Youth camp and World AIDS Day 2023: 195 girls explore self-awareness
A four-day camp in Mulanje combined HIV prevention, decision-making and career guidance with sport and talent shows.
From 23 to 26 December 2023, 195 young people gathered at Mai Halima Girls Secondary School in Mulanje for MASYAP’s youth camp, under the theme “Self-awareness”. The camp also marked World AIDS Day.
The aim was to help young people understand themselves, and to give them the life skills and knowledge to make informed decisions, handle challenges and plan a successful future.
What the camp covered
- Self-awareness: sessions helped participants explore their strengths, values and goals through reflection, group discussion and team-building games.
- HIV/AIDS prevention: interactive workshops covered safe practices, breaking stigma and responsible behaviour. HIV testing was also offered (read more).
- Making decisions: using real-life scenarios, participants practised thinking critically and weighing long-term consequences.
- Career guidance: facilitators introduced career paths, education options and the job market, and helped participants set realistic goals.
- Friendship and fun: team sports, talent shows and cultural activities gave participants time to relax and bond.
What participants said
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants valued what they learned and the open, welcoming environment, which gave them room to grow. They return to their communities better equipped to make healthy choices and to share what they have learned with others.
