INVESTIGATING THE SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL EFFECTS OF YOUTH BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT MPONELA AIDS INFORMATION AND COUNSELLING CENTRE(MAICC) IN DOWA, MALAWI.

This study investigates the socio-educational effects of youth behavioural change on community engagement at the Mponela AIDS Information and Counselling Centre (MAICC) in Dowa, Malawi. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilised semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and direct observations to collect rich, in-depth data from 15 participants, comprising youth aged 15–24, MAICC staff, and community leaders. The research was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Social Capital Theory, which provided a robust theoretical lens to examine individual behavioural motivations and community-level relational dynamics respectively.

The findings reveal that MAICC’s educational programmes, including peer-led workshops, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and interactive sessions, are moderately effective in promoting positive behavioural change among youth. Participants reported increased HIV awareness, higher uptake of regular testing, greater condom use, and enhanced self-efficacy. However, the sustainability of these changes is undermined by persistent socio-cultural barriers such as HIV-related stigma, patriarchal gender norms, cultural taboos around sexual health discussions, and economic pressures from poverty that force youth to prioritise income-generating activities over programme participation.

Importantly, the study demonstrates that when youth successfully adopt healthier behaviours, they become active agents of change, significantly enhancing community engagement in HIV/AIDS-related initiatives. Youth-led stigma-reduction campaigns, health fairs, and peer outreach activities increased community participation and fostered greater trust in health services, contributing to improved collective action. These outcomes align with broader Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Despite these positive contributions, the research highlights critical gaps, including inadequate resources, irregular programme scheduling, and insufficient follow-up mechanisms, which limit long-term impact in rural settings. The study concludes that while socio-educational interventions at MAICC hold substantial potential, their effectiveness depends on addressing contextual barriers through culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, and poverty-conscious strategies.

Recommendations are offered for youth, community leaders, NGOs, and policymakers to strengthen programme design, foster sustained youth participation, and maximise community-level outcomes. This research contributes valuable empirical insights into youth-driven HIV prevention efforts in rural Malawi and provides practical guidance for similar community-based initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa.