JB opens youth sanctuary in Blantyre
Malawi Vice-President Joyce Banda officialy opened a mentoring hub called Youth Movement in Development Centre (YOMODE) in Chirimba, Blantyre on Sunday.
YOMODE is a programme that was started under the Joyce Banda Foundation International last year.
The centre will be used as a feeding centre and offer vocational training for young men and women. It will also have a mentoring component to keep girls and boys in school and off the streets.
The programme will also support micro-financing initiatives of youth groups.
In her remarks , the frank Veep called on girls and boys to stay in school and work hard to be self-reliant.
The VP gave a classic example of singer Njati Njedede who she fondly called her son.
Njati grew up a street child and during an encounter with the Vice- President when she was Gender Minister told her his desire to go back to school. Not only did he manage to complete his secondary school education, he passed his MSCE with flying colours—an aggregate of 17 points.
The country’s second in command reiterated her support for the youth saying they have a major role to play in the development of Malawi, adding all the youth need is support and a positive attitude.
She said she will continue to support the youth relentlessly.
It was Njati’s wish to assist other street children by opening the Youth Centre. With the assistance of the candid and hands-on VP, a plot was identified and purchased in Chirimba to build the youth centre.
In his remarks, at the function Njati thanked the Vice-President for being a mother to him and for the support and love she has rendered to the disadvantaged.
The long term plan is to open more youth centres such as this one in Chirimba throughout Malawi.
There was singing, drama and dance displays during the colourful function.
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