Radio Program Inspires Traditional Authority to Donate Land for Youth Center in Nkhata Bay, Malawi

oung people at Chikwina village discuss challenges of accessing reproductive health services since there is no facility near them.

(July 16, 2024) In a move to address the lack of youth-friendly reproductive health services (YFRHS) in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, Traditional Authority Nyaluwanga has announced the donation of seven hectares of land for the construction of a youth center.

This decision comes in response to the pressing need for such facilities in the area, particularly given the absence of a youth corner at the nearby Chikwina Health Centre.

The donated land will be handed over to the Area Development Committee, which will oversee its utilization by the Nyaluwanga Youth Network for the construction of the youth corner. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide the approximately 7,000 youth in the area with a dedicated space to access reproductive health services.

Innocent Manda, the former station manager of Chirundu Radio, revealed that the land donation was prompted by an interview his reporters conducted with the chief regarding the need for a youth corner.

Responding to the impact of the radio program, Traditional Authority Nyaluwanga stated, "My donation is my response to the challenge you asked me about. Your program impacted, inspired, and forced me to act." This development is particularly significant given the recent concerns raised by youths in his area about the lack of youth-friendly reproductive health services. 

The new youth center aims to address this gap and provide much-needed support to the local young population.

While the land donation marks a crucial first step, no specific time-frame has been set for the construction of the youth corner. The project's progress will likely depend on various factors, including funding and community support.