Youth leaders from various districts across the country recently underwent training in conducting public expenditure tracking surveys. The goal of this training was to enhance youth participation in budget and policy processes related to Sexual Reproductive Health Services and Rights (SRHR) services.
The training was organized by a consortium of three youth-led organizations: the Youth Initiative for Community Development (YICOD), the Phalombe Youth Arms Organization, and All for Youth. The event took place in the Dowa district.
In an interview, YICOD team leader Andrew Bwanali emphasized the importance of equipping young people with knowledge and skills. He stressed that this is vital for ensuring accountability regarding public funds allocated for youth benefits and for maximizing the inclusion of youth initiatives in budget planning.
“There is a need for young people to be actively involved in various issues, including health services, to address their needs. Therefore, these young leaders are being trained on how to track public funds and advocate for incorporating and promoting SRHR issues in their respective councils’ budgets,” Bwanali explained.
One of the participants, Mervis Chekucheku from Tipewe Youth Club in Ntchisi district, shared her insights, stating that she has acquired valuable skills for analysing budgets. This knowledge will enable her to scrutinize budgets and ensure that youth priorities are addressed.
“I will educate my peers in my youth network so that we can effectively track public funds and analyse budgets, advocating for the inclusion of young people's initiatives in our district of Ntchisi,” she said.
The consortium, with financial support from the Commonwealth Foundation, is implementing a project aimed at amplifying the voices of young people in SRHR budget policy processes by ensuring meaningful engagement and participation.
