PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2017 COMMEMORATIONS

“Youth Building Peace: The Role of Youth in Population, Health, Environment, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship”

The International Youth Day (IYD), celebrated on 12^th August each year, was launched by the United Nations in 2000 as a means of raising awareness of issues affecting young people around the world. IYD commemorations are usually characterized by the coming together of different stakeholders including the youth, the government, youth organizations and development partners to pursue the common purpose outlined in that year’s themes. Over the years, Malawi has also taken steps to ensure the IYD is opened up as a platform for advocacy on active youth participation and on key issues affecting the youth.

This year, the International Youth Day will be commemorated under the global theme Youth Building Peace. The theme of peace is of relevance to Malawi considering the effects that internal conflicts at different levels have on society and its members. The theme also comes within the context of efforts to establish a national peace structure whose impact would permeate all society.

In addition, Malawi is a youthful nation: about 80% of its population is aged below 35 years with 75% being below 30 years old. This necessitates engagement and inclusion of youth in decision-making processes and meaningful participation in the development agenda. Malawi has recently taken steps to establish a national peace structure with youth not being left out. Participation structures have been established at national, regional and district levels, with youth integrally forming part of the same. This results from the realization that youth are usually agents of violence and their participation in the peace processes is, therefore, critical.

This year’s main IYD commemoration in Malawi will be held on 21^st August, 2017 at Manika Ground in Balaka District. The Population Champion and Founder of the Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM), Her Excellency the First Lady of Malawi, Dr. Gertrude Mutharika, will be Guest of Honour. Prior to this event, the Ministry in collaboration with the National Youth Council and other stakeholders have planned a “Youth Expo” which will take place on Saturday, 12^th August, 2017 at the Kamuzu Institute for Sports starting from 08:30 am. The “Youth Expo” has been organized to provide a platform for young people to display their innovative ideas and activities. In the afternoon, young people be engaged in various sporting activities and performances. Later in mid-September, the prize presentation ceremony for the Ngwazi Zazikazi Story Competition will take place at Salima Technical College as a post-IYD event. The Ngwazi Zazikazi Story Competition is an initiative to celebrate and promote girls and women’s participation in jobs that are predominantly male dominated.

The events will be celebrated under the theme of “Youth Building Peace: The Role of Youth in Population, Health, Environment, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship”. The theme seeks to highlight the important role that young people can play in curbing rapid population growth, addressing environment issues, and efforts and challenges in the provision of skills and enterprise development among young people as catalysts for maintaining peace in Malawi.

The impact that youth can have in the pursuance of peace cannot be overemphasised. The existence of conflicts may thrive on a population that is too large for the existing resources, leading to the disruption of key processes, facilities and opportunities for health and skills development. Youth present the country with an opportunity if they choose to participate in building peaceful, progressive societies.  Investing in the youth and empowering them with life skills and technical and entrepreneurial skills means that they will be able to stand assertively contend for a peaceful society that gives room for their further growth. Such youths will, resultantly, be critical for maintaining good health, population management through reduced fertility and the eco-friendly pursuit of further skills both for themselves and their communities.

The organising committee for these events invites and encourages all Malawians to participate in these commemorations. All youth and other stakeholders are also encouraged to commemorate and the International Youth Day in various forms in their respective communities.

JOSEPH MWANDIDYA

SECRETARY FOR LABOUR, YOUTH, SPORTS AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE: WARNING AGAINST FRAUDULENT FUNDING REQUESTS

NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF MALAWI

PUBLIC NOTICE

National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) would like to notify the general public, organisations and institutions that it has received complaints that there are some unscrupulous individuals visiting or sending letters to companies and organisations requesting support for 2017 International Youth Day (IYD) commemorations and purporting to be working with the Council in pursuit of the said purpose.

The letters going around portray the picture that the bearers of the letter are working in collaboration with National Youth Council of Malawi in organising the IYD slated for 12 August, 2017 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe. The letter also requests ‘well wishers’ to channel financial resources to NYCOM’s account (Standard Bank, City Centre Branch, Savings Account Number 0121202933100). The bank account cited is only used for collection of affiliation fees from NYCOM members and is by no means meant to collect money from unsuspecting stakeholders. NYCOM did not plan and has not sought to mobilise financial resources in the manner described above for purposes of the IYD. While NYCOM does at times seek support from other stakeholders interested in youth development, it does so through credible official channels and properly headed letters. The unscrupulous individuals have further indicated the name of one of NYCOM’s officers as a contact person without his consent or knowledge.

NYCOM would like to distance itself from the aforementioned resource mobilisation drive. Stakeholders and the general public are informed that the Council was never at any point involved in the development of the concept and budget being used for the said resource mobilisation. On the contrary, NYCOM is, together with the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, coordinating activities for the IYD in which several stakeholders, not just, are involved, as per normal practice. The main IYD commemoration will take place at Manika Ground in Balaka on 21^st August, 2017 with a pre-event “Youth Expo” slated for 12 August, 2017 at the Kamuzu Institute for Youth. Another post-IYD event, the prize presentation for the Ngwazi Zazikazi Story Competition, will take place later in September.

Stakeholders and the general public are therefore warned to avoid falling prey to the scam which, in some cases, has taken coercive forms, including attempts to cunningly extort resources from the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development. NYCOM is, therefore, encouraging all companies and organisations and the general public to verify with the Council through it’s the office of the Executive Director in the event that they received any suspicious communication. The people behind this malicious scam have already been warned against continued use of NYCOM’s name, or the name of the parent Ministry, for their ulterior ends. Further action shall also be taken, including officially seeking legal remedies.

Should any institution continue to be approached by the aforesaid fraudsters, please contact NYCOM through the Finance and Administration Officer, Ms. Thembeka Chide, through email thembichide@gmail.com or cell phone 0888550654. You can also contact the Deputy Director of Youth in the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Mrs. Judith Msusa on 0999416564.

Internship Opportunity: Programme Associate

NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF MALAWI

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY 

The National Youth Council of Malawi is a Statutory Corporation of the Republic of Malawi established under the National Youth Council of Malawi Act (No. 22 of 1996). The Council is mandated to register youth organisations, and to coordinate, promote and regulate youth work in Malawi as well as responsible for facilitation and implementation of programmes that promote health and development of young people in the country. The National Youth Council is an umbrella body for all the registered youth organisations in Malawi. 

The National Youth Council of Malawi is currently inviting applications for internship positions of Program Associate – Youth Participation and Empowerment (YPE) tenable at the National Youth Council of Malawi Secretariat in Lilongwe.    

PROFILE OF THE POSITION 

Internship Position: Program Associate – Youth Participation and Empowerment (YPE) (2)

Reporting to: Program Officer – Youth Participation and Empowerment (YPE)

Duration: 6 Months  

At NYCOM, we do not consider our interns as errand persons but as a critical member of the team. The interns will be expected to provide effective support in planning and implementation of youth participation and economic empowerment activities and programs.

Required Attributes 

•      Strong willed,

•      Aged not more than 25 years,

•      Academic qualification in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Humanities, or related fields from an accredited institution of higher learning, 

•      Ability to learn and master new operations quickly, 

•      Proactive, creative, analytical and strategic thinking aptitude, 

•      Good writing, communication, facilitation, interpersonal and team-work skills, 

•      Multitasking and good time management abilities, 

•      Ability to work with minimum supervision and under pressure to meet tight deadlines, 

•      Skills in computer applications - (MS Word, Excel, Power Point)

•      Willingness to travel across Malawi, 

•      Fluency in Chichewa and English.

Mode of Application

An application letter (not more than 1 page) and Curriculum Vitae (not more than 2 pages) addressed to The Executive Director, National Youth Council of Malawi, P/Bag 389, Lilongwe, should be submitted by hand or through email to info@malawiyouthcouncil.org by close of business Friday, 7^th April, 2017. 

Please take note that this is unpaid position, however, the intern will be given monthly stipend to cover the cost of transport and lunch. 

NYCOM is an equal opportunity employer.

Youth Council, Partners commemorate Women’s Day, Launch five-month story competition

The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) and some of its partners joined the rest of the country and the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday, 10 March, 2017, at Mponera Community Technical College in Dowa district.

The IWD falls on 8 March, and was this year commemorated under the international theme “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030”. Malawi however localised the international theme to “Closing the Gender Gap in the World of Work by 2030”.  This day was set aside by the United Nations to promote women’s rights and participation in political, social and economic environment. The theme notes some of the gender gaps that currently exist in the employment, education and other various sectors.

A cross-section of people attending the IWD commemoration in at Mponera Community Technical College, Dowa

The event involved the participation of the Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Training Authority (TEVETA), some government ministries and youth groups in Dowa district. The commemoration was supported financially and technically by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) through its Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP) currently being implemented in the country.

The event was conducted in two different sessions: the morning session involving an empowerment and motivation talks for in and out of school female youths and practical sessions in tailoring, welding, plumbing, carpentry and bricklaying, technical fields that are customarily dominated by males. The afternoon session involved community interaction among the pupils from primary and secondary schools, students from the technical college and members of the community.

Brick and mortar: Secondary school pupils trying out their bricklaying skills

In the morning session, the secondary and primary school pupils received motivation talks from current technical and vocational college students and graduates, after which they put their hands to practice, excitedly participating in the three afore-stated technical areas.

Girls listen attentively as a role model demonstrates and explains some plumbing skills. 

Ahaa! So this is how it looks like through the welding mask?! Wow!

There was a heavy downpour not long after the afternoon session had started but that did not stop the people from carrying on with the commemorations. The event was interrupted for some time as everyone went into the college hall to continue with the colourful function.

The community engagement session involved speeches from various stakeholders, an orientation and motivation session from TEVETA, which marketed the trades currently being offered in the technical colleges, appealing to the female youths to take up the challenges as had done their role models who were currently successful in the industry. There were also speeches from the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare and the UNESCO-STEP.

They watched the demonstration of the skills with the attention and serenity of a lizard that is about to catch a life-giving fly

The excitement in the girls could not be overemphasized

During the event, NYCOM and UNESCO-STEP also launched a story writing competition for young people. The competition requires young people aged 10-35 to write and submit stories about women they know who are courageous and have pursued non-traditional careers and have shaped new gender roles.  

The competition, billed as the "Ngwazi Zazikazi Story Competition", will run from March 10 to July 10, 2017, but the presentation of the main prizes is expected to be made on International Youth Day (IYD) on August 12, 2017. There will also be monthly and weekly prizes before the main prizes are presented. Some of the winning stories will also be aired on a local radio station that is yet to be named.

Reggae-Dancehall songstress, Sangie, performing 'Ngwazi Zazikazi', the theme song for the IWD in Malawi. She features Chiwamba in the audio and its yet-to-be-released video. 

The event was spiced up by performances from female reggae-dancehall songstress, Sangie and renowned vernacular poet, Robert Chiwamba. There were also performances from local performing arts groups. Chiwamba and Sangie have also provided the theme song and theme poem form the IWD and the story writing competition.

Chiwamba pouring out his energy in support of women empowerment. His poem, also titled 'Ngwazi Zazikazi' is also already going around faster than a rumour.

H E Arthur Peter MUTHARIKA talks about AU Summit 2017, KIA

Vacancy: Finance and Administration Officer

National Youth Council of Malawi

VACANCIES

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and motivated candidates to fill the vacant position of Finance and Administration Officer tenable at the National Youth Council of Malawi Secretariat, Lilongwe.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is a statutory corporation established through an Act of Parliament (National Youth Council of Malawi Act No.22 of 1996). National Youth Council of Malawi is mandated to register youth organisation, coordinate and regulate youth work in Malawi as well as to facilitate and implement development activities that promote health and development of young people. The vision of National Council is a Malawi where young people are able to develop their full potential and contribute to sustainable development of their country.

 Finance and Administration Officer

Position Objectives   

The Finance and Administration Officer is responsible for proper financial management, human resources management and administrative systems of NYCOM. He/she will ensure efficient and effective financial, administrative and human resources support services to the core operations of NYCOM Strategic Plan.

Major Duties and Responsibilities  

·         Lead in the development and implementation of financial management and administrative systems for effective management and use of organizational resources including staff at NYCOM and affiliate levels.

·         Implement and monitor human resources policies and systems including performance management.

·         Prepare and monitor NYCOM budgets and cash flows

·         Ensure timely disbursement of funds

·         Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions in the accounting system.

·         Produce donor reports, management reports and Board reports

·         Manage donor relations

·         Organize audit for NYCOM and affiliates to ensure compliance, accountability and transparency

·         Build capacity of staff responsible for financial management and administration.

·         Ensure efficient management of programme staff including annual appraisals of finance and administration staff, coaching, training and mentoring.

·         Assist the ED in development and implementation of fundraising and resource mobilization strategies and activities.

·         Manage of the finances of the NYCOM and the day-to-day running of the Finance and Administration section.

·         Advise the Board and management on financial matters of the NYCOM.

·         Prepare monthly and quarterly financial and management accounts.

·         Coordinate preparation of annual budgets for submission to the Government.

·         Design and review internal controls and accounting procedures.

·         Trains youth from partner organizations in financial management and liquidation of donor funds.

·         Oversees the management of the inventory.

·         Keep personnel/staff records

Required Qualifications and Experience   

·         Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or its equivalent

·         Minimum of 2 years’ experience in similar position

·         Knowledge in computerized financial accounting programmes.

·         Understanding of acceptable accounting principles and procedures

Required Attributes and Skills       

·         Ability to work with the youth

·         Good analytical skills

·         Must be detail-oriented

·         Good communication skills

·         Good computer skills

Mode of Application

Interested candidates meeting the minimum requirements should send their applications and updated curriculum vitae with three traceable referees to the following address.

The Executive Director

National Youth Council of Malawi

Plot 112, Area 47 Sector 2

Private Bag 389

Lilongwe 3

The Closing date for receiving application is 22^nd July, 2016, 16:30 hours. Application received later than the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. The successful candidate is expected to report for duties by 1^st September, 2016.

The National Youth Council of Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Fundraising for Desks with Makwelero

NYCOM’s main slogan and purpose is “uniting youth for development”. Our focus is to coordinate all efforts of youth development in Malawi. At NYCOM, we believe that all young people should be empowered through education, networking, and information exchange. We strive for this together with our affiliate organizations and indeed with others not yet affiliated.

Included in our five year Strategic Plan, NYCOM advocates for access to inclusive education for all youth including youth with disabilities.

Recently we were so impressed with the actions and ideas of one of our affiliate organizations and we went the extra mile to help them mobilize learning resources for a special needs class in a primary school in Lilongwe.

Makwelero is an organization founded by recent University graduates hoping to inspire the volunteer spirit within other youth in the community by helping struggling primary school pupils learn to read and write. By providing one on one tutoring in reading and writing, they hope to promote the eradication of illiteracy within schools across Malawi.

Upon establishing a tutoring program at the Lilongwe LEA School in the Capital Lilongwe, it was jarringly obvious the school does not have adequate resources, which is unfortunately the case for most public schools across Malawi. The learners do not have desks to sit in or books to learn with, and the school blocks are falling apart with broken windows and gaping holes in the ceilings and floors.

In order to bring some resources to the school, two of our Canadian volunteers started an online campaign called “Adopt a Desk”. People are encouraged to donate $50 CND for the purchase of a two-person desk. The goal is to raise $2 500 to revamp one classroom at the school.

Within a few days 25% of the funds were already raised but then came to a halt shortly after. To gain more momentum we revisited the school armed with a video camera and a vision. We wanted to shoot a short video that would encourage more people to understand the situation and need for promoting a healthy learning environment for students here in Malawi.

Here is the video titled, “A day in the Life”:

If you would like to know more about the campaign and how to donate go here:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/adopt-a-desk-in-malawi/x/12474033#/

If you would like to know more about what Makwelero is doing go here:

https://makwelero.wordpress.com