YOUNG people in the country are benefiting from the Advocacy for Child Justice (ACJ) mentorship initiative, which is providing the majority with skills in their fields of interest.

Longwe Mtonga, a child rights ambassador, is elated by the mentorship programme where he has been taught about children’s rights and other issues affecting young people like him.

“Some of the things were affecting me too, but I didn’t know about my rights until I came under the ACJ mentorship programme,” Longwe chuckles.

Longwe is a strong supporter of education. He believes that it is a right for children and should be inclusive.

He said it does not matter what a child’s background is, whether rural or urban, but that they should all have equal access to education, which is a right.

On child marriage, Longwe has a message to parents and guardians, whom he said are the first handlers of children.

“Be the guide to your children, ensure that the message they have on marriage is the correct one,” he said.

On the other hand, Josephine Kampole said the ACJ mentorship programme has helped to hone her writing and public speaking skills.

Kampole said her confidence levels have risen and she can now confidently stand before an audience to address people, something she could not do before joining the mentorship programme.

“Previously, I used to have anxiety but not anymore, thanks to ACJ mentorship,” she said.

BY NOMSA NKANA