Release of the ADN Junior Champion Magazine, Volume 3: Children and Youths’ Experiences of Disasters in Malawi

DESCRIPTION

The third volume of the Junior Champion Magazine will be officially launched, featuring powerful stories written by Malawian youth who have experienced devastating floods. This special edition highlights their resilience, challenges, and reflections on climate change and disaster impacts. The launch event will bring together the team behind the magazine, including editors, translators, and contributors, to discuss the process of creating this issue. Attendees will also hear directly from some of the young authors, who will share their experiences and insights on the importance of amplifying youth voices in disaster risk reduction. To read the magazine, please click here.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Jean Kayira

Dr. Jean Kayira is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies with a deep commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, food sovereignty, and decolonizing research methodologies. Her work focuses on community-based research, youth engagement, and climate change education, promoting culturally responsive and equitable evaluation.

Abdullahi O. Umar

Abdullahi is an expert in the field of civil aviation, with 20 years of experience. He possesses a global certification from ACI-ICAO as an Airport Safety Professional (ASP). As the Chief Operations Officer at the airport, he supervises aerodrome operations, safety, and emergency management.Abdullahi collaborates with the Operations Team to initiate and oversee the ADN Chapters. He also lends his support to the execution of the ADN’s IAD4AD Strategy.

Anushka Konar

Anushka Konar is a first year Biotechnology Engineering Student at Heritage Institute of Technology, India. She has lent her voice and creativity to Junior Champions Magazine. She demonstrates her writing skills and dedication to amplifying youth perspectives. She has completed her 10th-grade board examinations and is pursuing her +2 level education in the science stream. As a part of the Science Club of her school, she has contributed to various magazines and materials published by the Club.

Prarthona Datta

Prarthona Datta is a second-generation racialized youth studying in grade 10 at Central Memorial High School in Calgary, Canada. Her areas of interest include youth actions to build climate change resilience, children’s land-based learning activities, youth-led cross-cultural community gardens, and land-based arts activities (dance, music, and art).

Tapiwa Mkwezalamba

Tapiwa Mkwezalamba, a 15-year-old girl, was born into a family of five with two older sisters and two younger brothers. Originally from Chikwawa district in southern Malawi, she now resides with her aunt in Area 25, Lilongwe, due to the devastating floods of 2024. Despite the challenges, she has not given up hope, she is working hard in school at Mvunguti Primary School and aspires to become a nurse after completing her education.

Faith Mtambwe

Faith Mtambwe, a 13-year-old girl, has spent her entire life in the heart of Area 25, Lilongwe city, in central Malawi. She shares her home with her mother and three siblings: an older sister, a younger sister, and a younger brother. Despite the challenges they face, Faith’s spirit remains unbroken. She dreams of becoming a nurse once she completes her education.

IMPACT

Feedback:

“Agree with Dr. Sahoo that this work is so important, especially for getting these stories told more broadly. Amazing what this group has done in one year! So much gratitude ❤️. Thank you, Dr. Kayira!”

“Many thanks for sharing these stories! They are powerful and very glad we can share this magazine with others to help spread awareness!”

“Thank you for lifting your voices around important issues in powerful ways. Thank you, Dr Kayira, or sharing this opportunity to witness.”