Malawi: The Youth of Rumphi, hailing from Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe’s area, hailed the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) for creating opportunities for them to be self-reliant. The initiative of the government has been receiving appreciation from the members of the community.
The programme is helping many families in many parts of the country gain economic security. The people engaged in the CS-EPWP initiative appreciate the government for the steps that they are taking for the welfare of the community.
The youngsters of Rumphi registered their appreciation for the government on Monday at Bembe and Thazima. The remarks were made after the youngsters received their wages for working on various projects that are focused on restoring degraded land.
Many youngsters who have received work courtesy of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) shared their stories. They shared their situation before and after signing up for the programme.
One of the youths, Hope Luhanga of Vichimba Village under Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, said many young people in the area have embraced the CS-EPWP and are using the earnings which they realise through wages to break the poverty cycle in their homes.
He said before he joined the programme, he survived on piece work to feed his family, which was hard for him. The public works initiative has provided stable and steady work to many youngsters in the country.
“The introduction of the programe has connected me to village savings and loans groups (VSLs) from which I can access loans to buy agriculture inputs such as fertilizers and grow enough food for my family,” said Luhanga.
Another beneficiary, Amos Mhone of Chikupizga Village in the same area, said the initiative has promoted the restoration of degraded land for agricultural activities by making contour ridges and soil erosion protection grass, among others.
CS-EPWP Desk Officer for Rumphi, Boyd Msowoya is impressed with the achievements of the programme which he said has also promoted the regeneration of natural trees thereby increasing forest cover in the district.