful place on the global stage. Here are the honoured 2019 Fellows:</div>
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Ms. Ashley Ahandessi [Benin]</div>
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Ms. Bosa Wame D. Sebele [Botswana] </div>
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Ms. Laura SheïllaI Nangoma [Burundi]</div>
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Ms. Jeannine Rachelle Belibi [Cameroon]</div>
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Ms. Adèle Noudjilembaye [Chad]</div>
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Ms. N’dri Helena C. Abozan [Cote d’Ivoire]</div>
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Ms. Rachel Mawazo Salama [D. R. Congo]</div>
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Ms. ReemYehiaKamel Elsayed [Egypt]</div>
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Ms. Simiso Shabangu [Eswatini]</div>
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Ms. Selamawit Tezera Chaka [Ethiopia]</div>
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Ms. Marlyse Hangamalongo Mapaga [Gabon]</div>
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Ms. Ngenarr-Yassin Jeng [The Gambia]</div>
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Ms. Dorcas Babet Kwofie [Ghana]</div>
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Ms. Grace Amponsah [Ghana] </div>
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Ms. Rita W. Tunwah [Liberia] </div>
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Ms. Comfort Chizinga [Malawi]</div>
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Ms. Silvia Ernestina Dywili [Mozambique]</div>
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Ms. Julia MP Nampweya [Namibia]</div>
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Ms. Udoka Peace Ugwoke [Nigeria]</div>
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Ms. Anysie Ishimwe [Rwanda]</div>
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Ms. Aminata Seilloh Conteh [Sierra Leone]</div>
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Ms. Latto Catherine F. Tartisio [South Sudan]</div>
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Ms. Brigitte Adjoa Adonou [Togo]</div>
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Ms. Vanessa Chisakula [Zambia]</div>
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Ms. Faith Nyakundi [USA/ Kenya]</div>
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Ms. Samu Ngwenya [Diaspora | Zimbabwe]</div>
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From 2,070 applications from 48 African countries, and the Diaspora, the newly selected Fellows will become part of the growing MILEAD community, a powerful Pan-African network of change makers - a new generation of young African leaders. We welcome our first ever Fellow from Chad.</div>
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We acknowledge all unsuccessful applicants for their transformational work and sacrifices, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Although only 26 candidates could be selected, we truly admire the courage and commitment of all of these leaders. We look forward to collaborating with all applicants through other platforms and future programs as we strive to create opportunities and attain dignity and justice for women on our great continent.</div>
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THE 2019 MILEAD FELLOWS INSTITUTE</div>
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The MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2019 MILEAD Leadership Institute - a three-week intensive training program - which will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. In addition to knowledge building lectures, skills-training workshops, teambuilding activities, role plays and other interactive activities, Fellows will be mentored by experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders.</div>
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ABOUT THE MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM</div>
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The MILEAD Fellows Program is a bold and paradigm-shifting initiative committed to the long-term leadership development of promising young leaders selected as Fellows. Fellows benefit from a combination of training, experiential learning and mentoring crafted to build knowledge, skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. In addition, the program links determined young women with influential and seasoned African leaders who are committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Most importantly, Fellows benefit from a lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network and supportive eco-system. One of the distinguishing features of our program is the deliberate integration of community service to the yearlong training. Each Fellow will initiate and lead a community change (MiCHANGE) project on a critical issue of importance to their community or African women as a whole. Moreover, Fellows will benefit from a lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.</div>
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ABOUT MOREMI INITIATIVE</div>
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Moremi Initiative is widely recognized today as a leading and pioneer organization promoting women’s leadership and social justice in Africa. Our investments in transformational leadership over the past 14 years continue to inspire and equip a new generation of women leaders in politics, business and communities across the continent. Headquartered in Accra-Ghana and with an office in the United States, Moremi Initiative operates throughout Africa and the Diaspora. Moremi Initiative is a United Nations Accredited organization- in Special Consultative Status and has official partnerships with UN WOMEN, UNAIDS and other local and international partners. Moremi Initiative boasts of a growing and dynamic alumni network with over 240 strong memberships of exceptional young leaders, who share a commitment to shape the future of African and their respective communities. Our Mission is to engage, inspire and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs and change agents.</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-3192720378362586722019-02-04T07:36:00.000-08:002019-06-03T07:36:54.311-07:00Youth Network Chairperson Hails GUSO Programme for Promoting YFHSThere is a significant change in perception and access to Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) at T/A Nankumba thanks to the Get Up Speak Out Project(GUSO).
The sentiments were made on the side-lines of a meeting which was aimed at sensitising communities on their roles in encouraging safer Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) practices among sub youth populations.
Chairperson for Nankumba youth network William Phiri said since the project commenced in 2016 they have managed to reach out to youths in over 21 villages within Nankumba with messages on SRH and HIV/AIDS.
William however worried about the long distances youths have to cover to access such services.
“Some villages are far, so you can imagine for a youth to walk about 35 kilometres to access a service it is really hard so, I feel this is a huge set back to the initiative,” said Phiri.
Phiri therefore proposed that there is need to train more Youth Community Based Distribution Agents (YCBDA’s), peer educators, be trained so as to meet the demand that is there.
One other key issue which needs urgent address is that of stock outs for condoms and other contraceptives.
“In some instances a youth may want to get a particular service but when they go to the hospital they find that it is not there so this puts them at risk of being infected with HIV or pregnancy”, said Phiri.
The chair also talked about the good rapport that is there between them and religious leaders saying it has assisted in wooing more youths to take up contraceptive methods.
During the exercise, at least 350 community members including traditional and religious leaders have been sensitised about their role in promoting uptake of Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) and encouraging safe sex practices among young people in T/A Nankumba and Mponda.
GUSO Programme is being implemented by a consortium of 6 local NGOs which formed the Malawi SRHR Alliance. YONECO is implementing the programme with financial support from Simavi, Netherlands.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-92210815710618385312019-01-28T05:47:00.000-08:002019-06-03T05:48:08.372-07:00Ritual Cleansing: Cultural Practices that Steal Young People's Innocence
“I think there is so much we can do for the women and children who are victims of hyenas, gender-based violence, and all the other social evils that are out there”. This is what Malawi’s 2013 Big Brother Africa representative, Natasha Annie Tonthola, said during an interview with BBC’s Michael Wendling. Natasha explained the ordeal she went through as she was being traditionally ‘initiated’ into adulthood.
Just as various national and international media channels were awash with a story about a man who was arrested for sleeping with young girls to cleanse and initiate them into adulthood; the celebrated entrepreneur cum girls’ rights activist, Natasha, came to the open and exposed the evils and dangers of such cultural practices.
Honestly speaking; our society is full of different harmful cultural practices that lead to various sexual reproductive health challenges. Many young people like, contraction of Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV, fueling child marriages as well as teen pregnancies and other associated consequences. These aforementioned challenges have been faced and still affecting new victims year in year out.
Young people can avoid this kind of abuse by knowing their sexual reproductive health rights. No one is supposed to force you into having sex no matter what kind of influence that person has. When you get pregnant or an STI; it is the very same people who start discriminating and stigmatizing you. They are quick to force you into sex cleansing but they are always late to support when the ritual lands you in trouble.
Young people; do not trust others to make sexual reproductive health decisions on your behalf. It is your life and when you are troubled by your community to undergo a harmful cultural practice you can report this by calling toll free child helpline on 116, Community Victim Support Unit or any nearest Youth Friendly Health Service Delivery Point that is close to your area.
Remember; you have your sexual reproductive health rights and make wise and informed decisions. Do not let cultural beliefs and ritual steal your innocence …be assertive and report any form of abuse to remain cool and happy! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-40140957766664578912019-01-18T05:46:00.000-08:002019-06-03T05:46:26.843-07:00Promoting Youth Friendly Health Services Among young people
Malawi should address the issue of unwanted pregnancies among young girls who are dropping out of school because of pregnancy. Heartrendingly, most of them do not go back to school after delivery as they dedicate their time to raising their babies and most are held back by the fear of how their schoolmates and teachers will treat them. The issue of teenage pregnancies in Malawi has also led to unsafe abortions among the youth.
As a way of putting an end to this, young people should be practically accorded their right to sexual reproductive health and family planning services. Furthermore, the policies that are aimed at promoting young people’s sexual and reproductive health should be operationalized without much ado because the issue at hand requires immediate action.
Investing in young people’s sexual reproductive health will greatly empower them so much that the youth will remain healthy, attain their education and realize their goals in life.
Young people have the right to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, including the number, timing, and spacing of their children and the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
All young people, regardless of sex or marital status should have access to sexual and reproductive health services, which includes access to safe, effective, affordable, and youth friendly health services of their choice.
There is also a need to facilitate the process of encouraging peer education which also helps young people to obtain clear information about sensitive issues pertaining to sexual behavior, reproductive health, STIs including HIV and AIDS. Provision of youth friendly health services in tertiary education institutions and workplaces and other places where young people congregate is also viable and cost effective
The youth in Malawi need to increase their knowledge base on current and relevant information about sexual reproductive health.
Of late, behavior change campaigns for young people have also been neglected and the consequence of this has been strongly felt in all parts of the country and that is in both rural and urban settings.
The government and non-governmental organizations need to maintain and develop effective monitoring systems of such initiatives to inform programing and improve service delivery.
On the other hand, when all is said and done, my fellow young people should also know that the onus is in their hands. No matter what the government and NGOs will do, the youth themselves are key to this. A lot of money, time and resources have already been spent on the promotion of young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights but the youth themselves are also to blame for not being active.
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TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2017
YFHS and Social Economic Development of Young People
“I have a 2 year old child and living positively mainly because I had no access to HIV”, these are words that were spoken in a discussion whereby young people were debating the importance of accessing Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS). The narrator of this heartrending account, a youth worker from Mangochi district, told me that the girl continued to explain that she firmly believed that if she had access to YFHS about 3 years ago, the turnout of events in her life could have been different.
When a certain youth worker who was facilitating this session told me about the statements, I felt that the whole nation failed this young girl big time. Why would someone grow from childhood to adolescence without knowing critical issues about sex and sexuality? As I have always argued, parents and older relatives also know that they are supposed to discuss such matters with young people. Every adult realizes the need to discuss SRHR issues with a growing up young person. However, shyness forces people to continuously curtail such important sessions until it becomes too late to so. The consequences are so dire and at times irreparable.
I for one believe that older citizens as well as duty bearers should know that they are also to blame when the country is registering increased cases of unintended teen age pregnancies and shockingly high prevalence rate of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). We need to acknowledge our failure to protect innocent young lives as it is our responsibility to ensure that the young people are going into the adult world which they are conversant with and prepared for.
It is illogical to leave things to chance and expect that young people will one way or the other know about their sexual reproductive health. If one does not take that initiative to discuss SRHR issues with a young person who is growing into adolescence, the end result is that young person gets wrong information from their peers. Let me share with you what a group of adults told me about the most misleading SRH information they once got from friends and realise after some years that it was all a lie. Here are some of the misconceptions that were mentioned;
· sleeping with boys or men helps a girl to get vitamin K
· A girl can avoid conception by having a bath immediately after having unprotected sex
· Infertility in men is caused by failure to undergo sexual cleansing during adolescence
These and many other factors are the reasons why allowing young people to access YFHS is the best option which parents and guardians of adolescent young boys and girls should choose. Young people’s access to YFHS will help everyone serve a lot in terms of time, money and other resources as problems that are caused by young people’s SRH challenges are costly. Furthermore, parents and guardians should accept that they are not experts in SRH. Sometimes, if parents or guardian are feeling shy or hesitant to discuss SRH issues with their adolescent boys or girls then they should let the YFHS Providers do the needful. Leaving the specialists to do the work is paramount in as far as prevention of SRH challenges which young people face is concerned.
There is a need for all to know and understand that access to YFHS among young people is very key to social and economic development of young people. The welfare of young people and their lives in future is shaped by how their sexual reproductive health is taken care of today. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-87005398304196720642019-01-10T05:43:00.000-08:002019-06-03T05:44:32.279-07:00The Plight of Young People Living with HIV in Malawi<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
It is now a known fact that HIV is now manageable as compared to how the situation was in the last two decades. People living with HIV are now able to live healthy and productive lives without the fear of death which loosely became the synonym of HIV some years ago. </h3>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Through various ways, more and more young people are living with HIV. The coming in of Antiretroviral Drugs is a major step towards having healthy and strong young people. Both those Living with HIV and those who are not are able to contribute positively to the development of the country in their capacities as young people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Recently, there has been a lot of talk about providing necessary support to young people who are living with HIV. However, I have not really seen a lot in terms of action towards ensuring that Young People Living HIV/AIDS are given the much needed support. If there is a group of people who need to be heard and their concerns addressed are the young people who are living with HIV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">The inattention that is given to YPLHA has led to increased number of them to default drugs and eventually develop AIDS. Many young people have been lost due to our uncaring attitudes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Having HIV is a health issue and just like any other personal healthy issue, YPLHA have been longing for privacy. They have always wanted to make sure that their HIV status is not known to others. This is due to a number of valid reasons and it would be good to work on the issues that are there to guarantee them this wish. For instance, YPLHV who are in boarding schools face a lot of challenges to get a permission to go to hospital to collect ARTs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Why do teachers have to ask so many question?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Why do teachers disclose this to every staff member who later go out to tell other students?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">This leads to the worst stigma ever on the school compass. When their status is known, YPLHA have to brave and endure discrimination in all its various forms. However, it is hard to concentrate when the whole compass seems to be sidelining you and maybe a few others. We should not except such young people to excel in their studies because the position they have been places on is worse than I a prison cell where everyone treats another as a fellow prisoner and not an outsider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">There are so many situations that have put the lives of YPLHA in danger. We need to work on this as a nation. Let us listen to the voices of YPLHA…even their silence has to be properly comprehended, it is a communication and we need to know what it means. </span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-1729485778563068902018-06-29T10:26:00.004-07:002018-06-29T10:26:47.639-07:0021 Year Old Youth Hails YONECO Internship Programme<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span lang="EN-US">YONECO’s Youth
Development Programme was designed to prepare young people to ably fit as
leaders and enable them to positively contribute towards the development of
Malawi. Thus, in thois programme area, YONECO also established a Youth
Internship Programme whereby young graduates from various tertiary institutions
are recruited to gain hands-on experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The story of
21-year old Vita Mithi is one of positive outcomes of the youth internship
programme. Vita joined YONECO after obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Public
Health from Livingstonia University. Vita’s internship was for six months, a
period which he calls “a transition stage from a young graduate to an
employable and responsible youth”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">During his
tenure as an intern, Vita was imparted with knowledge on various practical
aspects of work including; facilitation skills, community mobilization, as well
as case management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“I was motivated
by the way YONECO operates and I knew that passing through the institution will
help me in terms of gaining more knowledge and skills”, said Vita.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> “This prompted me to apply for internship at
YONECO with the hope to learn what really transpires on the ground, as well as
giving out the knowledge that I had acquired from school in my field of study.”
Explains Vita.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Apart from
having a hands on experience, Vita was also given an opportunity to support
other young people and he contributed positively to the development of other
young people as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Mithi was also
tasked to handle computer lessons that targeted young people at YONECO’s Drop
in Centre in the district so much that over 20 young people benefited from his
services. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Soon after his
internship, Vita got employed by World Vision and below were his parting words;
‘As an intern, you get exposed to various things within the work environment -
internship is a very important journey which young graduates should go through.
I am now very confident that I will be able to perform.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-2304565162474664662018-03-24T07:16:00.000-07:002018-03-24T07:19:47.282-07:00Drug and Substance Abuse as a Survival Tool: Where the Youth Miss the Point<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrvEB1MGI4LBs8G6s5JS-mPlADtweniAr2_l759WAOL8-_54UpcQb8ov3CSlwryQ3l-QTUo4QjYranSGe4FL0DDlIhz75qilT3sjJt5Bp4MwTmGxC7KA5Y0YQ2P_FG76tHrardFUmqCxF/s1600/buchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="594" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrvEB1MGI4LBs8G6s5JS-mPlADtweniAr2_l759WAOL8-_54UpcQb8ov3CSlwryQ3l-QTUo4QjYranSGe4FL0DDlIhz75qilT3sjJt5Bp4MwTmGxC7KA5Y0YQ2P_FG76tHrardFUmqCxF/s320/buchi.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
Apart from the
escalation rate of unemployment and bulging population in urban areas in the
country. Young people should be able to rise up, wise up and sense up the sole
goal benefit of self-reliance and self-sufficiency.<br />
<br />
Since independence, we were
made to believe that education would attain us better employment and earn extra
exorbitant remuneration packages. But, today, the reality is far from what we expected
- a paradise in psychological limbo.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Young people
both graduates and non-certificated ones are all struggling and they are finding
hard to survive. A cross section of young people belonging to various youth
groups are financially dependent on their parents or guardians. Frustrations
and agony lead them to find ‘refuge’ in using hard drugs and cheap liquor.
These are the substances which are locally available in the streets: marijuana,
liquor, glue ect. Disappointment after being let down by girlfriend, changes in
their socioeconomic status or just a bad moment in everyday business. Despite the
fact that these are temporal matters that could be solved by other means and
the last one being resorting to drug and substance abuse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">One could
question that this dependency syndrome is it drug abuse first and the syndrome
second or the venture is interchangeable. It is important for parents to give
hope to struggling young people who are addicted to drugs and substances so
that they should see the light at the end of the tunnel and find a reason to
quit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Too much drug
abuse tarnishes the vision of prosperity. I as a once-addicted survivor, I had
lost hope as I was staying with my parents. I almost resented virtues of
academic brilliance and progress to achieve great things in life. Long term
plans like building my own house and investing in certain business ventures
seemed pointless. The following are quotes which many young people used to
break free from the cocoon of drug and substance addiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">“I got sick and tired of living
the same way day-in-day-out, until a sense of sobriety flashed my mind like lightening”.
In its crystal light, I decided to take Total control of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">“I can pull myself together and
willingly achieve better things in life”. That drew my focus and made me to
have an affinity of being creative in everything I do. I began to pay attention
to sound advice and people who had and are killing it big time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">“Stop brooding about trivial
things which do not amount to your vision and strategy”. I had to make a
decision and surely I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">“Assert yourself in readiness
to change and to represent yourself”. I decided to clean myself up and free my
soul to be vibrant and independent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">“Reflect on positive values
more often”. I realized that negativity will take me nowhere and it was true
because a few days after focusing on positive vibes, I was a different person
all together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">On last thing: Keep
on listening to Total Turnaround Radio Programme on YONECO FM every Saturday
evening between 19:30 – 20:00! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><b><i>The Blog was written by Mabhuchi Nyasulu - A Counsellor as well as Presenter and Producer of Total Turn Around Radio Programme </i></b></span></div>
Ntcheu Young Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01060454024968111487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-5046215403153730102018-03-08T09:24:00.000-08:002018-03-08T09:24:01.533-08:00Women, ‘How are You Today?’<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBJUeAehnsk/WqFw0W02_PI/AAAAAAAABMs/p29horzAcIEUQoYVkvpk1sY0w1a2RgvEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBJUeAehnsk/WqFw0W02_PI/AAAAAAAABMs/p29horzAcIEUQoYVkvpk1sY0w1a2RgvEgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The world today
needs to take stock of what has been achieved in the promotion of women’s
rights and their participation in political, social, and economic spheres in
the past 41 years. This stock taking
exercise being proposed here begins in 1977, the year in which United Nations
General Assembly invited member states to declare 8 March as the UN Day for
Women’s rights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The question we
need to ask ourselves is on whether as an individual, Civil Society
Organization (CSO), and governments have really contributed towards attainment
and realization of women’s rights at various levels. This is a battle that
started long time ago even before the actual International Women's Day (IWD) was proclaimed by the UN and
its member states. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Narrowing this
issue to Malawi as a country, I can see a commendable progress. There are some
areas we have tremendously done well while some aspects still need to be
accentuated. It may not be fair to use a relative measure in terms of finding
out how Malawi has performed in terms of promoting women’s rights and welfare.
Malawi and many other southern African countries had serious challenges that
emanated from deep rooted patriarchal tendencies that were inherited from the
‘ancestors’. Thus, comparing where we are coming from and what we have done so
far is a clear indication that with effort and sustenance of the current momentum,
we will achieve! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">According to the
current Malawi Demographic Health Survey (MDHS), the country has an average of
4.4 children. This is a decrease from 6.7 children per women in 1992. This
represents a dramatic decline of 2.3 children and translates to improved health
and welfare of women in the country. Further to this, the enactment of the
Gender Equality Act, Marriage Divorce and Family Relations Act as well as other
gender-related laws really prove how serious Malawi is in its efforts of trying
to achieve gender equality. Malawi once had a female president who was voted as
a presidential running-mate and became president after the death of the then
incumbent President, the late Bingu Wa Muthalika. Let us also note the progress in terms of university selection at the University of Malawi whereby the 2015/2016 intake shows that a total of 1,919
students were selected to pursue various courses. This is a move away from the
time when a very few females had a chance to reach secondary school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">CSOs in Malawi
also deserve a pat on the back for raising awareness about women’s rights,
women empowerment initiatives, spearheading the war against Gender Based
Violence (GBV) and many other commendable efforts. CSO should really be
applauded - ‘Ending GBV starts with reporting GBV’ and YONECO’s toll-free
Gender Based Crisis Line is there to fill this gap. It helps to ensure that
women have a confidential alternative reporting mechanism. Further to this, the
line is a source of information as well as a tool where women access
psychosocial counselling on GBV. GBV awareness campaigns that have been
conducted across the country have contributed to increased understanding of
women’s rights so much that women are now able to voice out their rights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Despite the
numerous milestones, there is also a need to acknowledge that GBV is still
prevalent in the country and in 2014 USAID included Malawi as one of 35 GBV
priority countries due to the high rates of child marriage in the country. Women’s
participation in decision making processes is still a challenge and the country
is still grappling with the problem of child marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">This year, the
World is commemorating the #IWD under the theme; <i>Time is Now, Urban and Rural Activists Transforming Women’s Lives.</i>
This theme befits the current efforts in women empowerment programme by various
players. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The International
Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to
celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played
an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. Let us
further remember that the fight for women’s rights is not a once off activity
and let the fight continue after the commemoration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Further to this,
women should be given more spaces. Sometimes we may feel we are making positive
strides while we are creating new problems. For instance, we can increase the
number of women in politics but then their meaningful participation is the
democratic processes could be limited. This is why there is a need to understand
that it is more than just the figures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>This is your
day: women, how are you today? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-11980687791650965282018-01-22T07:08:00.001-08:002018-01-22T07:09:06.575-08:00The Fruition of Meaningful Youth Empowerment Interventions in Mangochi.<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>By Esnart Priminta</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Whoever
thinks that the youth are incapable of bringing about positive change in their
communities should properly examine this claim. </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">This entry is based on positive outcomes of youth
empowerment initiatives that really technically refute the misguided view of
young people as individuals who are wayward, irresponsible, naïve and defiant. </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">YONECO
strongly believes in the youth. The institution looks at young people as capable
human beings who are dynamic and able to contribute positively to the development
of their society. For quite some time, the youth have been sidelined in
different decision making processes and even denied access to critical information.
This has led to a lot of young people making uninformed decisions which have
led to negative outcomes in their lives and to an extreme extent, this has costed
their lives. The environment has not been friendly for youth development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> In countries like Malawi, a lot of young
people have suffered the cruelty of the world in the hands of socio-cultural norms
and beliefs. All these things have in
one way or the other contributed to the overall stagnation of development in
the country. HIV prevalence rate among the youth is shockingly high, with an increased
rate of child marriages which is currently at 47%, increased teen pregnancies
and school dropout rates among other things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In
2016, YONECO with funding from Simavi embarked on a programme called Get Up
Speak Out (GUSO). The five-year programme is aimed at contributing towards ensuring
that all young people, especially girls and young women, are empowered to
realize their SRHR in societies that are positive towards young people’s
sexuality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Justin
Yusuf who hails from Nankumba, which is YONECO’s GUSO project impact areas, said
young people are now able to take active part in different developmental
activities as well as voicing out their rights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“YONECO
organized a training for community leaders and young people in Meaningful Youth
Participation and I was one of the young people who attended the training. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“After
the training I went back to my village and held some discussions with chiefs
and other community leaders to start considering young people in various
community development processes. As I’m talking to you now, I am an influential
member of the Village Developmental Committee.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yusuf
further stated that currently there are 4 young people in the VDC a thing that
has greatly contributed towards ensuring that young people’s needs and aspirations
are considered in the formulation of community and district development plans and
activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Older
community members are now appreciating the role which young people are playing
in the society,” said Youth Network Chairperson at Nankumba – William Phiri. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Among
other things, the youth have managed to lobby for the establishment of two
under five clinics so that children can be accessing medical services easily as
was not the case in the past. Young mothers were unable to travel long distance
to access postnatal care services but now, this issue is water under the bridge.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According
the Youth Network Chairperson, youth involvement in developmental work has also
increased their access to sexual reproductive health service. The change has
come about dude to the fact that they are now able to take up issues and engage
the right authorities to address the issues. This has further nurtured young people’s
commitment in taking care of their reproductive health and there is hope that
by 2020 the issues of child marriages and teen pregnancies will be history in
his area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yusuf
said “As young people, we know that we have a greater responsibility of developing
this nation. GUSO project has helped to stimulate our action towards improved
SRHR and other essential services. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He
continued to say that increased uptake of sexual reproductive health services
will ensure that young people are protected from unplanned pregnancies and
contracting sexually transmitted infections and HIV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“At
first parents would not allow their children to access SRH services and use
contraceptives but after the training we reasoned with them and are now able to
appreciate the need for us to access SRH
services. Even chiefs are now taking an active role in fighting harmful
cultural practices and socio norms that bars young people from accessing SRH
services,” said Yusuf. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
if that is not enough, Yusuf added that they have now planted tree seedlings as
one way of dealing with issues of climate change. He said they are now able to
coordinate and collaborate with different organizations and networks and
currently a construction of a bridge is under way which will help ease the
challenges people were facing particularly during the rainy season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yusuf
thanked YONECO for still believing in young people and equipping them with the
necessary information and the needed skills. He said as the youth, they are
planning to do more to improve their communities as time goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let
me also take this opportunity to ask my fellow youths that we should utilize
these kind of opportunities and not wasting them. We are leaders of today and
tomorrow hence the need for us to be proactive in whatever we do,” concluded
Yusuf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GUSO
Project is being implemented by a consortium of 6 organizations that formed
what is called the Malawi SRHR Alliance. Apart from YONECO, other implementing
partners are; Centre for Alternatives for Victimized Women and Children
(CAVWOC; Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR); Centre for Youth
and Civic Education (CYECE); Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM); and Coalition
of Women Living with HIV (COWLHA. The project is being implemented in Chikwawa
and Mangochi district where YONECO is targeting T/A Mponda and Chimwala. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-40467123240937145072018-01-22T03:04:00.003-08:002018-01-22T07:13:59.250-08:00Lessons from YFM Roadshows on GBV in Mulanje<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><b>by Esnart Priminta </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Communities in Mulanje
district have condemned the tendency of some men who sleep with their step and
biological daughters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was revealed during
roadshows that Youth Net and counseling-YONECO conducted in the district in
raising awareness on gender based violence during the 16 days of activism
against gender based violence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to one Mr Jabu who
patronized one of the shows, men threaten their daughters to stop giving them
support if they refuse to have sex with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the other hand, women
conceal the truth when they find their husbands sleeping with their daughters
for fear of losing their marriage and the support they get from them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another girl from Mathambi
in the district confessed of a certain family where the man sleeps with his
15-year-old step daughter but threatened the woman not to reveal to anyone
saying this might lead to his arrest and the family will suffer which she
obliged to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, this behavior is
risking the lives of many girls said Mary Deston.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Deston therefore commended
YONECO for conducting the awareness campaigns for this has made them to
understand the gravity of the behavior and know where they can report the
cases. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The shows were conducted
in different parts of Mulanje including, Mathambi, Namphungo, mwanakhu,
Namphungo, Mkando, Chinyama, Likhubula and Chinyama among other places.
Different artists performed during the shows as one way of entertaining the
audience and keeping them active throughout the shows. The artists were Blaze,
Stich Fray, Phil Jay and Katelele Ching’oma.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">YONECO conducted the
roadshows with financial support from Action Aid through Christian Aid under
the project Adolescent Girls and Young Women-AGYW.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-85869288112183883502018-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:002018-01-06T08:55:01.619-08:00MENTAL RESUSCITATES - PART ONE <div class="MsoNormal">
By Mabhuchi Mujuma Nyasulu</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doll drumming over the years of drinking and smoking
heavily. I discovered that ‘Urges’ are an invisible bad and ugly company to
be-friend with. The worst thing is they make you dance to their tune and end up
doing what you don’t want to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contrary to the mental independence of Young
people, The Youths in particular, Malawi. There are, a - don’t want to be
forced to do something - but rather, the subject to be brought around the table
were they discuss in groups and express their opinion and experiences. I am
glad to say that after the desire of freedom enters in my heart of change, this
is how my mind balances my life style in overcoming ‘Urges’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Doing exercise @ Home or go to the gymnastic; whenever
my heart is confronted with the thirsts
to smoke, my mind tells the ‘Urge ‘company to flee from me and do a 40 – 40
press up or else I get angry Go jogging.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Drinking something non-alcoholic;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
My substitute to Cannabis it’s what I love to called Avocado syrup. It is
a traditionally known as Chindongwa, Thobwa or Mahewu.The drink grows better
when it ferment with pounded vegetable ital. fruits in it like Bananas and
Avocados.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Take a shower or Laundry;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
The consequence of adhering to ‘Urges’ is they don’t just frown your face
they also spoil your pillow. Your Pillow is where you lay your head all night
long.The very places were the mind rests, having a spare clean Pillow and
Stockings is important. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Cooking Something Interesting;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
My ‘Urge’ of smoke are totally dissolved with my favourite African Potato
dish, which heart yearns and it is served
with a well boiled goat brown stew and mashed Irish potatoes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Getting to watch a Video;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
My ‘Urges ‘are now wrestled with my love to watch Educational movies. Inspecting
the loop holes in the movie and my desire to raise the standards is esteemed. I
have no doubt that it will make the world of wonderful counselling more serene.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Take a drive;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
I have come to realise that to be uplifted in a tri - cycle, motor bike
or motor vehicle. Time passes swiftly as if you are meditating. The mind is
made to be active as if its introduced are new to the mother earth. The joy of
riding in tales the life of an overcomer. The comfort it brings looking through
the window as if the mind is browsing through the moving environment, I have no
doubt that it’s healthy for the brain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Have Sex;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
The benefits of having sex are
that it eases stress; may make prostate cancer less likely; lessens pain;
improves sleep; lowers heart risks; count as exercise; boost libido and helps immune system humming. Though it’s
considered a taboo by tradition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Getting a haircut or Manicure;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
I have managed to label my bold head hair style, Zero. When I look at the
mirror I do admire myself and so my friends tell me so. I feel better than the
illusions of the mind that are triggered by ‘Urges’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Starting a woodwork project;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
Apart from looking for a job, I do have a narc of designing anything
which I see and call it lovely. Probably that how I was inspired to design my
YONECO tie. With the few days I have worked at the Town drop in centre have
seen children coming to eat and immediately off they go. It is necessary to
launch a hands on project which transform the mind of street kids to do
something positive in their life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Go to the Library or book store;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
Books they have an open arm of transforming the mind to be stable.
Learning something new every day it is an excellent habit of transforming our
dreams to reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Write an autobiography;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
I found it worth it to Google my genealogy on the internet discover my
refined identity which is worth it to speak better things about. You never know
that you are greater than what you think. A man’s memory is bound to be a
distortion of his past in accordance with his present interests, and most
faithful autobiography is likely to mirror less what a man was than what he has
become<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
There is a need to adhere to counselling and consultation time after time<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 53.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-74229605109680149912017-12-31T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-31T02:30:31.443-08:00The Plight of Young People Living with HIV in Malawi<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">It is now a known fact that HIV
is now manageable as compared to how the situation was in the last two decades.
People living with HIV are now able to live healthy and productive lives without
the fear of death which loosely became the synonym of HIV some years ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">Through various ways, more and
more young people are living with HIV. The coming in of Antiretroviral Drugs is
a major step towards having healthy and strong young people. Both those Living
with HIV and those who are not are able to contribute positively to the development
of the country in their capacities as young people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">Recently, there has been a lot of
talk about providing necessary support to young people who are living with HIV.
However, I have not really seen a lot in terms of action towards ensuring that
Young People Living HIV/AIDS are given the much needed support. If there is a
group of people who need to be heard and their concerns addressed are the young
people who are living with HIV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">The inattention that is given to
YPLHA has led to increased number of them to default drugs and eventually develop
AIDS. Many young people have been lost due to our uncaring attitudes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">Having HIV is a health issue and
just like any other personal healthy issue, YPLHA have been longing for
privacy. They have always wanted to make sure that their HIV status is not
known to others. This is due to a number of valid reasons and it would be good
to work on the issues that are there to guarantee them this wish. For instance,
YPLHV who are in boarding schools face a lot of challenges to get a permission
to go to hospital to collect ARTs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">Why do teachers have to ask so
many question? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">Why do teachers disclose this to
every staff member who later go out to tell other students? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">This leads to the worst stigma
ever on the school compass. When their status is known, YPLHA have to brave and
endure discrimination in all its various forms. However, it is hard to
concentrate when the whole compass seems to be sidelining you and maybe a few
others. We should not except such young people to excel in their studies
because the position they have been places on is worse than I a prison cell
where everyone treats another as a fellow prisoner and not an outsider. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow",sans-serif;">There are so many situations that
have put the lives of YPLHA in danger. We need to work on this as a nation. Let
us listen to the voices of YPLHA…even their silence has to be properly
comprehended, it is a communication and we need to know what it means. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-88827756223787305662017-12-31T02:24:00.002-08:002017-12-31T02:26:07.708-08:00YONECO Distributes 15 Bicycles to YCBDAs in Mangochi.<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27feSfgOaNU/Wki7LW2zkWI/AAAAAAAABI8/uX1g7eb73NIF3KiV2Pn8xvOrxq6a2AunQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-20171224-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27feSfgOaNU/Wki7LW2zkWI/AAAAAAAABI8/uX1g7eb73NIF3KiV2Pn8xvOrxq6a2AunQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG-20171224-WA0006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
YONECO distributed a total of 15 bicycles to Youth Community Based Distribution Agents (YCBDAs) in the areas of Traditional Authority Mponda and Nankumba in Mangochi district.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Speaking during the handover ceremony, District Youth Friendly Health Service (YFHS) Coordinator, Chisomo Petros, applauded YONECO for the support. Petros said this will greatly contribute towards ensuring that young people who live far from health service delivery points are able to access various Se<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">xual Reproductive Health (SRH) services within their vicinities.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
“Provision of services is very key in ensuring that young people are able to prevent various SRH challenges like unintended pregnancies as well as reducing the prevalence rate of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
This gesture will greatly contribute towards reducing various SRH challenges which young people, especially those who live in rural areas and hard to reach areas face” said the YFHS Coordinator.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
One of the recipients from T/A Nankumba, Luis Gama, thanked YONECO for the bicycles. In his remarks, Gama said the bicycles will enable them to reach out to many young people in his area.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
“Our concern was on how we can easily reach out to young people with the services because of mobility challenges that are there. On behalf of all young people from Nankumba, I would like to thank YONECO for the support and ask other NGOs to emulate this good example,” said Gama.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The bicycles were distributed after the 15 recipients were trained on provision of SRH services. The training was conducted with technical support from the Reproductive Health Unit (RHU) of the Ministry of Health. In his remarks, the National Coordinator for Reproductive Health Services in Malawi, Hans Katengeza, urged the YCBDAs to properly take care of bicycles and to make sure that they are reaching out to as many young people as possible.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
HIV and STI prevalence rate among young people in Malawi is shockingly high. This is attributed to a number of factors and among the key challenges is lack of access to SRHR services due to long distances. Thus, YCBDAs come in to close the gap by providing some SRH Services to young people within their localities.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The bicycles were distributed with support from Simavi- Netherlands through Get Up Speak Out (GUSO) Programme which YONECO and its partners in the Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Alliance is implementing in Chikwawa and Mangochi districts. Other partners in the Alliance are; Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLHA), Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE) and Centre for Alternatives for Victimized Women and Children (CAVWOC).</div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-2738271012054296192017-11-14T02:48:00.000-08:002017-11-14T02:48:43.100-08:00Stigma and Discrimination Forcing Us to Abandon Our Kith and Kin <span style="font-family: "adobe fangsong std r";"></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGO9e50jSXw/WgrCMW8Gz6I/AAAAAAAABHY/I6bcPiXjQDEe4czxxLIKi39Zqc7ZxfO1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Blog%2BPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGO9e50jSXw/WgrCMW8Gz6I/AAAAAAAABHY/I6bcPiXjQDEe4czxxLIKi39Zqc7ZxfO1wCLcBGAs/s320/Blog%2BPic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">An aerial view of a rural growth centre in Mangochi district </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">It is so sad that
there is still stigma and discrimination in this contemporary world where
people are more cultured unlike in the past. People discriminate fellow human
beings because of all sorts of reasons like health status, gender, age, tribe,
race and what have you. Discrimination and stigma are like cactus - they grow
and flourish without any known source of nourishment. Every person is a human
being before they are LGBTI, male or female, young or old, living with or
without HIV and I firmly believe that this is an irrefutable fact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Stigma and
discrimination still exists in this period whereby the human race is more
cultured than before. This one of the most common topics which I and my uncle
who lives in Mangochi usually discuss whenever we meet. This uncle of mine is a
respected deacon in one most famous protestant churches in Malawi. His values
have always compelled me to admire him and I sometimes ask myself if this
praise of his character does not fit into the condemned category of idol
worship. All in all, just know that he is a man of good character who once
angrily told people to let go someone who was caught stealing from his shop. To
the amazement of those who were planning to try out new tricks in the field of
mob justice, my uncle said; ‘Who are we to judge and punish? Let this man loose
and may he go in peace and not in peaces’.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">However, there is one side of my uncle’s character that was hidden
to me until last Saturday when I went to visit him. Ever since he moved to
Mangochi district, I visit him on Sundays once in every five or six months. I
prefer to visit him on Sundays due to several reasons and among them is the
fact that Sundays are easy days of the week whereby I do not go to work and he
also closes his shop. …yes, another reason is the fact that there is usually no
traffic. Conversely, I visited this young brother of my father on Saturday due
to what I will loosely call ‘circumstances beyond my control’ for fear of
airing my dirty lined in public. As a consequence, visiting my uncle on such a
day meant spending my time in his shop. My uncle’s wife led me to a small
trading centre that is situated within the vicinity of a very busy public
health facility.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">My uncle’s
tailoring shop that also doubles as a grocery store directly faces the entrance
of the Health Centre just across a small dusty road. I had to endure a lot of
hardship with this arrangement. To begin with, the shop was not well ventilated
and with the semiarid October heat, my skin looked just like a melting
chocolate on a stick. Further to this, he was so busy and engaged with his
customers or at times he was busy counting his money and eventually forgot
about me. Later I realized that enduring all these mishaps, the situation I was
in was some kind of a blessing in disguise as it gave me an opportunity to know
who my uncle really is.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">All that was just the bone and here is the meat… There came about
four customers on the shop and a young man joined the queue. To my surprise, my
uncle harshly asked the boy what he wanted to buy. I asked myself “what has
happened to this man’s inherent hospitable nature?”</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">After a short
silence, the boy said he wanted any paracetamol to which my uncle responded
some milliseconds before the boy finished pronouncing the last syllable of his
sentence. His response was simply “I don’t have.” The look on my uncle’s face
read; “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say one
more word and I will punch your face</i>.” To my dismay, I quickly searched the
shelves with my eyes and saw two boxes of paracetamol. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">There were some murmurs among the men and women who were on the
queue and my thinking was that the noise came about in protest to the treatment
the fella got. I was wrong, the people were in support of what my uncle did and
I instantly realized that the boy is an outcast in the village.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> The comments which people made
were like “if you had served him, we could have all one back without buying
anything”. Another woman said, “at least he is not my relative”.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> I saw anger in the eyes of
everyone and I hope you know how it feels to be the only amiable person among
many who are angry.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> I was
curious to know why the boy seemed so condemned by the community members. The
boy must be something else. He was also being despised by a man who forgave
someone who stole his hard earned money!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">When all the buyers
had gone, my uncle said, ‘my late brother raised you well son. You are not like
that little brat who came to buy soap a few minutes ago’.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">“I don’t claim to be better than the next man uncle and I demand
to know why you treated that boy like that?” It was my turn to be angry I
guess. My uncle thought I will forgive and join his side by telling me that he
dislikes the boy because he is gay. He accentuated the word ‘gay’ and
pronounced it as if it has more vowels and consonants than it has. I didn’t
know whether to laugh or stay quiet. I was unable to comprehend this whole
scenario and heartrendingly, my uncle was also doing this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">I reminded him that he once made headlines in village talks and
gossip for letting a thief who was caught stealing from him go scot free for
fear of judging someone a responsibility which said is solely left in the hands
of the Creator. I asked if the boy’s sexual orientation has ever affected him
personally. Your guess is as good as mine, he did not respond. Of course, he
later said people cannot buy anything from his shop when they realize that he
treats the boy fairly. This brought me to question about why the uncle hates
the boy. “Is it the influence of society or it’s your personal disposition to
hate gays?” I quizzed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">For the first time I saw the wisest man I have ever known
stammering and lastly, he said it is a sin. I am not a theologian nor do I like
grounding my arguments on religious doctrines but I know that there is no
greater commandment than the ‘Golden Rule.” I told this uncle of mine who has
succeeded to hide his hypocrisy for so long. I gave him the tool he reads every
day and asked him to read Mathew 7:12, Luke 6:31 and Leviticus 19:18. I knew he
has read all these verses but he just read them as mere piece of literature and
had no impact on him. After reading almost at gun point, my uncle said I am
just human, son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Now, being human should not be an excuse to inflict pain we
inflict on our fellow human beings no matter what. I asked my uncle if he
noticed that the boy seemed to be in pain to which he afformed by nodding. I
added that according to the direction which the boy came from, he might have
been at the hospital but a certain self-proclaimed righteous health worker also
refused to treat the innocent boy hence he thought of buying the pain killer
from the shop. Should the boy live in the pain he is in because he is gay? The
boy was not trying to force you to be like him why are you trying to force him
to be like you?” These were more rhetoric devises than questions and did not
expect answers from the cornered lion whose appearance suddenly started to
resemble a mere cat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Meanwhile, my uncle’s wife was just waiting for us to finish our
discussion to remind us that she has brought some food. As my uncle was
reflecting or pretended to be, silence ensued and the aunt notified us about
the food and she complained how she spent all her energy and creativity to
create something so short lived. This was in reference to the fact that I and
my uncle eat like locusts in a corn field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">“I was listening to
all what you were discussing” My uncle’s wife said. Neither I nor my uncle
responded and our silence gave her courage to continue. In her narrative, she
unearthed my uncle. I could sense that the issues she brought up were bottled
up somewhere in her in her mind and were just waiting for the right time to
erupt like a volcano.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">One of the
heartrending things she said was on how my uncle treats people he feels are HIV
positive. She said that when such a person approaches his shop, he quickly
slips his hand into a plastic paper and receives the money from them (those he
says are HIV positive). The quotable quote came from my ‘auntie. She said that
“the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS that was in the 1980s
was propelled by the fact that very little was known about how HIV is
transmitted hence it is strange that in this era there are still exists others
who are stuck in old-fashioned way of thinking”. I added to say that worse
still among those who have this mentality is your husband and my uncle.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">We have young
people who are losing their lives simply because they were unable to access health
care services because of the same stigma and discrimination. These vices;
stigma and Discrimination have forced us to abandon our kith and kin and more
often than not, when they need our support most.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">We lose a lot and benefit nothing with our stigma and
discrimination. People have been cured from fatal ailments with prescriptions
or surgery made by a gay or lesbian physician. I have seen the elderly offering
wise counsel and women saving lives. The problems we face as people are far
much greater than the issues that divide us. We are all challenged by climate
change, hunger, floods and what have you. Now, instead of joining hands to
fight our common enemies we are busy finding grounds for hate and animosity.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Try to force yourself not to
discriminate anyone on any ground and see if you will lose anything.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">One thing I would like to emphasize in this entry is that young
people who are living with HIV are being persecuted in our midst. Young
people who are LGBTI do not have peace either. These groups of people cannot
easily access health care services and this results into what most people do
not want to accept - increased cases of STIs including HIV which are not fatal
but lead to death and other incapacitation due to failure to access medical
care in good time. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">With support from the through Simavi, YONECO and its partners in
Malawi SRHR Alliance is implementing a project called Get up Speak (GUSO)
in Chikwawa and Mangochi districts. Among other activities in this programme,
YONECO has strengthened youth clubs, facilitated the establishment of Youth
Radio Listening Clubs, training health care workers in the provision of Youth Friendly
Health Services (YFHS) trained adults in
Meaningful Youth Participation and other areas. The aim is to ensure that all</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">
young people, especially girls and young women, are empowered to realise their
SRHR in societies that are positive towards young people’s sexuality. No young
person should be left behind because of age, sexual orientation, gender …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;">Do
not just watch innocent young lives being ill-treated. Together, let us Get Up
and Speak Out for youth rights!</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-80686115567836316882017-10-21T01:33:00.000-07:002017-10-21T01:37:50.545-07:00Mental Health is key to Increased Productivity <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>By Mabhuchi Nyasulu</b></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHBzoj0KRF8KaFhAZ97WI-u49SmHlL4UwFj74V-viTyd5wozdJBpupJq_IpDK6LXOGXjOSQjn029QU9rY691KkApHFilroIjlCrBeMaAbnKHt8LbYfeLls-dmWJzOjcjPYQDwWPeIF2cP/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHBzoj0KRF8KaFhAZ97WI-u49SmHlL4UwFj74V-viTyd5wozdJBpupJq_IpDK6LXOGXjOSQjn029QU9rY691KkApHFilroIjlCrBeMaAbnKHt8LbYfeLls-dmWJzOjcjPYQDwWPeIF2cP/s320/IMG_0243.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Solidarity March during the Commemoration of the <br />2017 World Mental Health Day in Zomba, Malawi </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I really love to see
the increased levels of people that are mentally healthy, both the employed
staff and non-employed persons in the warm heart of Africa. I have also fallen
in love with the modern vernacular interpretation of mental health in Chichewa
is “Maganizo angwiro”. This is a suitable description unlike a derogatory term
that was used some decades ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We are aware of different obstacles which
people face in life and those that negatively affect productivity in a working environment.
The beauty of commemorating world mental health day is to bring together people
from all walks of life in order to raise awareness of mental health issues
around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The
primary purpose that gains interest as this event gains momentum is the reflection
aspect of it. It takes a sober mind to appreciate that united we stand divided
we fall. Everyone plays a role in bringing producing such a desirable fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Extending
this narrative further to the theme of this year’s commemoration; rules and
regulations could be facilitated to safeguard the well-being of employers from
stress and anxiety. Sometimes, simple things like having lunch or braai, speak out
their mind on ethical work progress helps to boost the mental health of workers.
New strategies at work, even to, or delegating strategies of management burn
out workshops, a trip to the lake with a group of staff would emulate relief of
work pressure and getting the mind refreshed with new and constructive ideas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some people, find peace and tranquility and enjoy life when they eat a well-cooked
delicious food. I for one prefer boiled hot potatoes and roasted beef in brown stew.
The aroma is medicinal to my nostrils and quickly impacts positively to my
psyche. A smile automatically addresses people’s cheeks and they can’t help it
but giggle. We tend to ignore things that are good for our mental stamina. For
instance, there is something magical that happens to me when I take an early
morning walk from Zomba 4 Miles to 3 Miles passing by <i>My Place Lodge</i>. After this good walk my mind says ‘I am healed …I’m
healed!’ …my appetite gets back and it comes as if I have never eaten before
and every dish I take seems so marvelous. As I chew my food I hold no grudge
with anyone and forgiving becomes the song I swallow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My
plea to all employers is that there is a need to set institutional guidelines that
should foster a safe environment for employees’ mental </span>well-being<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. How often do
employers allow staff to recuperate and socialize? Of course I am not advocating
for turning work places into kindergarten but employees also need some sporting
activities like social football/netball etc so as to relieve stress and
anxiety. <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mental Health is one of the factors that negatively impact on staff returns and this automatically makes it key to increased productivity. </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let us all think about this as we commemorate the 2017 World Mental Health Day under the theme: Mental Health in the Work Place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Viva
mental health in work places! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">#WMHD #2017WMHD </span></div>
Ntcheu Young Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01060454024968111487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-42861797148797945792017-10-13T22:18:00.000-07:002017-10-14T07:59:19.876-07:00Investing in Adolescent Girls Today Means Empowered Women of Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uKT07QWX_Y/WeGd1o9iOwI/AAAAAAAAAgI/fTXxIgAqgasm-qtZJOW2bVtRk8USUGbCwCLcBGAs/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="287" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uKT07QWX_Y/WeGd1o9iOwI/AAAAAAAAAgI/fTXxIgAqgasm-qtZJOW2bVtRk8USUGbCwCLcBGAs/s400/images.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Since I joined Youth Net and Counselling
(YONECO) in 2015 to this point, my life and passions have completely changed.
It is like I underwent a vale clarification exercise that has transformed my
entire self. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Initially, I was so passionate about politics
but now the romance has shifted from that angle to an interest in the rights
and welfare of the youth, women, and children as well as sexual reproductive
health rights of all people. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">During my two-year stay at YONECO, as a Bureau
Chief for YONECO FM Radio Station, I have realized the changes I have made at
subconscious level. After a thorough stock taking, I have realized that the stories
that I have been contributing for YFM News Bulletins have always been aimed at
contributing towards ending poverty as well as tackling its various root
causes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As Malawi joined the rest of the world in
commemorating the International Day of Girl Child, I would like to highlight
issues pertaining to gender disparity and challenges facing young girls. I
would also like to propose viable ways which countries can use to work together
in order to address these challenges. Just a reminder; the theme for this year’s
International Day of the Girl Child is “the Power of the Adolescent Girl:
Vision for 2030.” But wait a minute, how can countries, including Malawi, achieve
this vision when child marriage is still prevalent and the girl child is facing
a lot of restrictions and violation of her sexual reproductive health rights? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">This is what compelled me to write something
about how SRHR of the girl child is worth all the necessary attention. Child marriage and other violations of girls’
SRHR have increased the vulnerability of adolescent girls in every society
especially those who live in the developing countries. The girl child is
heavily affected by various sexual reproductive health challenges as compared
to her male counterpart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">As an illustration to what I am saying, allow
me to share a sad story of a 15 year-old girl from Mchinji district which is
located in the central region of Malawi. For the sake of this entry, allow me
to call her Mwayiwawo. The young girl was rescued from the jaws of an arranged
child marriage by volunteers and staff of YONECO through Marriage No Child Play
Project. The Marriage No Child’s Play
Project is being implemented in Malawi by YONECO and other partners in what is
called the More Than Brides Project. The
project is being funded by the Dutch government through SIMAVI.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Mwayiwawo
was in standard seven when she was taken to Mozambique by her boyfriend who was
11 years older than her. Upon reaching
Mozambique, she was exposed to all sorts of harsh treatment from her husband
and in-laws who seemed like good people before they took her from her parents’
house. Mwayiwawo’s parents willfully ‘sold’
their daughter as what lingered in their minds at that time was a good life in
a foreign country and possibly a new era for them as well. Alas! What Mwayiwawo went through was
catastrophic – a kind of modern slavery. Sometimes Mwayiwawo would go to bed
with empty stomach and travels long distance to fetch water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">News about Mwayiwawo’s misery spread like
wild fire and kept on lingering in the air like a strong perfume. Her parents
were shocked after learning that their daughter is being abused in Mozambique.
Without much ado, the parents reported the matter to Male Champions who were
trained by YONECO in the area who were trained by YONECO male champions in the
fight against child marriages in the area. The champions contacted YONECO officers and
resolved to follow the girl and managed to annul her marriage and successfully
withdrew her. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Mwayiwawo was lucky to be rescued
as many girls are secretly married off before their eighteenth birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Most Southern African countries have this
challenge. As the world commemorated this year’s International Day for the Girl
Child, let us remember that child marriage is an enemy to the envisaged
developed society. Millions of girls worldwide are living in abject poverty and
poor health due to child marriage. Child brides are exposed to a number of
psychological and health hazards mostly emanating from the burden of child
bearing as well as Gender Based Violence (GBV). Child marriage is also one of
the contributing factors to so many socioeconomic challenges that developing
countries are experiencing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">This year’s theme is focusing on supporting
the welfare of a girl child so that by 2030 every girl should not be looked
down but being appreciated as an important member of the society who can
significantly contribute to the development of the society. This ambitious
dream can only be realized by investing into the rights and welfare of young
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Countries need to focus on empowerment of
girls. There is a need to raise community awareness on SRHR. There is also a
need to enact and strengthen laws that promote the rights and welfare of the
girl child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Let me finish this entry by saying this
phrase; “<b>Investing in adolescent girls
today means empowered women of tomorrow”. T</b>his is the only way countries
can achieve the 2030 vision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-25338652170263207632017-10-04T01:28:00.000-07:002017-10-04T01:31:27.197-07:00Parenting Skills for Parents and Guardians of children who Abuse Drugs and Substances<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRiLX0KoZcPY8A_5gZ1UyC3SkQDffJfWkG9KU_j-iuXG3drLm2r2Hd4BbawEUuyLI7JjLzAUD6jir-kRJk4QQhUdJGk8BmEr5VOOvHtMjm5HsIK7ofziZSU-bUABPZlWkItlqaptJOk61/s1600/Herb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="625" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRiLX0KoZcPY8A_5gZ1UyC3SkQDffJfWkG9KU_j-iuXG3drLm2r2Hd4BbawEUuyLI7JjLzAUD6jir-kRJk4QQhUdJGk8BmEr5VOOvHtMjm5HsIK7ofziZSU-bUABPZlWkItlqaptJOk61/s400/Herb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Marijuana:</b> a commonly used drug in Malawi</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>By Mabhuchi Nyasulu*</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Out
of ten children and young adults who abuse drugs and alcohol, more than half
are victims of malnutrition. </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My
own experience recalls a lethargic feeling of craving for marijuana the first
thing when I woke up in the morning. I hardly ate, sleep, work or do anything
without smoking. An awesome feeling of wanting to be alone and loneliness
engulfing my sorrows was the order of the day. I shunned my parents and lived
in isolation from February 2004 – May 2013. A feeling of self-independence
obsessed me as I consumed cannabis fire but alas! Life was not easy as I thought.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is my desire for parents who live with children who abuse drugs to handle the
challenges that surround them. The following are useful tips, which could
assist parents handle children with addiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">It
is essential for children who abuse drugs and alcohol to eat food that has
taken time to be prepared. Children of middle class can afford to eat four
meals per day. Nevertheless, children of bottom class hierarchy there is need
to diversify their diet. Common drugs in Malawi like Cannabis sativa
(Marijuana) increases a user’s appetite and makes addicts to eat hungrily.
Parents or guardians ought to be mobilized to prepare time consuming food like
beans, pigeon peas and various legumes. It is hard to handle those who abuse
drugs and substances and it is even harder when such people are hungry and starving.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">When
parents do household chores and eat together, it encourages children who abuse
drugs and alcohol to find the meaning and value to surrender to sober habits.
Parents can invite a family friend to join a get together on a variety of</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">well-cooked
assorted food stuffs with optimum salt and little or no spices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Parents/guardians should let their children contribute in the shopping of items in their homes.
Children who are addicted to drugs and substances are usually suspicious to
rejection if they do not contribute their ideas. No matter how much insensible a
request that an addicted child makes, they ought to be guided by a counsellor
to respond positively to the child.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Parents/guardians are reminded not to forget their children’s birthday, especially if they abuse
drugs and substances. Let perfumes, sprays, deodorants and refreshing cleaning
utensils like toothbrush be part of celebrated gifts. I recommend if parents
could serve to communicate and elaborate to their child who is struggling with
craving the favourite menu they enjoy as a couple.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
would like to see every parent/guardian taking part in Parental forums, community discussion
groups and adhering to the National Alcohol Policy in Malawi. It is possible
for children who abuse drugs and substances to surrender to sober habits. What
is important is to know what to do and being sensitive is also key. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For more
information, listen to ‘Total Turn Around’ Radio Programme on YFM every </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Saturday</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> from
07:10 pm to 08-00 pm. You can also call YONECO’s Drug and Substance Toll Free
Helpline on 6600.</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>*Mabhuchi Nyasulu is a counsellor in Drug and Substance Helpline section and a presenter of Total Turn Around Radio Programme</i></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></span></div>
Ntcheu Young Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01060454024968111487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-4523133020967350412017-10-03T04:22:00.005-07:002017-10-03T05:21:07.539-07:00 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROMOTING CHILD RIGHTS<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh473jO1KXrw8JRCGnHAsphkeFvYwCu7Sed_Is-27NX1ItpmHeaxWl6yg09XjuVBfoVxkdcPSVWBUAPIyG_IK-EbjWVy7z1c7qGaAQOi6pK1kYEdQjxiDYfnge2zLh0K-9Cz8ZIdyDH8dbV/s1600/Child+protection+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh473jO1KXrw8JRCGnHAsphkeFvYwCu7Sed_Is-27NX1ItpmHeaxWl6yg09XjuVBfoVxkdcPSVWBUAPIyG_IK-EbjWVy7z1c7qGaAQOi6pK1kYEdQjxiDYfnge2zLh0K-9Cz8ZIdyDH8dbV/s320/Child+protection+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"><b>By Richard Chilango </b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;">The
sweltering heat had every lad in the crowd perspiring profusely. The grouping
comprised of people from all walks of life. Everyone was determined to showcase
a martyr’s spirit. As we all know, nothing surpasses the joy of a child whose
freedom and rights are being fully exercised. The same was the case with primary
school learners from Nkhata Bay on this particular day. They paraded in front of
the audience that graced commemoration day of the African child which was held
under the theme; “accelerating, protecting, empowerment and equal opportunities
to children in Malawi”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like
graphical scenes in Sarafina movie, the students were waving placards and
banners. At short intervals you would see them shouting all we want is a
conducive learning atmosphere. The girls were ululating with purpose all just
to energize the boys whose morale had already passed with undoubted
distinction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With
a close up look, one would be rest assured that the young scholars were parading
in good faith and not malice. They carried banners that could catalyze positive
change. One of the banners read; “I have the right to education”, the other
banner said “I have the right to education just like boys do”, then another
banner read “education; a tool for building a better tomorrow”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But
what aroused my interest was the banner which found solace in the hands of a
girl, those who knew children would have judged her to be thirteen or so. The
banner read “RIP male chauvinism as I await your tombstone unveiling”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Looking
at the audience, I could sense the wagging tongues. It was hard to comprehend
for some of the antagonist who were angered by the banner were women and some
yet to be civic educated male fraternity. Then I caught the sight of a man
picking up a stone with purpose, as he started walking towards the direction of
the girl carrying the amazing banner. I couldn’t help but follow him in case he
wanted to hit the girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
reached him in no time, I asked the man what he meant to do with the stone. He
responded with the look of mind your business my friend and proceeded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
don’t wish to be rude, but I will allow you peace only if you make known the use
of that stone in your hand. I addressed my arrogant antagonist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I
will do that if I am your brother or son,” he responded in anger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
parade went well until the master of ceremony allowed room of other activities
that had been planned to add color to the event. I was deeply immersed in a
conversation with the man carrying a stone, I decided to do so the moment I
realized arguing wouldn’t help matters but fuel anger in my protagonist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
man told me that he wanted to hit the girl because she carried a banner that
depicted contempt to men. I did not waste time but reason with the man that
everyone has the freedom of thought and expression provided it’s not infringing
the rights of others, and in this scenario the girls hasn’t violated anyone’s
rights. I continued to say that the girl only carried such banner simply to
communicate that girls are also key to the development of a country and the
world at large.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
nodded in agreement to what I was saying and thanked me in appreciation of a
schooling session well delivered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally,
I was accorded an audience with the young girl at the end of the commemoration
activities. The young girl testified that there was a time when things were not
moving for her, up until a mentor from YONECO tipped her to get up and fight Gender
Based Violence (GBV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ntcheu Young Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01060454024968111487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-87579331198410960252017-08-25T02:09:00.001-07:002017-08-25T02:09:25.004-07:00A WATCHDOG AT HEART By: <span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Richard Chilango & evelece Chinga’mbe</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It
was an era of advocacy, it was a period of activism, it was a moment of sponsorship,
it was a minute of support, it was an epoch of youth interventions, it was an
age of sponsorship, it was a full-stop to child marriages, it was the death of
male chauvinism, it was a tombstone unveiling ceremony for gender based
violence, it was the Revelation of women’s inferiority complex and happy
birthday to their self-belief. In summary, it was a time when women, children
and youth rights campaign was at its orgasm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be
it that you haven’t heard about this human rights watchdog in mention, then you
need to be updated, that one true organization is Youth Net and counselling
(YONECO), Its Tithandizane helpline center has a free toll line with which
helpline councilors respond to all the calls from clients and victims of abuse.
You can pop into YONECO premises on a familiarization tour, but you won’t see the
councilors vagabonding the premises like a lost sheep in wilderness deprived of
wolfs, standing at the edges of the cafeteria for a viewpoint won’t do favors.
Telepathy will only betray for the councilors routinely work indoors for the sake
of a tête-à-tête mediated environment, and that’s always best for guidance and
counselling in the long run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If
you were to see the councilors, you would find a presentable, decent person
with a helpful look, pondering hard on how best to respond to questions
rendered by clients. Often times, the councilors will hold the phone receiver
on one hand and a pen on the other hand. The men clad in long decent shots and
shirts that have a bowtie, the women also slay it executively unless it’s on a
Fry day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
watchdog (YONECO) is present wherever human rights are being infringed or
deprived, it’s always omnipresent in its catchment areas and thus speaking of
districts like Nkhatabay, Rumphi, Salima, Mchinji, Mangochi, Zomba, Chikhwawa,
Ntchisi, Ntcheu, Machinga, Mulanje, Likoma,
Nkhotakota and Phalombe at times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People
who have a liking for the radio developed an interest to keep a keen eye on the
name YONECO FM (YFM) and doors are left wide open to receive anybody who is
dying to place their feet on the majestic vicinities of YFM</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. A visit by an audience full of praises
causes a YONECO journalist to smile in appreciation and that elevates their
work energy going forward. A woman who has spent two years and six months
admiring the Golden voiced </span><b style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Olivier Gondwe </i></b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, dreaming of setting
her eyes on the award winning ,</span><b style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>titus Linzie</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, causes the journalists
in mention to keep up the good work in progress.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s
no cause for pity that journalists have one day to rest out of the seven days
believed of making a week, for their work is a calling. Although their work
terms and conditions indicate room for leave days, their never on a hundred
percent holiday, they do not worry that they are in the wrong profession as
long as they are informing, civic education and entertaining the general
public, but most of all they have excellent working conditions and privileges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rumor
is it that journalist are luxurious people, but journalist belonging to this
watchdog are different. All that lingers in their freedom fighting mindsets is
rights advocacy. On Monday the journalist attend to staff briefing meeting
where issues are looked at from an institutional point of view, Tuesdays to
Sundays are for advocacy, news reporting, and radio presentation, outside
broadcast and field work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After
paternity and maternal holidays the journalist works day in and day out to
backlog time lost and wasted away over the leave holidays. No wonder the
aftermath of maternity holiday makes one feel like a newly employee. The
journalists have for so long been used as a weapon in fighting for the rights
of special groups of people though modern times has created a breed of social
media loving journalist who would spend a moment of forever twitting about
their luxurious shoes instead of utilizing such platforms to convey messages of
sexual reproductive health and rights. But thanks heavens the watchdog has a
different breed of reporter’s and presenters, they kind that uses ICT tools in communicating
SRHR issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Were
you to ask a journalist what makes them feel sorry, they would tell you one
laughable thing, that they always feel sorry for seedless watermelons, if you
ask them why?, they would respond to you that what if they wanted to have
babies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Working
tirelessly in a boardroom full of files, accountant officers will patiently sit
on the desk waiting for officers who went out on field to liquidate and submit
their field reports so that they file such information and keep it in their
safe keeping whilst awaiting audit. The finance manager will pass by the desks
of each and every accounts officer all just to make sure work is being done at
the desired expectation and right pace. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The manager will pass by the next desk,
where a man is enjoyably wondering when next will he go out for field work, and
that tells a story, a story of a watchdog with a lot of opportunities to offer.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
He </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">stops by
the desk of the young man who is counting every minute, and loathing the hours,
the finance managers laughs in shame knowing that YONECO is a service delivery organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sitting on an office chair, is a happy
employee of the watchdog with a pen that is scribbling what your eyes are
founding merry in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Ntcheu Young Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01060454024968111487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-61266489694436138092017-08-25T01:19:00.001-07:002017-08-25T01:24:11.992-07:00CHIWAMBA DIES ON THE CROSS<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By: </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Richard Chilango jr</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr9ABLf2cDRaT3Nl4HYNbLHwCgqOGrgn24LRzJhbgJ_TmrxcMmbnjs6nDuU8VTjBwPzAe6ZBa4_ZTO5UfJcLxqrVpbdW0V79SHTQxYU7ZdhlFK20QWUk7DmCLNuAxfIjSX-eK0jCE0pQm/s1600/robert+chiwaqmba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr9ABLf2cDRaT3Nl4HYNbLHwCgqOGrgn24LRzJhbgJ_TmrxcMmbnjs6nDuU8VTjBwPzAe6ZBa4_ZTO5UfJcLxqrVpbdW0V79SHTQxYU7ZdhlFK20QWUk7DmCLNuAxfIjSX-eK0jCE0pQm/s320/robert+chiwaqmba.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Home
grown literary sensation, </span></span><b style="color: #231f20; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Jack Mapanje</i></b><i style="color: #231f20; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, </i><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">would often times start his literary pieces with the art of
imagery to unveil the bad deeds rendered by the then regime towards the silent
majority, as a </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">favorite</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> author of mine. I would duplicate his style if I
could, but he was a genius born to write without difficulty whilst for me to
put down something, I write down with bitter blood, with utmost effort, with
sour gall well blended with shame and guilt. But all the same for a poet is
before anything else, a person who passionately fell in love with language, and
lucky me, I happen to be betrothed to linguistics.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is
with reference that Poetry makes the nation go round, imagine a Malawi without
the likes of the evergreen, <b>Okoma Atani Malunga</b>,
the vibrant, <b>Aubrey Chinguwo</b>, and
the issue based ,<b>Robert Chiwamba</b>,
best famed for his breakthrough hit “muzafa imfa yowawa”. Over time literature
in the nature of poetry has been used as a fighting mechanism against all sorts
of oppression, and also in showcasing ones grief, happiness, sorrow, love, hate
you name it. Bestselling anthologies are what they are because of literature
best described poetry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
won’t be translated as mere exaggeration if I go open blank to bear witness
that secondary school would have been hell on planet earth if not for
Shakespeare’s series of classics, the tragedy of <i>“Romeo and Juliet”</i> left our faces flooding with tears of joy. Like
the romantic shivers aroused by romantic lines which read “when Romeo saw
Juliet it was love at first sight.” Not to mention of the political classic, “<i>Smouldering Charcoal”,</i> it left many a
great number of us with a sense of origin and that in itself is a miracle for
rivers that do forget their origin easily dry up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is
beyond human belief to say that literature is not in other people’s vocabulary,
how art thou hard to endure in a world without readings. For the eye’s
responsibility goes past fulfilling and appreciating the visual living
creatures and statues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nevertheless,
it is of paramount importance to censor the nature of the content for all that
glitters is not gold. Some poetic products tend to be propaganda oriented and
not for a good cause, as such one turns into the biblical meaning of a prodigal
son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
genre of poetry that we opt for is derived from our own </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">behavior</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> mirror, if
you fancy warfare poetry then time nurtures and embraces you into a war veteran.
If you’re in frequent contact with something, you are joined into holy
matrimony as it becomes the true definition of a perfect soul mate. For one Becomes
part of that something and that something becomes part of him/her. </span></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As it is with belief that there is some poetry which is not youth
friendly, especially when it reaches a vulnerable audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a
nation, </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">its</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> best we acknowledge the implications of negative poetry as it
yields brainwash, violence, drug and substance abuse, juvenile maladjustment,
mental disorder and the list is endless. Some poetic lyrics tend to advocate sexual
intercourse, drinking and debauchery, teen dating, obscene language, and drug
abuse. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
lyrics always talk about sex, binge drinking, drugs and violence. According to poetry,
all these are said to be good, nice and sweet. However, what our unsuspecting
minds quickly switch to whatever the famous poets are scribbling. Thus the youths
end up in multi sexual relationships, alcoholism and other harmful behaviors,
and such is bad for development in the long run. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s on a
sad note to learn that poets enjoy the benefit of a life contrary to their
work, furthermore there are totally different from what we witness in their literary
works.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes! It
won’t be welcomed as news if we say of the many problems that are being faced
by the youths in the country. On the other hand, it won’t be fair to attribute
all the blame on poetry. There are also other nice poems that are informative
on issues of sexual reproductive health rights and civic education at large. </span><span style="font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Such
poems have positively contributed to the prevention of HIV, teenage
pregnancies, drug and substance abuse and other harmful </span><span style="font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">behaviors</span><span style="font-family: 'century gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> among young
people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A classic example is that of, Robert Chiwamba’s, advisory poem</span></span><i style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mukapanda Kupewa” </i><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">it’s a piece that is illuminating
some of the dangers of indulging in unprotected sexual intercourse and acts of
such. The persona makes a point to the youths on the need to abstain; where not
possible then condoms should be an immediate remedy. The narrator opts for a </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">sombre</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> mood just to express thy magnitude of grief upon seeing the many a great
number of souls with which the deadly HIV virus is busy claiming day in and day
out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another classic is “Malapiro Pa malawi”, it’s a verbal poem that
Laments the trending salary inclement and also has room to advocate for salary
adjustment, for sometimes the youths indulge in wrong acts because they are
lacking a financial muscle to carter for their needs. In a country where
salaries are not worthwhile low cash flow takes shape, people will do anything
in their prowess to make sure they don’t die a financial death, and that spells
doom for the vulnerable minds, for some will go as far as indulging in
commercial sex to make ends meet. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As such, it would be better to provide better salaries to the
youths and the majority at large on whatever job that they have done. As such there is need for government to take
immediate action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ooh indeed! Chiwamba has played martyrs having scribbled and
recited that one poem “Mukapanda Kupewa” and the newly released “Malipilo
Pa malawi”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ntcheu Young Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01060454024968111487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-50822259682861002482017-08-21T23:53:00.000-07:002017-08-22T00:14:37.591-07:00 Those Responsible for Provision of SRHR Information should be Answerable to Increased Teen Pregnancies.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow', sans-serif;">After getting
pregnant in her early teens, Farida (not real name) thought that this marked
the end of the world. Fari, as her friends used to call her, couldn’t
think of anything apart from just staying at home, sleep, watch kids play in
the backyard and all sorts of easy things and some slothful activities. The thought
of taking her life did not cross her mind only once but numerous times. Her
fear and stress were mainly triggered by what people will say and what his
father will do to her as he had said several times that he will operate any
girl who will fall pregnant under her parents’ roof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Time came when Farida
could no longer hide her pregnancy. The
question her parents had was how their daughter could fall pregnant with all
the pieces of advice they bombarded her with day-in-day-out. What went wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Farida grew up in
environment where she could interact with her parents and was able to ask
several questions. The parents were able to explain every phenomena but they
were unable to open up when on issues to do with Sexual Reproductive Health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While at school the
little girl fell in love with a boy whom at one point in the relationship, the
two had sex. Two months down the line, she did not realise that missing her
periods twice could be a sign of pregnancy. In fact, she was happy that she had
stopped menstruating. Of ourse she was later told by an older friend that is
when she thought it wise to hide the pregnancy until she finds a way out - and
so she thought<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Upon noticing the
changes on their daughter, Farida’s parents called her for questioning. The
little girl didn’t know what to say and remained quiet like a book on a library
shelf. Words escaped her and she just kept on looking at her mother’s
bewildered face. They took her to the
hospital for pregnancy test where the parents’ fear was confirmed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is the saddest
part; Farida’s male counterpart who was responsible for the pregnancy decided
to apply a permanent solution to what he thought was spark that will set the
whole world on fire and terminate its existence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The nurse who did the
examination on her had to counsel the girl. It was in this counselling session
where it was known that the girl did not know that when a girl starts
experiencing monthly periods she can get pregnant once she indulges in
unprotect sex. Little did she also know what safe sex means and the thought
that she could get STIs including HIV through unsafe sex seemed to have never
crossed her mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Things turned out
very well for Farida. Her father was properly counselled as well and he
understood the role he had to ensure that Farida’s dreams are rekindled and
achieved. Today, as I am writing this article, Farida is no longer the sad one
you have been seeing in the eye of your mind. She went back to school and her hard
work and dedication paid off and she is able to support her child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Parents, health care
workers, faith leaders, aunties and uncles, youth workers e.t.c are responsible
for ensuring that young people are given access to age appropriate sexual
reproductive health information. Young people really need that kind of
information for them to make informed decisions. Such people are the first to
blame young girls and boys whenever the boy or girl has faced a sexual
reproductive health challenge. Who should be blamed here? The one who is supposed to provide guidance or the one who
falls into a pit because he or she was not told that there is a pit along the
path?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-43897710328144011292017-08-12T03:51:00.001-07:002017-08-12T04:04:47.000-07:002017 International Youth Day; A Reflection on Demographic Dividend and SRHR of Young people <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkjsAfyjYoE/WY7c86C-PaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/4T88GDFYwjIvY85WDgIwE1xLPulvrTtWwCLcBGAs/s1600/16836291_1371451089577744_8703937578304189777_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1296" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkjsAfyjYoE/WY7c86C-PaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/4T88GDFYwjIvY85WDgIwE1xLPulvrTtWwCLcBGAs/s320/16836291_1371451089577744_8703937578304189777_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">On first August this year, I checked the
United Nations calendar for International Days and the chart reminded me that
Saturday, 12 August, 2017 is the International Youth Day (IYD). This day is one
of the days I find myself very busy organizing community events, sharing each
and every moment with colleagues, and acquaintances on social media and other
platforms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This is an important day especially
when we look at various issues as well as the fact that the youth form the
majority of the population. The youth have a stake in all decisions that are
made today as they are directly affected by whatever outcome the decisions will
being. Further to this, the youth will also remain to shoulder the burden that
may be caused by the decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Thus, looking at this year’s theme; “Youth
Building Peace: The Role of Youth in Population, Health, Environment, Skills Development
and Entrepreneurship”, I find it befitting. The current population growth rate
is very shocking and has a negative bearing on the already depleted resources. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Looking at the situation of the youth
in Malawi, I ask myself questions and cannot easily find answers. The lives of
young people in Malawi and most developing countries is marred by; unintended teen pregnancies, forced child
marriages, increased Sexually Transmitted infections (STI’s) including HIV,
harmful traditional practices. With all these SRHR challenges, access to Youth
Friendly Health Services (YFHS) is a nightmare. Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
is becoming a threat to young people in the country and at the same time
inflicts holes into the country’s social
and economic fabric. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This year’s international Youth Day has
reminded me of the OAU’s Africa Day which is celebrated on every May 25 each
year. This year’s theme focused much on the demographic dividend and how African
countries should leverage its advantage in developing its young, talented and
hopeful populations. However, the quest can only be achieved if our government
is ready to invest in SRH of young people. Provision of comprehensive SRH
package to the youth is very critical to youth development, health, well-being,
and other necessary elements that are necessary to propel sustainable economic growth in Malawi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For those who are not familiar with the
demographic dividend, a simple explanation according to UNDP refers to
accelerated economic growth that begins with changes in the age structure of a
country’s population. A shift to fewer dependent people relative to working-age
individuals, accompanied by investments in employment, entrepreneurship,
education, skills development, health, rights, governance, and youth
empowerment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My immediate observation is that the
issue of proper attention to the health of young people is paramount if the
country would want the youth to be at peace and even harnessing the demographic
dividend as a way of promoting young people in the country. A fight against
poverty cannot end when girls as younger as 14 are forced to enter into
marriages, when there is a lot of unprotected sex among youths which leads to a
lot of teen pregnancies and transmission of STI’s and HIV. In this situation
government will continue to spend more and more money to provide treatment for
STI’s and HIV drugs, not only that but large chunk of budget will be allocated
to subsidies so that people are able to access services. This is not peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Let me finish by highlighting that, UN
did not make any mistake to include the international youth day on its
calendar, this serves as a reminder to all countries across the globe to
reflect on how they can advance the welfare and rights of youth, this year’s theme
talks more building peace as countries have recognizes that the current
generation of youth are the largest in history and young people often comprise
the majority in countries marked by armed conflict or unrest, therefore
considering the needs and aspirations of youth in matters of peace and security
is a demographic imperative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But my point is that the youth cannot
be agents of change, the youth cannot be actors in conflict prevention and
sustaining peace unless we properly set our priorities and place our emphasis
on developing the lives of young people. Malawi cannot develop if no
investments are made towards the health of the youth in the country. Happy
International Youth Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-29385103670749162782017-08-08T02:25:00.001-07:002017-08-08T02:25:37.047-07:00The Polygonal SRH PuzzleThe youth form a larger part of the total population of the world. It is very heartrending to note that this large sect of the world’s population is facing a lot of challenges and among them are issues pertaining to drug and substance abuse that lead to mental illness, death and many other problems. Of paramount importance and worth the world’s attention and collective action is the issue of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) of young people.<br />
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The problem mainly comes in due to the fact that the youth across the globe do not have access to SRH services. Adolescence has its own accompanying elements and among them is the need to seek knowledge about one’s sexuality. As such, the youth lack knowledge and they rely on information from their peers. Usually, this information is based on myths and half-truths and they act based on the misconceptions and they eventually face the dire consequences.</div>
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Firstly, the youth, more especially girls are greatly affected by Sexual Reproductive Health problems like maternal death and fistula. These two ‘beasts’ have claimed thousands of young lives across the world. The root of the problem emanates from the fact that young girls start engaging in sexual activities with either boys of their age group or older men. Due to lack of knowledge on the issues of sex and sexuality, they end up being impregnated. Because of their immaturity, many die during delivery and some end up with obstetric fistula.</div>
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Secondly, SRH problems have led to an increase in school drop out rate more especially in low income countries. The lack of knowledge on issues of sex and sexuality combined with the lack of SRH services like contraceptives has led to an increase in the number of teenage pregnancies. In Malawi and most traditional societies, when a boy impregnates a girl, culture and society dictates that they should marry. Thus, bringing food on the table becomes the order of the day to such couples and the responsibility leaves them with no room to go back to school. </div>
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Thirdly, HIV and AIDS has and is still claiming lives of young people throughout the world. HIV prevalence rate is dangerously high among the youth in spite of several attempts by governments, funding agencies and NGOs to put the situation under control. The problem has, in the long run, affected youth representation in various critical and key positions in the society. As such, implementation and formulation of some human development initiatives do not consider the youth.</div>
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The issues of SRH are very crosscutting hence the need for a systematic approach to deal with the problem. Culture and societal norms need to be tackled as well as the two are also among the main perpetrators of among the SRH problems among the youth. It is like a puzzle that has to be solved in order to save the next generation.<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-37867212928327090952017-08-02T02:21:00.002-07:002017-08-02T02:38:57.904-07:00Promoting Youth Friendly Health Services Among young people<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Malawi should address the issue of unwanted pregnancies among young girls who are dropping out of school because of pregnancy. Heartrendingly, most of them do not go back to school after delivery as they dedicate their time to raising their babies and most are held back by the fear of how their schoolmates and teachers will treat them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The issue of teenage pregnancies in Malawi has also led to unsafe abortions among the youth. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">As a way of putting an end to this, young people should be practically accorded their right to sexual reproductive health and family planning services. Furthermore, the policies that are aimed at promoting young people’s sexual and reproductive health should be operationalized without much ado because the issue at hand requires immediate action.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Investing in young people’s sexual reproductive health will greatly empower them so much that the youth will remain healthy, attain their education and realize their goals in life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Young people have the right to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, including the number, timing, and spacing of their children and the right to the highest attainable standard of health.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">All young people, regardless of sex or marital status should have access to sexual and reproductive health services, which includes access to safe, effective, affordable, and youth friendly health services of their choice.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">There is also a need to facilitate the process of encouraging peer education which also helps young people to obtain clear information about sensitive issues pertaining to sexual behavior, reproductive health, STIs including HIV and AIDS. Provision of youth friendly health services in tertiary education institutions and workplaces and other places where young people congregate is also viable and cost effective </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The youth in Malawi need to increase their knowledge base on current and relevant information about sexual reproductive health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Of late, behavior change campaigns for young people have also been neglected and the consequence of this has been strongly felt in all parts of the country and that is in both rural and urban settings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The government and non-governmental organizations need to maintain and develop effective monitoring systems of such initiatives to inform programing and improve service delivery.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">On the other hand, when all is said and done, my fellow young people should also know that the onus is in their hands. No matter what the government and NGOs will do, the youth themselves are key to this. A lot of money, time and resources have already been spent on the promotion of young people’s sexual and reproductive health and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rights but the youth themselves are also to blame for not being active.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509897794994282613.post-73350359105544703622017-05-02T09:34:00.000-07:002017-05-02T09:34:05.316-07:00 YFHS and Social Economic Development of Young People<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I have a 2 year
old child and living positively mainly because I had no access to HIV”, these
are words that were spoken in a discussion whereby young people were debating
the importance of accessing Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS). The narrator
of this heartrending account, a youth worker from Mangochi district, told me
that the girl continued to explain that she firmly believed that if she had
access to YFHS about 3 years ago, the turnout of events in her life could have
been different.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">When a certain
youth worker who was facilitating this session told me about the statements, I
felt that the whole nation failed this young girl big time. Why would someone
grow from childhood to adolescence without knowing critical issues about sex
and sexuality? As I have always argued, parents and older relatives also know
that they are supposed to discuss such matters with young people. Every adult
realizes the need to discuss SRHR issues with a growing up young person.
However, shyness forces people to continuously curtail such important sessions
until it becomes too late to so. The consequences are so dire and at times
irreparable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I for one
believe that older citizens as well as duty bearers should know that they are
also to blame when the country is registering increased cases of unintended
teen age pregnancies and shockingly high prevalence rate of HIV and other
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). We need to acknowledge our failure to
protect innocent young lives as it is our responsibility to ensure that the
young people are going into the adult world which they are conversant with and
prepared for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">It is illogical
to leave things to chance and expect that young people will one way or the
other know about their sexual reproductive health. If one does not take that
initiative to discuss SRHR issues with a young person who is growing into
adolescence, the end result is that young person gets wrong information from
their peers. Let me share with you what a group of adults told me about the
most misleading SRH information they once got from friends and realise after
some years that it was all a lie. Here are some of the misconceptions that were
mentioned;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">sleeping with boys or men helps
a girl to get vitamin K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">A girl can avoid conception by having
a bath immediately after having unprotected sex <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Infertility in men is caused by
failure to undergo sexual cleansing during adolescence <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">These and many
other factors are the reasons why allowing young people to access YFHS is the
best option which parents and guardians of adolescent young boys and girls
should choose. Young people’s access to YFHS will help everyone serve a lot in
terms of time, money and other resources as problems that are caused by young
people’s SRH challenges are costly. Furthermore, parents and guardians should
accept that they are not experts in SRH. Sometimes, if parents or guardian are
feeling shy or hesitant to discuss SRH issues with their adolescent boys or
girls then they should let the YFHS Providers do the needful. Leaving the specialists to do the work is
paramount in as far as prevention of SRH challenges which young people face is
concerned. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">There is a need
for all to know and understand that access to YFHS among young people is very
key to social and economic development of young people. The welfare of young
people and their lives in future is shaped by how their sexual reproductive
health is taken care of today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0