DRP-funded Radio Program Identifies Problems and Solutions in Rural Community in Malawi

Madalitso James Obvi is studying to be a motorcycle mechanic. He says his local radio station is really helping identify problems and solutions to challenges in his community.

“I am very thankful to our community radio, Mudzi Wathu,” said Alinafe Malton, a 26-year-old woman from a rural village in Mchinji, Malawi. “The information it broadcasts has encouraged Kapiri Community Development Organization (KACODO) to step in and support us as youth,” she adds.

Alinafe’s tuition-free training in carpentry is part of a broader initiative inspired by DRP-funded radio programs on mental health that highlighted how poverty and lack of skills were driving stress among young people.

KACODO Executive Director Linda Kabanda said she has been listening to the youth-focused programs on Mudzi Wathu Community Radio for years, and says the discussions on mental health really stuck with her.

 “Being our community radio, we always listen to it,” Kabanda said. “The issue that drew my attention was that many youth were complaining on the radio that they live a stressed life because they are poor and have limited opportunities.” This, she says, “can lead to mental health issues.”

Kabanda said her organization wanted to do something to help, so she applied for a grant and got it.

KACODO began implementing the project in November 2025 in Kapiri, where the organization is based. It’s planning to support 200 youth over the next two years with tuition-free vocational training.

The initiative is currently supporting 50 young people aged 18 to 35, including 30 girls and 20 boys. They can get training in carpentry, construction, motorcycle repair, beekeeping, tailoring and how to run a chicken farm.

Madalitso James Obvi, who's 22, says he’s always wanted to work on motorcycles. He’s currently taking a mechanics class and plans to open his own motorcycle repair shop as soon as he’s completed his course. He says he hopes to create jobs for his peers and adds that he's glad his local radio station has helped find a solution to a serious problem in his community.

“These radio programs are truly helping organizations understand the problems in our community and they are taking action.”