Malawi

Thembi Thadzi

I was elected as a RYC last year in January. I have a certificate in mass communication, Diploma in Rural development, and am studying Bsc in rural management at share world open university.

I am a youth worker and the current Board Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Malawi

In Malawi just like most African counties, young people face a lot of challenges which includes , unemployment, under employment, poverty ,HIV/AIDS, including STIs , school dropout due to financial problems, teen pregnancies and early marriages due to some cultural practices, drug and alcohol abuse.

Currently as the measure to combat the challenges, Malawi has taken a step further by developing a National Youth policy which will act as guide to youth development programs in Malawi. Besides the policy, Malawi through the act of parliament established the National Youth Council which is a coordinating body for all youth programs in Malawi, through its various programs the council is currently providing scholarships to few high school students who drop out of school due to financial problems , as well as training other out of school youth in entrepreneurship and vocational skills

As youth of the common wealth, I believe now is the time for us to stand up and be counted. We are the leaders of today! and not tomorrow coz tomorrow never comes .