EAM Trains Youths In Theatre For Development/Interactive Drama

A total of 36 youths drawn from clubs under Traditional Authorities: Jalavikuwa, Mthwalo and Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba district have been drilled in theatre for development/interactive activities with an aim of addressing issues leading to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young people.

The Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has conducted the week-long training at Ekwendeni in Mzimba district at a time when both local and international organizations have shifted their attention towards other things like pandemics, natural disasters and other socio-economic challenges resulting from conflicts.

According to EAM’s project Officer in the northern region, Patience Joan Banda the project is aimed at improving Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services with a major focus on the wellbeing of adolescent youths aged 10-24, especially girls, young women and those with disabilities who are at high risk of gender based violence.

Banda further stated that thirty-six (36) talented dramatists from thirteen (13) Health Center youth clubs in EAM’s catchment area in Mzimba district have been drawn to assist in raising awareness of the pandemic (which pandemic?) in rural communities which is also another way of nurturing and perfecting their theatre for development interactive performances.

“This is a capacity building targeting skilled drama artists within their youth clubs and they will assist in disseminating SRH and gender based violence messages among young boys and adolescent girls,” said Banda.

One of the facilitators of the theater for development training programme, James Mhango commended the enthusiasm and the overwhelming response shown by youthful dramatists whom he described as custodians for behaviour change among peers.

“Traditionally, drama is a way of putting an organized story before an audience. Sexual and Reproductive Health issues needs this age group to put the messages across to their peers therefore addressing issues of concern among members of society audience through fine artistic performances,” said Mhango.

One of the female participants, a 23 year old Mariah Duke from Choma in the outskirts of Mzuzu City described the training as a timely initiative in her quest to perfect her stage performance especially on issues to do with Sexual Reproductive Health.

After the vigorous five-day training workshop all the 36 participants have been issued with a certificate of attendance.

The five year project which is being implemented jointly with Tovwirane Youth organization is a build up of the 2019-2021 project and has been extended from 2022 to June 2025 with financial assistance from Plan International, Germany.