As one way of eradicating child marriages in Mzuzu diocese, Catholic commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) through Right to Education for a Girl Child project, has trained women volunteers on how to stop child marriages in the diocese.
The training which was being facilitated by St John of God psychotherapist has equipped participants with knowledge on the effects of child marriages and the importance of girl’s education.
The Vicar General of Mzuzu Diocese Monsignor John Isaac Katumbi who was present during the training, praised CCJP for this project saying it is helping young girls understand the importance of education and the negative effects of early marriages.
Mzuzu diocese CCJP coordinator Felix Manda, said the project seeks to protect young girls from early marriages and ensure they pursue their education without challenges.
Manda further said they used St John of God specialist because they have the expertise on psychosocial counselling which can help the volunteers to provide good information to the young girls.
“When some girls are withdrawn from their marriages, they need psychosocial counseling which St John of God expert is training the women so that when they go home, they should also provide the same service to young girls.
Thandi Mkandawire a psychotherapist from St John of God who was the facilitator, advised the women to understand the root cause that is making young girls get married, in doing so they will be it will be easy for them to deal with the problems.
One of the volunteers Ezelina Chirambo from St Cecilia Parish said the knowledge that she has gained through the training will help her successful fulfill her job back home.
About 50 women from St Cecilia Parish, St Joseph Mukasa Parish, Holy Family Parish and Holy Cross Parish have benefited from the training.
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