A faith-based organisation, Shine Relief Trust in Zomba District, has encouraged young people to engage in physical exercises to promote healthy living.
Shine Relief Trust Executive Director, Suzen Zidana, made this statement at the organisation’s office in Zomba, where they organised Pickleball games as one way of encouraging youth to stay physically active.
Zidana said they decided to introduce Pickleball as a means to bring young people together, promote physical exercise, and help them avoid engaging in immoral behaviour and alcohol consumption.
She mentioned that a 17-year-old young man from South Korea, Jin Kim, was the one who introduced Pickleball at the Shine Relief Trust as a way to relieve stress among the youth affected by Cyclone Freddy.
Zidana advised the youth in Zomba to avoid immoral behaviour, alcohol, and smoking, and instead participate in various forms of physical activity while also sharing and learning the word of God.
“I’m grateful to Jin Kim from South Korea for introducing Pickleball and constructing the playing court, which has helped many young people avoid inappropriate behaviours,” she said.
One of the youth who participated in the game, Patience Tambulasi, said playing Pickleball helps her body stay strong and healthy.
Tambulasi, who is also among the girls supported with school fees by Shine Relief Trust and is currently in form 2 at Malindi Secondary School, encouraged her fellow youth to enjoy playing Pickleball and stay focused in school so they can become financially independent in the future.
Adding her thoughts, Walunji Nyirongo said that Pickleball has helped young people develop sharper thinking and has contributed to reducing immoral behaviour among girls while increasing their interest in school.
Shine Relief Trust also supports girls who face challenges in accessing education by paying their school fees. Some of these girls attend Malindi Secondary School, Lilongwe Girls Secondary School, and the organisation also supports orphans, Early Child Development, and assists teenage mothers.
