By MILDRED KATONGO –
THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has counseled young people on the Copperbelt on the dangers of engaging in early marriages.
UNICEF country director Hamid Ibrahim said for Zambia to develop, it needs committed young people who will get educated and contribute to economic growth.
Dr Ibrahim said this when he addressed young people in Luanshya’s Mpatamato area at the weekend.
He said that early marriages meant obstruction of the future as young people did not contribute to national development once married at an early age.
Dr Ibrahim was, however, inspired that young people were getting together to discuss issues relating to their health.
Mpatamato’s Section 26 clinic with help from UNICEF had formed a group for young people who meet to discuss health related issues including HIV/AIDS, abortion, drug abuse and early marriages before disseminating the information to fellow youths in the community.
Dr Ibrahim said Zambia needed more educated young people than married ones in order to develop economically.
“I am impressed to find a group of young people discussing issues that affect them. Early marriages is one factor that has affected Zambia. I need young people in this country to stay focused and get educated, so as to contribute to national development. Go to school first and then get married at a later stage when you are old and mature enough,” Dr Ibrahim said.
He said early marriages had brought about health complications in young girls and that it had affected their future.
Dr Ibrahim said youths should utilise discussion on health issues to get informed and share their lessons with others in the community.
“I like the commitment by the youths and I will only encourage them to continue and stay focused to contribute to the national economy. Zambia needs such young people,” he said.