Communities under Traditional Authorities Ganya and Njolomole in Ntcheu have applauded the Adolescent Girls, Youth and Women (AGYW) project for helping reduce drug and substance abuse among young people.

Ennet Mtulukira, a mother from Mphepo Zinayi, said her daughter began drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana at the age of 13, but the AGYW project has transformed her life. Now 21, her daughter has stopped abusing substances.

Mtulukira said her daughter used to steal money to buy beer and marijuana and often associated with older men, which eventually led to an early pregnancy.

“So when Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid came here in June with the AGYW project aimed at addressing drug and substance abuse among girls, I encouraged my daughter to join the safe spaces,” she said.

Another parent, Mphatso Landasi of Kangola Village in Zande, described drug and substance abuse as a serious challenge in her area. She said the project has brought relief, as many girls engage in harmful behaviours due to lack of direction and ambition.

Fortune Thawale, Mtulukira’s daughter, said she began drinking and smoking while living with an aunt in Blantyre who mistreated her. What started as an attempt to cope with stress eventually led to addiction.

She said her life spiraled out of control and she began sleeping with men at drinking spots, resulting in a pregnancy. She is now a mother to a one-year-old child.

“But since joining the safe spaces in June, I have realised what I was doing was wrong and unhealthy. I want to go back to school, and my dream is to become a fashion designer,” said Fortune.

Group Village Head Kandeu commended NCA-DCA, the Dedza Diocese Catholic Health Commission and all implementing partners for empowering young women and shaping them into responsible citizens.

He said the project has encouraged village leaders to ensure children from households that brew beer or sell marijuana are not involved in their parents’ businesses.

“We make sure children are not sent to sell beer or marijuana. We are also sensitising the communities on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. As a result, no child is being forced into selling beer,” he said.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Dedza Diocese Catholic Health Commission, Chimwemwe Mtambo, said the project has trained 30 girls as mentors who help identify and bring vulnerable girls into safe spaces.

Mtambo added that in the coming weeks, young women who have shown positive change will start learning vocational skills such as tailoring and will receive sewing machines upon completion of training.

“We have already identified local tailors who will start training them soon. After completing the training, they will receive certificates and machines so they can start their own businesses,” Mtambo said.

The Adolescent Girls and Young Women Empowerment Project is being implemented in Blantyre and Ntcheu in two TAs per district. It targets girls and young women aged 14–24 with the aim of preventing alcohol, drug, and substance abuse while promoting healthier and more resilient communities. The project started in July this year and will run until June 2026.

Valued at over K240 million, the initiative is implemented by Norwegian Church Aid – Danish Church Aid in collaboration with the Dedza Diocese Catholic Health Commission, Blantyre Synod Health and Development Commission, and the Government of Malawi.

(Written By Blessings Mbewe )