By Chisomo Phiri
The Blantyre-based Youth Transformation and Empowerment Network (YOTEN) has called for increased community-based engagement with young people in the country, citing rising cases of relationship-related violence, mental health challenges, and suicide among youths.
Speaking during the organization’s youth braai organized as a platform for open dialogue following the recently concluded 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Sunday at Anna’s Lodge in the commercial city,YOTEN Director Gift Kayuni said the initiative was not merely a social gathering, but a deliberate effort to create a safe physical space where young people could openly discuss challenges affecting their personal and family lives.
He observed that many young people in the country are silently struggling with relationship pressures that often escalate into gender-based violence.
“We have noticed that when youths come together, many of the issues they raise are about relationships. We hear of cases where boys have assaulted girls over minor misunderstandings, and we have also recorded cases of suicide. When we analyze these incidents, most are linked to relationship breakdowns,” said Kayuni.
He warned that the increasing shift of youth interaction to online platforms has made it harder to identify and address such problems early.
“Most youths are now found online rather than physically within their communities.Unfortunately, the online space has also become a source of negative influence. That is why we felt it was important to bring them together physically, where we can better understand what they are going through,” said Kayuni.
According to him, physical engagement allows for honest, peer-to-peer conversations that are often impossible in digital spaces, enabling youths to open up about sensitive issues such as family conflict, emotional abuse, and mental health struggles.
Kayuni emphasized that addressing youth challenges requires both social and economic support.
“Young people are already leaders in their communities today. If we fail to invest in their emotional, social, and economic well-being, we risk losing a generation,” he said.
On her part,YOTEN member, Marriam Mabozo, encouraged young people to actively participate in youth groups, saying such platforms help youths find solutions to the challenges they face.
Mabozo said youth groups provide safe spaces where young people can openly discuss their problems and receive guidance from peers and mentors.
“Being in youth groups helps us deal with the problems we face as young people,” she said.
Mabozo noted that many youths struggle with personal, social, and emotional challenges but often lack appropriate support systems.
She therefore advised fellow youths to take part in youth-led activities, describing them as practical avenues for problem-solving and personal growth.
“I would like to encourage other youths to participate in these activities so that they can find solutions to their problems,” she said.
Founded about five years ago, YOTEN was established as a youth-centered platform aimed at providing a safe environment for dialogue, mentorship, and empowerment.
The organization runs various programs, including football and netball teams that use sports as an entry point to discuss social and personal challenges affecting youths.
YOTEN also operates a drama unit that uses acting to raise awareness on issues such as gender-based violence, substance abuse, and responsible relationships.
In addition, the organization conducts door-to-door outreach programs that engage youths within their communities, offering guidance on relationship management, family responsibilities, and conflict resolution.
It has also recently partnered with other stakeholders to strengthen grassroots efforts to prevent gender-based violence in the country.
Beyond advocacy, YOTEN promotes economic empowerment among young people through small-scale business initiatives.
The organization assists youths with start-up capital and provides training in basic business management to enhance self-reliance.