MASYAP’s youth programme began in 2015 and now has 30 youth support groups. They bring together girls aged 10 to 26 from poor backgrounds, both girls who are living with HIV and girls who are not.
- 30youth groups
- 10–26age range
- Since 2015
Workshops
Through workshops and outreach on HIV/AIDS, MASYAP focuses on the stigma faced by young people living with HIV and on the behaviours that put girls at risk.
Netball
With the help of national netball player Jessica Mazengela, MASYAP runs netball training in all of its youth groups. Netball is hugely popular with girls in Malawi, whose national team is internationally acclaimed. Being part of a team, and playing in a kit, gives girls confidence, self-esteem and social skills, and offers a positive alternative to behaviours that put them at risk of HIV.
The netball programme was launched with the support of Luton Sixth Form College, and MASYAP has since held a tournament at least once a year from its own funds. In 2019, World Care Foundation donated 26 netballs, T-shirts and caps, and a cash prize for the winning team. See netball news.
School fees
MASYAP’s school fees programme was started with the support of Islamic Relief and is now sponsored by Kashmira. Two or three girls from each youth group are selected each year according to their family circumstances and potential. In one recent term, the programme paid school fees for 39 girls.
Youth microfinance
Young women who have left school can join our youth microfinance scheme, which gives them business training and a small loan to start a business.
