MALAWI: Bishop Chifukwa Cautions Against Betting as Youth Seek Survival Amid Economic Hardship
Brenard Mwanza
His Lordship, the Right Reverend Peter Adrian Chifukwa, of the Dedza Diocese, Malawi, has warned that rising youth unemployment and rising living costs are pushing young people into betting, a practice they say exposes them to social, moral, and economic risks.
Speaking on Sunday, 21 December 2025, during the closing mass for the Young Christian Workers (YCW) National Annual General Meeting at St Joseph’s Teachers Training College in the Diocese of Dedza, Bishop Chifukwa said betting is increasingly being viewed by young people as a means of survival in a difficult economic environment.
“Many young people turn to betting in the hope of earning a living, especially at a time when unemployment is high, and some have no reliable source of income beyond support from their parents,” Bishop Chifukwa said.
He warned, however, that betting often cultivates harmful tendencies and behaviors that can negatively affect young people’s lives and values.
“Betting leaves young people with dangerous habits. It can lead to behaviors such as stealing, because one becomes obsessed with always having money available for betting, driven by the hope of winning more,” he said.
He encouraged young people to support one another in resisting the practice and to seek honest and dignified ways of sustaining themselves.
The bishop also raised concern over suicide cases in Malawi, noting that young men are among the most affected. He urged young people facing serious challenges not to suffer in silence.
“Whenever young people encounter serious worries, it is important that they share their struggles with others,” he said. “When problems are shared, one realizes that every challenge can be addressed in one way or another.”
On leadership, Bishop Chifukwa cautioned young people against mocking and unfriendly communication toward authority figures in families, society, and the Church.
“Criticism should be constructive,” he said. “Mocking and negative communication do not help. We must engage in dialogue that helps all of us learn and correct what has gone wrong.”
Bishop Chifukwa said the Catholic Church considers the Young Catholic Workers movement a key channel for reaching young people.
“We see the YCW as our arms in reaching fellow youth,” he said. “They are missionaries to their peers, helping to make Jesus known and understood in a way that resonates with young people.”
Reverend Father Patrick Kamba, the National Youth Chaplain, said regular youth gatherings such as AGMs play a critical role in identifying and addressing challenges affecting young people.
“These meetings allow young people to exchange ideas and successful initiatives that can be implemented in their communities,” Fr. Kamba said, adding that the Church remains committed to addressing emerging challenges facing youth, including mental health, relationships, and economic hardship.
Meanwhile, YCW Malawi President Francisco Phiri has announced plans to launch a “Sindingadziphe Project” in 2026, focusing on financial literacy, stress management, and life-skills training for young people struggling with betting and other risky behaviors.
The 2025 AGM, which brought together 281 participants, is reported to have achieved most of its objectives, including health awareness sessions on breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, as well as mental health.
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