MERA launches Energy for Youth competition
Kachaje: Youth incorporation in energy issues is key for the future
Fine arts graduates and secondary school students have a chance to win big in the Arts for Youth on Energy competition launched by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA).
The initiative aims to raise awareness among young people about Malawi’s energy sector by encouraging artistic expressions of their knowledge on energy sustainability, accessibility, and affordability.
The competition is divided into two categories:
- Graduate artists under the age of 35 will showcase their understanding of energy through drawings, photographs, and sculptures.
- Students from ten selected private and public secondary schools will participate by creating paintings and drawings.
In the graduate artists’ category, 10 finalists will be shortlisted, with one grand winner receiving a one-month scholarship in Rome, Italy. Meanwhile, 10 winning secondary school students will be awarded prizes such as solar-powered power banks, Bluetooth speakers, earphones, and water clocks.
Speaking at the launch, MERA Chief Executive Officer, Henry Kachaje emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that many young people lack knowledge about energy issues in Malawi.
“This initiative is designed to enlighten young people because they are the future leaders and decision-makers. To be effective leaders, they must be engaged in all key areas, including energy, which is a crucial enabler of development,” said Kachaje.
Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Jean Mnyenyembe, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Ministry’s youth development programs.
“We all know that young people make up over 60% of the population. That is why our Ministry is implementing various programs to prepare them for the future, and energy is one of the key areas we are focusing on.
At the same time, such initiatives help keep young people engaged, preventing them from indulging in behaviors that could negatively impact their lives,” said Mnyenyembe.
The Malawi Energy Sustainable Future initiative is part of the European Union’s twinning project between the EU and MERA.
It aims to raise awareness of innovative approaches within Malawi’s energy sector while promoting youth involvement.
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