Young people and journalists in Mzimba are expected to play a bigger role in holding leaders accountable after the Centre for Social Accountability (CSAT) launched a new initiative to equip them with governance, transparency and accountability skills.
Dubbed the Youth, Media and Parliamentary Initiative, the seven-month project will train young people aged between 18 and 35, alongside Mzimba-based journalists, in civic engagement, accountability, and the oversight of development projects.
Speaking during the project’s orientation meeting on Friday, Mzimba District Youth Officer Yamikani Nyalugwe commended CSAT for introducing the initiative, describing it as both timely and relevant in empowering young people to actively participate in democratic governance.
Nyalugwe said the training would equip participants with practical skills to engage Members of Parliament and other duty bearers through constructive dialogue rather than violence.
“This initiative will help young people understand their role in promoting accountability and transparency while encouraging peaceful participation in governance processes,” he said.
CSAT Project Coordinator Albert Lulaka said the project seeks to strengthen democratic governance by building the capacity of young people and journalists to effectively monitor public service delivery and demand accountability from leaders.
Lulaka said the initiative was inspired by experiences in Mangochi, where some young people were manipulated into engaging in politically motivated violence due to a lack of civic knowledge and awareness.
He expressed confidence that equipping youths and the media with civic education and advocacy skills would help reduce political violence while promoting responsible citizenship.
Speaking on behalf of the Hora Press Club, a network of journalists based in Mzimba District, Vice Chairperson Prisca Mphande said the training had come at the right time and would enhance journalists’ understanding of parliamentary processes, enabling them to report more accurately and effectively on governance issues.
“It is our hope, as members of the media, that this training will strengthen our understanding of parliamentary affairs and improve the quality of our reporting on governance and accountability issues,” she said.
