The youth have accessed loans under Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

They have benefited from a revolving fund through which 10 percent of the CDF funds is committed towards economic empowerment programs targeting youth and women.

Tengani Youth Network vice secretary Blessings Davie told Zodiak Online on Wednesday, “I got 100,000. I sell rice and beans and other merchandise so I have used the money to boost my business. I believe things will never be the same economically.

“As a group we accessed K1.9 million. Some youths engage in prostitution and theft due to unemployment concerns so the program has come at the right time,” explained Blessings.

She added, “we pushed for it after a local organization, Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment (FOCESE) tipped us on the same through its governance project.

Another youth, Spaga Kanjiwa aged 31, told Zodiak Online so far five groups have benefited from the loan program in Nsanje Central Constituency.

“It’s a revolving fund so we will ensure that it is recovered so others can benefit as well. Our repayment period is four months, that is the agreement.

FOCESE with financial support from Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid is implementing a one year project in Nsanje aimed at fighting inequalities.

Honest Sande, Chigumukire ward councilor, told us they are now able to follow up CDF education bursary issues claiming only genuine learners are being picked saying, “local structures are involved in registering beneficiaries.”

Speaking Tuesday during an engagement with the beneficiaries of the project, NCA/DCA Program Officer, John Chawinga said he is impressed with the follow ups on bursary issues.

“In our program we expect that most people will excel economically through education. If needy people are able to access education they will be able to secure jobs in future as well as do business.

He added, this project is about fighting inequality, as NCA/DCA our interest is on having good programs in education, health as well as social protection. When people are healthy they are able to do day to day work,” said Chawinga.

NCA/DCA have pumped K120 million towards the project in Nsanje district.

A similar project is also being implemented in Mangochi by the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) in Dowa and Ntchisi by Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) and Karonga by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP).