YONECO Employs Bawo to Influence Behaviour Change among Men

Men playing Bawo during the launch of YONECO Bawo League

Bawo is a favourite traditional pastime among men in Malawi and some parts of the African continent.  Bawo is in the group of ancient ‘count and capture’ board games. The game is popular in both rural and urban areas where men form a circle around the board which only allows two challengers at a time. Passing by a Bawo Game; what welcomes a person is the sound of laughter and shouts from the players and other men who sit or stand to watch the game as they also wait for their turn.

Bawo Game presents an opportune time whereby most men find it easy to have man-to-man discussions and crack jokes with their peers. Thus, YONECO has thought it necessary to use Bawo Game as a way of engaging men in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV), Violence against Children (VAC) as well as preventing the spread of HIV and mitigating its impact. YONECO is in a drive to make sure that in their discussions, the men should also talk about GBV, HIV, VAC and other social challenges as a way of influencing positive behaviours among men.

Key Note address by Prof. Maluwa Banda   during the launch

20 August, 2016 marked the launch of K 400,000 YONECO Bawo League which will be played in Zomba and Machinga districts.

In his keynote address, the Board Chairperson for YONECO, Professor Dixie Maluwa Banda, stated that it is YONECO’s strategy to actively involve men in the fight against GBV, VAC and HIV.

“As an institution, YONECO realised that men are usually left out in the interventions that are aimed at fighting against HIV and ending violence which is usually perpetrated by them. Thus, we saw it wise to innovatively and continuously incorporate men in our programming”, said Professor Maluwa.

 Talking to the press; the Executive Director for YONECO, MacBain Mkandawire, stated that the organisation will also train some of the men as Peer Educators so that they should, at a particular point in time, facilitate the discussions. He stated that YONECO is very optimistic that the Malawi society will benefit a lot from the Bawo League as men will eventually start looking at issues of gender inequality, child rights and HIV from a different angle.

YONECO ED making a speech during the launch of the league 

“Having men to discuss and engage each other on various developmental issues is very cost effective and it is a pathway to the creation of an HIV and violence free society”, said Mkandawire.

Mac Bain Mkandawire further added that the Bawo League will also be used as a tool that will inform YONECO’s programming. On this aspect, the Executive Director for YONECO stated that there is a fundamental challenge in social behaviour programming whereby organisations think that they know everything while they do not. This, he said, is the reason why there is a need to cast the net wider and engage communities through various innovative approaches in order to solicit and unpack the information so as to design effective and efficient interventions.

The Chairperson for Zomba Bawo Association, Hasheem Banda, thanked YONECO for the support and he stated that it will help men to understand what constitutes GBV, its dangers and how it can be prevented. He further stated that the intervention will help the men to spend their time wisely as they will benefit a lot from the discussions and eventually prevent HIV as well.

The launch was held at YONECO Head Offices in Zomba district.

 

The League being launched in Zomba district  

THE REFLECTORS

 By ERIC VEETO NYENGANI

Eric Veeto Nyengani captured in one of the field days 

To think about what happens in the ICS program, it is a great achievement. This programme really takes you to another level in life because of the confidence; skills and knowledge one gains after taking part in the International Citizen Service (ICS). The amazing and fantastic knowledge someone gains by the end of ten weeks can contribute to big achievements in their life, as they may be more capable to pursue their own plans in life with the confidence and skills you gain from the ICS placement.

Now everyone understands that confidence can be increased, and different people express it in different ways. However, the sorts of skills that are achievable from ICS are also communication skills, relation skills and speaking in public.

The partnership with the foreign volunteers, more especially those from the UK help to create an environment for skills and knowledge sharing. This may seem challenging at the start, for example one may not be familiar with their language and culture and they usually speak fast. But with time, all the volunteers from both corners of the world may become more familiar with the differing culture and language.

I think we have lots to learn from our UK colleagues in the way of living and culture, as we will also be able to share our culture and way of living with them so that they are able to act on it. Which I hope by the end of the day we will both be able to change and for the better.

We have so many things in common, and in some ways we differ. But the most shocking difference, for myself, is the type of marriages they conduct which I think will be more difficult for Malawian’s to accept. For instance, homosexuality! Malawian culture is still predominately Christian and extremely traditional when it comes to it’s values and beliefs. Change is slow, but sometimes as I said for the better. However I think that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender) change within Malawi will be difficult for the nation to accept, at this time. Country wide there is a debate that introduces rights and changes concerning homosexuality, but it is being contested. The UK and national volunteers have had discussions about this topic and I have learnt how another country has different values to mine. But to understand Malawi, one must understand our traditions and respect those long held beliefs, because for us they aren’t just teachings, but are the bedrock of our communities, therefore it is difficult for us to reject them.

Another challenge and aspect to ICS is the development of a nation while its citizens are not active in its development. Nkhata Bay is one of the districts, in the warm heart of Africa, which faces this type of challenge. It takes for each and every citizen to contribute to the developmental activities taking part in his or her communities. It is a shared responsibility!

Most of the youth in Nkhata bay involve themselves in, what Malawians consider to be immoral behaviours. For example, drug and substance abuse, high prostitution rates, which young girls are involved in instead of attending classes at school. This behaviour is exacerbated by influences such as peer pressure and being involved in sexual activities, which result in unwanted pregnancies. These issues then contribute to early abortion and school drop out rates.

These issues are severe, but it is not an entirely negative picture of Malawi. I think with the coming of the ICS programme, we will help stop this behaviour and improve our communities for the better. Also in ways that the youth will be able to access information concerning these issues and the dramatic effects they have on their futures.

The programme is here to help and assist in anyway it can for the communities development, peer influence and in the ways youth can accomplish their goals. I hope in the near future we will see Malawi develop and for the better.

Cultural Difference

Written by Simran Nota - A UK volunteer 

I’ve been asked, or more importantly volunteered, to write a blog for YONECO in association with Progressio ICS on whatever topic I wish, so long as it’s based on my time here in Malawi. Well, if there’s one thing which struck me immediately, and something I’ve wanted to put into words since I arrived is the massive understatement (or at least for me,) concerning our cultural differences.

Having spent more than a week in Malawi, there have been many things that I’ve found shocking, surprising and fascinating about Malawi culture; and the more I digest the local customs, attitudes, principles and practices the more I notice large gaps within our own society back on the little islands of the United Kingdom.

I’ll take this opportunity to discuss these aspects that I think have been lost in the culture of the UK, either due to our efficiency, technology or general progress. More importantly, what we as self-professed first worlders can learn from Malawian culture, opposed to the aspects Malawian’s can learn from our progress.

First of all I wish to tackle the term progress and what we think of when we talk about progress. I think, having experienced just a little of an alien culture, that the UK’s attitude to progress is extremely limited in vision and scope; and in some aspects have been reversed. We should no longer consider progress as a linear path in which we subconsciously seek an attainable goal. For instance we think of our development and progress through our technology, through our infrastructure and predominately through our material possessions. However, for all our laptops, tall buildings, weapons and smart phones we remain in a state of perpetual unhappiness. Constantly seeking gratification and accumulating wealth because we are taught that these things make us happy. All the while Malawian culture is peaceful and happy. What is the UK doing wrong?

Having spent the last few days living with the most welcoming of host homes, there appears to be a feeling of bliss here. Everyone is happy! On the surface it might come across as a simple life, but they truly are welcoming, friendly and warming to different people; and to each other. Even in their language they possess a rigorous introduction process that if you fail to adhere to, you will be told and corrected. Eye contact is a must and at all times! Politeness and respect is a necessity and something I think the UK is losing in our communities, workplace and cities. What I mean by this is where the UK, in rules and laws, tell people to treat each other with respect Malawians already understand this; and is deeply ingrained within their culture. This respect and time for each other has hope within the working class communities of the UK, but as more people move to major urban centres such as London, Birmingham and Manchester they don’t have the time for such introductions, respect or care, which I’ve discovered here in Malawi. I don’t know if it’s to do with being a cynical sort of people in general, or to do with the high speed lifestyle we have become accustomed. Either way we have a lot to learn about how we interact with our family, friends and strangers in the street.

We are all too busy, too bored or too distracted for each other.

Time is an essential resource that infects everything the UK does. We worry that we’re late, we worry that we have enough time for breaks, Facebook and shopping; we worry about time almost all the time; and why?

In Malawi it is much simpler, or maybe simple is the wrong word. Maybe Malawian’s just realise that respecting people and what other people have to say, what they do and how they feel is far greater than material possession or wealth – things which demonstrably don’t make us happy when we get home and our feet up. In Malawi there is little thought given to time and keeping time. You can say we have a meeting at 9:30 and they will arrive at 10:30 unaware of the little frustrated UK faces which welcome them on their eventual arrival. To Malawian’s it’s part of life, to us UKV’s (United Kingdom volunteers) to turn up an hour late for a meeting will almost certainly land you in the office of your boss, where you’re on your knees begging to let them keep you employed. Well, maybe not that bad, but it definitely gets noticed and usually results in a lot of ‘sorrys’. Here, it’s all loosy goosy.

There’s an enviable ‘go with the flow’ attitude you wish you could just in brace with open arms, but unfortunately, my British culture demands that my hairs on the back of my neck jolt upright and the eyes start to twitch uncontrollably. Damn you structured public schools with your strict timetables!

Now, don’t mistake me when I talk about these differences and come across as quite negative toward the UK system of doing things. There is nothing wrong with punctuality, but our attitudes and the way we perceive ourselves has, in my opinion, become so self-indulgent and superior that it’s blinded us to the possibilities of community solidarity and unity, especially now in the time of Brexit which we all observed how easy it was to divide a western nation. What exactly makes us superior to Malawian culture? I mean our goals in life are the same as theirs. We are both human and seek happiness and a sustainable, bright future. Although, it seems in our race for a successful and sustainable future we have given ourselves more expectation, more effort and less time resulting in our perpetual unhappiness, boredom and work. Most of us really do live to work and now work to live. Malawi is different, here someone is happy just to cook you food, speak to you and even host a foreign national for 10 weeks. They care little for universal health care, public school and Lady Gaga. Things we have begun to take for granted. Malawians want to know you and take actually take the time to achieve this.

Now, I hope I’m not guilty of caricaturing such a generous culture, this is not my intention. These are just my thoughts that illustrate what I’ve observed from my time here. These differences which reveal massive issues within the UK and its society. We are losing that special soul, if you will, that is still prevalent in Malawi communities from the household, to the office and even when you walk past people in the street.

I feel we have a lot to reveal to Malawi when it comes to a sustainable opportunistic future, but in contrast Malawi has a lot to reveal to the UK in how we perceive our progress, ourselves and what we take for granted. The reality is certainly not as binary as we like to think between developed and undeveloped communities, it certainly is a spectrum of factors which make up progress and human societies. The more time I spend here the more Malawi helps me understand and question my culture and nation as much as we are here to help Malawian’s understand and questions theirs.

Cultural Difference

Written by Simran Nota - A UK volunteer 

I’ve been asked, or more importantly volunteered, to write a blog for YONECO in association with Progressio ICS on whatever topic I wish, so long as it’s based on my time here in Malawi. Well, if there’s one thing which struck me immediately, and something I’ve wanted to put into words since I arrived is the massive understatement (or at least for me,) concerning our cultural differences.

Having spent more than a week in Malawi, there have been many things that I’ve found shocking, surprising and fascinating about Malawi culture; and the more I digest the local customs, attitudes, principles and practices the more I notice large gaps within our own society back on the little islands of the United Kingdom.

I’ll take this opportunity to discuss these aspects that I think have been lost in the culture of the UK, either due to our efficiency, technology or general progress. More importantly, what we as self-professed first worlders can learn from Malawian culture, opposed to the aspects Malawian’s can learn from our progress.

First of all I wish to tackle the term progress and what we think of when we talk about progress. I think, having experienced just a little of an alien culture, that the UK’s attitude to progress is extremely limited in vision and scope; and in some aspects have been reversed. We should no longer consider progress as a linear path in which we subconsciously seek an attainable goal. For instance we think of our development and progress through our technology, through our infrastructure and predominately through our material possessions. However, for all our laptops, tall buildings, weapons and smart phones we remain in a state of perpetual unhappiness. Constantly seeking gratification and accumulating wealth because we are taught that these things make us happy. All the while Malawian culture is peaceful and happy. What is the UK doing wrong?

Having spent the last few days living with the most welcoming of host homes, there appears to be a feeling of bliss here. Everyone is happy! On the surface it might come across as a simple life, but they truly are welcoming, friendly and warming to different people; and to each other. Even in their language they possess a rigorous introduction process that if you fail to adhere to, you will be told and corrected. Eye contact is a must and at all times! Politeness and respect is a necessity and something I think the UK is losing in our communities, workplace and cities. What I mean by this is where the UK, in rules and laws, tell people to treat each other with respect Malawians already understand this; and is deeply ingrained within their culture. This respect and time for each other has hope within the working class communities of the UK, but as more people move to major urban centres such as London, Birmingham and Manchester they don’t have the time for such introductions, respect or care, which I’ve discovered here in Malawi. I don’t know if it’s to do with being a cynical sort of people in general, or to do with the high speed lifestyle we have become accustomed. Either way we have a lot to learn about how we interact with our family, friends and strangers in the street.

We are all too busy, too bored or too distracted for each other.

Time is an essential resource that infects everything the UK does. We worry that we’re late, we worry that we have enough time for breaks, Facebook and shopping; we worry about time almost all the time; and why?

In Malawi it is much simpler, or maybe simple is the wrong word. Maybe Malawian’s just realise that respecting people and what other people have to say, what they do and how they feel is far greater than material possession or wealth – things which demonstrably don’t make us happy when we get home and our feet up. In Malawi there is little thought given to time and keeping time. You can say we have a meeting at 9:30 and they will arrive at 10:30 unaware of the little frustrated UK faces which welcome them on their eventual arrival. To Malawian’s it’s part of life, to us UKV’s (United Kingdom volunteers) to turn up an hour late for a meeting will almost certainly land you in the office of your boss, where you’re on your knees begging to let them keep you employed. Well, maybe not that bad, but it definitely gets noticed and usually results in a lot of ‘sorrys’. Here, it’s all loosy goosy.

There’s an enviable ‘go with the flow’ attitude you wish you could just in brace with open arms, but unfortunately, my British culture demands that my hairs on the back of my neck jolt upright and the eyes start to twitch uncontrollably. Damn you structured public schools with your strict timetables!

Now, don’t mistake me when I talk about these differences and come across as quite negative toward the UK system of doing things. There is nothing wrong with punctuality, but our attitudes and the way we perceive ourselves has, in my opinion, become so self-indulgent and superior that it’s blinded us to the possibilities of community solidarity and unity, especially now in the time of Brexit which we all observed how easy it was to divide a western nation. What exactly makes us superior to Malawian culture? I mean our goals in life are the same as theirs. We are both human and seek happiness and a sustainable, bright future. Although, it seems in our race for a successful and sustainable future we have given ourselves more expectation, more effort and less time resulting in our perpetual unhappiness, boredom and work. Most of us really do live to work and now work to live. Malawi is different, here someone is happy just to cook you food, speak to you and even host a foreign national for 10 weeks. They care little for universal health care, public school and Lady Gaga. Things we have begun to take for granted. Malawians want to know you and take actually take the time to achieve this.

Now, I hope I’m not guilty of caricaturing such a generous culture, this is not my intention. These are just my thoughts that illustrate what I’ve observed from my time here. These differences which reveal massive issues within the UK and its society. We are losing that special soul, if you will, that is still prevalent in Malawi communities from the household, to the office and even when you walk past people in the street.

I feel we have a lot to reveal to Malawi when it comes to a sustainable opportunistic future, but in contrast Malawi has a lot to reveal to the UK in how we perceive our progress, ourselves and what we take for granted. The reality is certainly not as binary as we like to think between developed and undeveloped communities, it certainly is a spectrum of factors which make up progress and human societies. The more time I spend here the more Malawi helps me understand and question my culture and nation as much as we are here to help Malawian’s understand and questions theirs.

Hon Lunguzi; Undeniably a Pillar of Hope in Youth Development

Hon. J- Lu (center) a face of SRHR and youth development  in Malawi

I have interacted with Hon. Juliana Lunguzi, the Member of Parliament for Dedza East constituency on several occasions the notable ones are Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) conferences and of course parliament.  One thing that has always struck me about her is that she is very dedicated to the promotion of people’s SRHR and youth development.

This entry is not about her political life but rather her ceaseless passion towards the promotion of vulnerable girls and young people in Malawi.

During this year’s National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) Annual Meeting on SRHR that was held in Lilongwe, she told the young participants who gathered in the meeting  that even though her age is outside the United Nations definition of a youth, she will not stop championing the rights and welfare of young people.

This is amazing, I guess this is one of the reasons she has become darling to many young people in the county. The lady simply has the welfare of young people at heart.

It is not a secret that young people are vulnerable to all kinds of health challenges in the country. The mere fact that young people are excluded from taking part in decision making processes tells a lot about their situation.  The youth do not actively participate in making decisions about their health and some strategies that are aimed at promoting young people’s welfare are developed without their input.

It is against this background that Malawi needs to do more about young people’s SRH situation as HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s), unsafe abortions, Menstrual hygiene, lack of access to contraceptives and SRH information are still menacing young people.

Hon. Lunguzi, has been a role model who has put all her energy pushing for quality and comprehensive SRHR services so that young people can grow in a good environment that is capable of enabling to attain their goals so as to meaningfully participate to the development of their communities.

One of the most interesting approaches she uses is working closely with the youth whereby she encourages them to actively participate on different issues. She is always disseminating awareness messages about HIV/AIDS and SRH to young people. Furthermore, her continuous engagements and advocacy efforts with various duty bearers is commendable as well.

It is important to support young people and we should always remember that the average population structure in Malawi is youthful and empowering them will ensure sustainable economic and health development in the country.

Lastly, I firmly believe that it is very hard to develop this country if we continue ignoring the health of young people hence I look forward to many J- Lu’s in Malawi!!!

Adolescent Empowered

Written by Yusuf Khan

I have been in Malawi for three months now and my journey is nearly over.  I have visited various schools and communities, help run awareness days, and trained peer educators.  I have felt a sense of compassion and thoughtfulness that I have not felt anywhere in the world. There, however, exist deep prejudices, which scar a culture admired for its compassion.   

One such intolerance faces girls, even more so to those who become pregnant whilst not married. The story of Funny Manda (not real name) a girl who became pregnant at the age of fourteen is a story that should be heard, as it is a story which defied the imperceptive attitudes that subject many to a life of silence and regret. Pregnant and without the support of the father of the child and without the option of an abortion, as it is illegal in Malawi, Funny Manda, a child, was alone and frightened. Under the belief that she would have to leave her house for becoming pregnant she stayed silent for three months until the weight of the situation became too much. Much too her surprise her parents were supportive and said they would help her and her child. Unfortunately, this meant that she would have to drop out of school.

With the help of her parents, she supported the child and herself for three years. Now 17 and with no prospects in life except that of being a mother; Manda struggled with mounting stress and boredom. She decide to join her local youth club provided support and assistance to those in need.

It was here where YONECO (Youth Net and Counselling), whom support local youths clubs through running workshop sessions and offer peer education training visited. Hearing her plight, YONECO offered her an opportunity to empower herself and control her future through paying all her school fees, equipment and uniform. 

Funny Manda will now attend university allowing her the opportunity to support her parents and her child. She will be able to offer her child an education and offer her parents security in their old age. She will be able to offer assistance to others and contribute to her community. This simple act of paying Funny's school fees has meant she has had the opportunity to become the women she dreamed of becoming and having the confidence to tell her story so others will not suffer as she once did. Curently, Funny is at Chifira Community Day Secondary School doing her Form Three.  

A LONG WAY GONE

Written by Yusuf Khan

YONECO (Youth Net and Counselling) works to empower communities stricken with sexual illness, misinformation and drug and substance abuse in the Nkhata Bay district of the northern region of Malawi. Nkhata Bay has many of the youth less educated on matters regarding sexual health and the use of contraceptives, which is why there are relatively high levels of teen pregnancy and those suffering from avoidable sexual illnesses.

The work of YONECO who conduct workshops is empirical in such communities, as it not only educates individuals on such matters but also empowers them. Empowerment I believe to be the most important thing we can give to these communities, as it is giving individuals the confidence to implement what we teach. For this reason I am telling the story of Joseph Chisambi, a boy who was empowered by work conducted in his school.

Joseph’s story starts when he was 12 years old. He met a girl and soon started a relationship with her. Workshops delivered to Chisu Secondary School by YONECO taught him the importance of preparing for goals in life and the importance of abstinence, which Chisambi listened to intently he told me. For this reason when his girlfriend pressured him to have sex without the use of contraceptives he refused. Despite her attempts he still refused, intent on going to university and achieving a degree in Agriculture Development.

Frustrated on such an outcome, the girl then decided to have sex with various other men. Soon after, she fell pregnant. Without the option of an abortion, as it is illegal in Malawi, the young girl had the baby and then married a local man whom was considerably older. YONECO and other NGO’s within the Nhkata Bay district work to keep pregnant teenagers in school. They stepped in to persuade her to continue her education.

Joseph Chisambi is now 18 years old and will finish school soon to pursue his degree.  The work of ICS and YONECO who conduct workshops is empirical in such communities, as it not only educates individuals on such matters but also empowers them. Joseph is an example of the long-term achievable development run by NGOs, as they look to achieve goals not through forcing change on communities or achieving short-term goals through providing handouts but rather to give people the strength to make their own change.