Community Radio Drives Mental Health Outreach in Rural Malawi

DRP partner Mudzi Wathu Community Radio in Mchinji, Malawi organized gatherings like this one in four rural schools where students learned about mental health - through theatre skits, poetry, music and discussions.

Mudzi Wathu Community Radio, through its DRP-trained youth reporters, led mental health campaigns at four schools in Mchinji, amplifying radio messages into community action against stigma and substance abuse.

More than 23-hundred young people attended the events.

Two local non-profits, Girls Activist Youth Organization and Community Initiative for Social Empowerment, covered the costs and Mudzi Wathu Radio organized the event.

Richard Batchi, the executive director of Girls Activist Youth Organization, says the outreach is important. “We decided to donate the money upon seeing that the messages that youth are putting on the Mudzi Wathu radio are of paramount importance to the community. There is a need to organize an outreach campaign for school learners particularly on the issue of mental health.

One of the outreach events was held at Mkanda Primary School where Deputy Head Teacher Jonathan Banda made sure more than one-thousand students showed up. “We thank the youth reporters from Mudzi Wathu Community Radio. They have educated hundreds of our learners on mental health. This campaign will help address immoral behaviors such as smoking at a tender age.”

13-year old Daniel Mussa was apparently moved by the messages. He vowed to stop smoking marijuana. “This activity conducted by youth has taught me a lot. Before, I did not understand how the use of drugs and substances could lead to mental health problems. Now I have the knowledge, and I must confess that I smoke marijuana. This is my last day—I will never do it again.” 

Senior chief Zulu says he, too, was inspired, by the radio programs – and decided to call a gathering of more than 200 people in his village to hear the message about mental health.

“I have been following radio programs on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio about mental health. In my village, young people smoke and drink, which can lead to problems,” he said.

Participants at all of the outreach events agreed.  Starting in March 2026, community leaders say anyone selling alcohol or marijuana to schoolchildren will be expelled from their villages. Parent support groups say monthly follow-ups will track enforcement.