Guntolah says the idea came about after noticing that young people are failing to take part in art due to early pregnancies, teen marriages and HIV/AIDS.

“I have noted that many young people, especially girls, do not participate in out talent clubs because they believe that the platforms are meant for boys only.

“Most of them also face barriers such as pregnancies that prevent them from active participation on various activities. These young people are, therefore, being reached out with SRH messages,” he said.

The initiative dubbed “Art for a Living Movement”, according to Guntolah, also focuses on encouraging young people to attach education to art as a living earner.

He says he has partnered with a drama group called Young Travelers Theatre to identify and train young people to flourish their talent.

“So far, we have managed to reach out to almost 15 secondary schools around Blantyre and over one hundred students are in school clubs,” he said.

“With the high unemployment level hitting the youth in the country, we feel it is paramount that they master their talents and education for a better future,” he said.

However, the initiative is facing challenges which Guntolah says need a hand from willing partners to advance the cause.

“We lack professional personnel to help us with human rights, family planning and HIV/AIDS message dissemination. It is also hard to reach fellow youths in hard to reach areas as that needs funding,” he said.