The Countess of Wessex meets Queen's Young Leaders in Malawi

As part of Her tour of Malawi The Countess of Wessex has met some Queen's Young Leaders and visited their projects

The Countess is in Malawi as Vice Patron of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, which actively advocates youth leadership across the Commonwealth through its Queen's Young Leaders scheme.

Queen's Young Leader Virginia Khunguni set up the project 'Girls Arise for Change', which teaches work place skills to young women affected by violence and lack of education.

Her Royal Highness met some young women who have been trained for work in solar and renewable energy, fashion design and videography. They are now able to set up their own businesses to support themselves and their families thanks to the project.

'Girls Arise for Change' has now helped over 3,500 young girls from rural communities.

The Countess also saw the 'Loud Ink' project in action. Set up by Young Leader Madalo Banda, 'Loud Ink' provides young writers with a platform to engage in social issues through short stories.

More than 60% of people who live in the Commonwealth are under 30 and the Queen's  Young Leaders programme actively supports them through Awards and grants to individuals and organisations.