Karonga-based youth club known as Mwanganda I has made significant strides in environmental conservation and entrepreneurship.
The club’s director Walungu Kaseghe said their focus include sexual reproductive health and rights, human rights, environment conservation, advocating for transparency, accountability and entrepreneurship.
One of the club’s notable initiatives is the production of briquettes from waste products, which are collected within Karonga district.
“We produce briquettes using local materials such as soil, water and newspaper as well as machinery using groundnut shells, binder, water, pot, and tent,” said Walusungu Kaseghe.
The club started producing briquettes in 2022 with support from Catholic Relief Services (CRS). To date, they have produced over 4,530 briquettes, selling approximately 1,500 kilogrammes.
In addition to briquette production, the club has also made significant progress in environmental conservation. They have practiced re-afforestation to reduce flooding in Karonga and produced “Kyungu Manure” as a fertiliser.
The club’s entrepreneurial spirit has also led to the establishment of a successful business. They have purchased three goats, bringing their total to 14, and plan to start a rearing chicken and boiler business.
“We are happy to see that a thing, which started small, is now growing into a big brand. Through the club, we managed to support some of our members in pursuing higher education, in total there are seven members attending university, we find our daily needs through this,” said Kaseghe.
Looking ahead, the club aims to register their business, secure a permanent location and bridge the gap between youth and environmental conservation, including agribusiness.
Khumbo Mbeye, an environmental officer for Karonga district, has hailed the club for their notable work they are doing in the district.
The club was formed in 2016, and it has 33 members.
