Written by Ivy Tunkete Mwanyongo:
The Anglican Church has indicated its commitment to molding the youths to be socially responsible citizens, so they can actively contribute to the well-being of their communities.
The Church’s Diocesan Youth Chaplain under the Diocese of Lake Malawi, Reverend Father Samuel Dewa said there is a need for youths to realize that they can assist others despite not having enough resources.
He made the remarks over the weekend at Nkhotakota District Hospital, where a group of youths who were in attendance of the 2023 Diocesan Youth Rally engaged in cleaning the hospital.
“Firstly, we wanted to teach our young people social responsibilities and as well help the hospital, as you have seen that we cleaned the surroundings and also donated some items to address some challenges patients face in the hospital”, said Reverend Father Dewa.
He therefore expressed optimism that the youths will practice what they have learnt at the rally by leading charitable activities in their locations.
A Nursing officer at Nkhotakota District Hospital, Chimwemwe Mtandiwa applauded the youths for the gesture, saying it has assisted in boosting sanitation of the facility.
She acknowledged that due to understaffing, some places remain un-cleaned for a while, hence calling on other well-wishers to embrace the same.
“As a hospital, we are facing a shortfall of cleaning materials such as soap, and we are calling on other well-wishers to consider bringing such items”, said Mtandiwa.
One of the guardians whose child has been admitted at the women’s ward, Ana Joseph, from Bua Village in the area of Senior Chief Mphonde said, the donation will go a long way in assisting her child as they are not sure when they will be released from the hospital.
The youths donated both food and nonfood items such as clothes, and soap wealth of MK500 thousand that was raised through contributions amongst themselves.
The 2023 Youth rally was held at Bishop Mtekateka Secondary School in Nkhotakota under the theme “God’s Grace” and attracted over one thousand three hundred youths from the central region.
