A 43 year-old Damiano Satha has launched a lone battle against child marriage scourge amongst girls in Mtandile, Lilongwe.
Satha has been canvassing against the vice since 2021, stopping dozens of girls from falling prey to early marriages and rescuing some who fell victim to the vice.
The Mtandile-based teacher, who joined the teaching industry in 2006, mobilises girls aged between 12 and 18 and offers them guidance and counselling.
“I normally offer guidance and counselling to girls so that they can understand the importance of education as well as the dangers of early marriages,” said Santha.
He launched an organisation called Girls Shine Foundation (GISF) which was fully registered as a community based organization in 2003 by the Lilongwe district council.
After noticing the impact of his work, the Ministry of Education also granted Satha permission to visit schools and empower girls with knowledge on how to stay safe.
“Other organisations including radio stations have also noticed my battle against child marriages and they have given me a platform to air my messages to the wider masses,” he said.
Satha’s vision is to reach more girls across Malawi with knowledge on how to stay safe and fight the scourge of early marriages.
Reuben Banda, a producer of Ufulu Wathu programme at Nkhoma Synod Radio in Lilongwe has hailed Satha calling his works impactful.
“I was one of the first individuals to notice the impact his works had on girls in Mtandile Lilongwe; hence, giving him a platform on my program,” said Banda.
Hazel Kaulimbo (not her real name) was recently rescued from marriage and has thanked Satha for guiding her.
Girls Shine Foundation is headquartered in Mtandile Township in Lilongwe.
