Authorities in Machinga have hailed the success of a faith-based approach to addressing early marriages and teenage pregnancies, saying coordination between Christian and non-Christian leaders is yielding encouraging results.
Faith Nkosi Kayuni, Field Officer for Find Your Feet Organization, said the initiative is progressing smoothly in Paramount Chief Kawinga’s area.
“There is good coordination between Christian and non-Christian faith leaders. In June, we recorded three cases of early pregnancies, while in July only one case was recorded. This shows that more parents are now willing to see improved situations in the area,” she said.
Reverend Ned Gona of Mbenjere CCAP Church, who is actively engaging young people, said faith leaders are working tirelessly to spread messages about the importance of preventing early pregnancies.
“We find people where they are, and the progress is very encouraging. On family planning, the Bible is clear and encourages people to uphold the standards of good family planning for a better nation,” he said.
Reverend Gona further commended the initiative by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and DanChurchAid (DCA), implemented through Find Your Feet with funding from Royal Norwegian Embassy for providing the right platform to reach both parents and adolescents.
“I love it that this project is helping us engage communities directly. It is creating awareness and giving hope that early marriages and pregnancies can be reduced,” he added.
The faith-based approach is part of a wider Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project which has already registered successes in districts like Nsanje.
Chiefs and faith leaders in Machinga believe that the collective effort will help safeguard the future of young people by keeping them in school and reducing harmful practices.