One of the pioneers of Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO), Charles Banda has died.

YONECO Executive Director, MacBain Mkandawire confirmed the passing on of Banda at Zomba Central Hospital on Wednesday evening.

Until his death, the late Banda was the Media and Innovations Manager for Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) as well as the Station Manager for YONECO FM Radio Station.

Mkandawire described the death of Banda as a very big blow to YONECO and the nation.

“Let me point out that even before l could officially communicate that Mr Banda had passed on, I had several calls coming in which just demonstrates the life Mr Banda has lived.

Mkandawire said the late Banda was one of the institution’s longest serving members.

“Mr Banda came into YONECO as a volunteer early 1997 and as a volunteer his role was mainly just to learn about child rights and at the same time he was also educating others as a child rights advocate,” he said.

Mkandawire said the late Banda was very committed to serving the youth, women and children in the country.

“As a person the late Banda was a humble man and when he wanted to deal with an issue that related to youth, women and children, he was very committed,” he added.

The body of late Banda will be laid to rest at Chikolere village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Msamala in Balaka district on April 20.

The late Banda is survived by a wife and three children, two sons and a daughter.

He will forever be remembered for among other things, his selfless contribution to the national advocacy on human rights as well as mentoring of young people in social work.

He was also instrumental towards elimination of child marriages in Malawi.