Youth in Zomba have asked government to allocate more resources towards youth programmes which are currently critically underfunded.

The call was made during an interface meeting between the youth and duty bearers on challenges which were brought forward through an intervention which is being implemented by the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN).

It was highlighted during the interface meeting that for example the youth office at Zomba city council gets K300, 000 monthly which only caters for administration costs.

According to Zomba District Council officials, the council has plans to construct one Youth Resource Center in every Traditional Authority where youth can access various services including skills development and HIV testing services but the plans are not becoming a reality due to lack of funds.

Kazembe Youth Club chairperson James Magwira who is also Zomba City Youth Network publicity secretary said the challenges are impacting negatively on the youth.

MEJN programmes manager Kelvin Chirwa expressed the need for channeling more resources towards youth development initiatives.

Reacting to the concerns Zomba City mayor councillor Benson Bulla said his office will lobby for more resources for implementation of youth programmes.

The interface meeting brought together representatives of non-governmental organizations operating in the city, youth clubs, councilors, officials from Zomba City Council and Zomba District Council.