Youth Programs:

 We believe strongly that the future of Malawi lies with it's youth.    More than  half of the

 population is below the age of 25 and 15 % of  Malawians aged 15-49  are currently infected

 with HIV.  With so many youths  in the country it is vital  that there is not only proper

 education concerning sexual practice put into  place, but that alternative activities are

 offered to them.

 

 Abstinence/HIV/STD teachings are a big part of Cornerstones youth program.  Existing HIV

 prevention information/activities for young people in secondary  schools is very limited.  As

 a result of this, we have made many visits to  government, community and private schools

 with a challenge to youths to  abstain from sex until after marriage and then to

 remain faithful to 1 partner.  

 

 A Youth Recreational Center was built in Nsanje in 2008 and offers it's facilities to the youth

 in the area.  It has table tennis, darts, tv/dvd and other activities as well being used as a base

 for  youth programs.  The Center is an important place in the community where the youth

 can go and feel safe and to be provided with alternative activities.  

 

 Sports Tournaments are also being  offered as an activity through the Youth  Center.  Balls, 

uniforms, fields and courts have been put into place and these tournaments have become a

 central meeting place for the youth on the weekends.