By Elton Mhango
Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Mzimba Teachers Training College has trained 55 young women in tailoring and fashion design to empower them economically.
The college’s principal Dominic Nali said it was important to equip out-of -school youths with vocational skills to boost their chances of starting own businesses and become financially independent. He was speaking on Friday during the graduation of the trainees after completing their six months courses.
This was an informal six months training where we targeted vulnerable out-of-school young women with no qualifications to attain tailoring skills and venture into entrepreneurship.
As an institution, we believe it's important to make deliberate efforts to expand access to vocational skills training among the youth, because it as a fundamental pillar for achieving the Malawi 2063 blueprint.
Nali thanked United General Insurance (UGI) for stepping in with a significant donation of sewing machines and essential materials valued at K15 million to provide the graduates with a starting point for their entrepreneurial endeavors as they integrate into their communities.
The UGI-DAPP collaboration shows how Non-Governmental Organisations can work hand in hand with the private sector to promote Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in Malawi. While NGOs have good plans to promote ALE, they usually face the financial challenges to reach out to more potential beneficiaries. Therefore, UGI deserves a thumbs up for working with an NGO to promote vocational skills in Malawi.
UGI senior claims officer Lumbani Kathewere said they supported the initiative, as one way of giving back to the community the institution serves.
This is part of our community social corporate responsibility and we are open to support such initiative[s] at any given time. We believe these youth will go to their respective homes and put to action what they have learned.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Inkosi Kampingo Sibande welcomed the initiative saying some young girls are idle in Mzimba District while others are married off to men who trek to South Africa.
This is the best solution at hand; let's empower these vulnerable and out of school girls with vocational skills rather than marrying them off.
Catherine Nyirongo from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mzukuzuku, representing the trainees, said the technical and business management skills they have acquired will play a pivotal role in transforming their economic status.
Chiesa Valdese (Church of Valdese) through Humana Italy supported the training.