Lilongwe, Malawi – In a bold and creative response to the rising tide of youth gambling, Zaluso Arts has rolled out a series of workshops in three secondary schools in Area 25, using music, drama, poetry, and visual art to challenge the myths and risks surrounding betting.

In a statement, Zaluso Arts said the initiative delivered in partnership with the University of Glasgow and the Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU), aims to shift how students understand the gambling industry—away from the illusion of “easy money” and toward a more critical, informed perspective.

What made the programme stand out was its delivery: young Malawians, many of whom were involved in earlier research on gambling harms, co-created and facilitated the sessions. Instead of lectures, students encountered real-life reflections through performances, spoken word, visual storytelling, and creative games—all rooted in research and lived experience.

“Gambling is often glamorised, especially to young people”. “But when students hear stories from their peers, when they see it acted out or feel the emotion in a poem—it hits differently,” reads part of the statement.

The workshops addressed how gambling companies operate, the manipulation behind betting advertisements, and the social and financial harm that can follow unchecked gambling habits. They also created space for students to reflect and respond through their own creative contributions.

The programme follows evidence showing a sharp increase in youth betting in Malawi, often driven by poverty, unemployment, and targeted advertising. Research backing the workshops has already documented school dropouts, rising debt, and mental health consequences—including one tragic case of suicide linked to gambling losses.

After observing the workshops, officials from the Ministry of Education expressed support for the initiative and encouraged the team to explore possibilities for adapting and scaling the approach to reach more learners at primary schools.

Teachers involved praised the method, saying it helped “cut through” in ways typical classroom approaches rarely do.
 
Students called the experience “eye-opening,” “fun but serious,” and “a chance to think differently.”

As gambling gains ground across Malawi, especially among youth, this project is a timely reminder that the arts are not just about expression—they’re powerful tools for education, dialogue, and public health intervention.