In a historic event on May 31st, 2024, Malawian youth leaders held a significant dialogue with
the President at the Kamuzu Palace at the inaugural Presidential Youth Engagement. Over 100
young leaders from across the country voiced their concerns, which included limited access to quality and transformative education, poor infrastructure in youth friendly healthcare, and high unemployment.
MATCH Foundation’s executive director, Tadala Kandulu Ngosi, was selected as a youth
representative in the technical steering committee. Her role was to produce a youth-led
documentary which showcased young Malawian game changers in mining, agriculture,
education and social enterprise.
The Executive Director also participated as a panelist, where her key contribution urged the
President and development partners to collaborate more effectively with young people and
create an enabling environment for their success. Her message resonated powerfully,
emphasizing the importance of increased opportunities and partnerships. She also
emphasized that the biggest challenge at the moment is lack of transformative education
which leads young people to be less empowered to create their own initiatives.
The president pledged his commitment to establish an interministerial committee comprised
of young people and all ministries aligned with youth work. This committee will fast track all
youth related projects and address critical issues such as increased national youth funding, an expedited National Youth Service program, and a noteworthy commitment to implement 30% youth participation in governance structures.
The event later ended with a celebratory dinner fostering a spirit of unity and optimism for the
future. This gathering marked a turning point, with Malawian youth establishing themselves as key players in shaping their nation’s path.
Please click the link below to download the newsletter file.
