Program Description
The Nkhotakota Cultural Centre is a brainchild of YouthCode. It was established in 2012 with support from Flora Upper Secondary of Norway. The centre was established to provide a platform for the youth for their cultural expression and as a safe space to provide the youth with access to various cross-cutting issues. The Nkhotakota Cultural Centre caters for the youth who have the needs and ambitions to become artists. The centre is the hub for all cultural activities in the district. The centre has been an integral part of the surrounding communities as it has provided a platform to showcase their cultural activities. The centre has an in-house band called the Zebra. There is a cultural group. The centre trains young people in music, arts and culture.

Objectives of the Programme
The Nkhotakota Cultural Centre was established to achieve the following:

• To promote citizen participation in cultural activities and expressions.
• To train young people in various cultural dances and arts skills.
• To enhance the traditional cultural expressions, arts, crafts, and heritage.
• To act as a community hub to combat social isolation by providing safe spaces for creative participation, workshops, and social interaction for all ages and abilities

Target Group for this Program

The children, youth, men and women in Nkhotakota.

Key Activities

• Train the youth in to develop their skills in music.
• Train children and the youth in arts and culture.
• Conduct the Nkhotakota Cultural Festival to allow communities to showcase their cultural expressions.
• Organise the Nkhotakota Music Festival.
• Host events such as weddings and conferences to allow the centre to generate revenue.

Impact / Results (if available)
Enhanced social cohesion, fostering identity, and driving local economies through tourism and artisan support.