The Ligelio Youth Group, under Senior Chief Simphasi in Mchinji District, has been commended for its efforts to improve the livelihoods of young people in the area.
The commendation follows a visit by the Youth Office and Mtope Ward officials to the group. The group has a 1.2-acre farm where members are growing bananas as a source of income.
The group’s leader, Alinafe Sandram, said banana farming has started generating income for the group, enabling members to support other activities, including skills training such as basket weaving.
“We used to face many financial challenges, but after starting banana farming, we are now able to generate income that helps us undertake other activities,” said Sandram.
However, Sandram appealed for more support from agricultural extension workers to provide technical guidance on banana production and management.
“We need agricultural extension workers to visit us and provide guidance on how best to manage our banana crop so that we can achieve better yields,” she said.
The District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali, commended the group for its commitment to youth development and said his office would engage agricultural extension workers to provide the necessary support.
Meanwhile, the area’s Agricultural Extension Development Officer, Henry Nyamaole, encouraged the young people to remain united and continue working together.
“Continue working together because unity is the strength that will help you move forward,” said Nyamaole.
He also said efforts would be made to help the group access Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans to expand its activities and create more opportunities for young people.