By Cidrick George

Stakeholders have commended Timveni Child and Youth Media Organisation for its continued efforts to amplify the voices of children and youth, as the organisation launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and marked 15 years of creating platforms for youth participation.

Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Judith Msusa, commended Timveni Child and Youth Media Organisation, saying it has played an important role in providing platforms that amplify the voices of young people and create awareness of issues affecting their rights, welfare and participation in national development.

“We would like to confirm that, as a ministry, we are open to any partnership and collaboration with Timveni because of their great work,” said Msusa.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Rhoda Misomali, concurred with Msusa by pledging to continue supporting Timveni as it embarks on the next phase of its newly launched Strategic Plan.

“We are going to extend the support that we have with Timveni, and we are also planning to sit down with them to create more youth-focused programmes,” said Gadama.

Guest of Honour, Chimwemwe Matonga, who is the Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank, challenged young people to seize the various opportunities Timveni is providing for them to develop their skills, pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, and become active contributors to Malawi’s socio-economic development.

Matonga, however, emphasised that Timveni’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan has several areas of common interest with Standard Bank, hence the bank’s commitment to extending its support wherever necessary.

One of Timveni’s beneficiaries, Linda Phiri, said the support she received from the organisation has helped her make significant progress towards achieving her goals.

“I started engaging with Timveni through a radio programme in 2018. It was something that I was not even dreaming about, but with time, I became passionate about radio programming and presentation,” said Phiri.

Meanwhile, Timveni Board Chairperson, Prudence Bobe, described the 15 years as a journey of “challenges and growth.”

Bobe cited several advocacy works, including creating platforms for children and youth to voice their concerns, participate in decision-making spaces and advocate for issues affecting them.

She also highlighted Timveni’s efforts in empowering young people through skills development, innovation spaces and opportunities that enable them to actively participate in and shape decisions affecting their lives.

“Strategic partnerships have been at the heart of our success over the years. Through the support and collaboration of our partners, we have been able to expand our reach and create platforms and opportunities for children and young people.

“However, we continue to face challenges, particularly limited resources for modern broadcasting equipment and technology, which are essential for us to improve the quality of our content and reach even more young people,” said Bobe.

During the event, Timveni recognised and awarded five youth clubs and two partners for their outstanding contributions to the organisation’s work in promoting and protecting the rights of children and youth.

The five youth clubs, namely Emfemi Youth Club from Mzimba, Mbirima Youth Club from Dedza, Chiwalo Youth Club from Machinga, Chimwaza Youth Club and Girls Shine Foundation from Lilongwe, have been recognised for their commitment to Timveni’s programming, particularly their active participation in the organisation’s programmes and activities.

Timveni recognised two partners, Plan International Malawi and World University Service of Canada (WUSC), for their continued support and contribution to the organisation’s work for over 10 years, which has strengthened efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of children and youth across Malawi.

The launch, which took place on 22 September 2026, marks Timveni’s roadmap for the next five years, with a focus on three critical pillars: Child and Youth Empowerment, Innovative Media and Content, and Institutional Strength and Sustainability.