In a bid to tackle the growing problem of waste management in Karonga, a group of young people from Chisomo Youth Organisation have taken matters into their own hands.
According to Davie Kitalo the organisation director, it started as a youth club, got registered with the National Youth Council of Malawi in 2020. With a focus on empowering youth,
Chisomo Youth Organisation has initiated various economic activities to engage young people and deter them from drug and substance abuse, as well as early marriages.
“Karonga district being one of the districts where a large number grows rice, rice husks are everywhere so after noticing this we thought of coming up with an alternative to control the waste meanwhile we are protecting trees from charcoal and firewood” explained Kitalo.
In partnership with 30 youth clubs in Karonga, Chisomo Youth Organisation has been working on a project of environmental conservation, manufacturing briquettes from waste materials. So far, they have produced 300kgs of briquettes, with a target of producing more.
The organisation has also partnered with various stakeholders, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which introduced the briquette-making project as a way to control waste in Karonga district.
“We recognised the need to provide alternatives for the youth, and that’s how we came up with the idea of producing briquettes from waste materials,” said Davie.
Karonga district environmental officer Khumbo Mbeye has praised the organisation for tackling the issue of waste management in the district.
“Initiatives like these are crucial in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods. By engaging youth in innovative projects like briquette-making, we can empower them to become agents of change and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.” Explained Mbeye.
Chisomo Youth Organisation’s efforts are a shining example of how local initiatives can drive positive change and promote sustainable development
