By Richard Mbaka
Issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) have not spared any society. For centuries, many people have either lost their lives or property due to GBV.
In Malawi such violence have not only disturbed families, communities rather the nation at large. It has also led to orphanage and increased number of children living roughly in the street.
Efforts to deal with GBV are numerous. Year – in and year – out, government and stakeholders have been fighting GBV sternly.
Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO), a local non-governmental organization fully endeavored in the promotion of the rights of the youth, women and children, has been part of the solution.
On March 16, 2019 YONECO coordinated a school quiz competition for Chiradzulu based Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS), as a way of imparting knowledge on Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response.
The competition brought together student representatives of Protect Our Youth (POY) Clubs, their patrons and Head teachers to a central place where they showcased various skills and articulated issues on GBV.
Speaking in an interview with YFM, the coordinator for Essential GBV Services and Prevention project, Rodrick Mwale said he is optimistic that the competition will have a positive impact.
“When students come together like this, they share knowledge and learn from each other hence being able to understand various GBV related topics,” said Mwale.
He added that this competitions acted as a motivating tool for the students and when they get back home they will be able to share the experience with others.
A total of 10 schools participated in the competition, Maselani CDSS emerged as the winner of the competition.
In her remarks one of the participants from Maselani CDSSS, Esnart Nangwale said the competition is a life changer and she has learned a lot.
“Through the competition I have learned public speaking, how to answer question as well as team work. I have also seen how our friends deal with GBV in Schools,” said Nangwale.
The emerged winner, Maselani CDSS was presented with a big Trophy and other items such as T-shirts while the second place winners St Louis CDSS walked home with a small trophy and the third place winners Chigodi CDSS walked home with items such as note books and others.
The quiz competition was organized by World Education through a project called Essential GBV services and prevention which is Funded by the US department of State, primed by Engender Health and implemented at a local level by YONECO and other partners.
