By Martin Gela Jnr
In Malawi, at least 75 youths from Nsanje District can breathe a sigh of relief after successfully acquiring vocational skills courtesy of Unicef.
The youths from Traditional Authorities Ndamera, Malemia and Mlolo underwent a six-month training at Melchizedek Training Centre in the district. They acquired skills in welding and fabrication, electrical installation, carpentry and joinery, cosmetology, motorcycle repair and tailoring and designing, among others. The youths graduated last Wednesday.
Nsanje District Youth Officer Getrude Francisco said the skills will enable the youth to generate income.
The initiative sponsored by the Unicef was initially for three months, but was extended to six months. About 180 youths applied for the training of which 75 were shortlisted. We expect them to start businesses in groups. We as we will provide them with start-up tools. We have also advised them to employ others.
Francisco said the initiative was open to both school-going youths and those who dropped out due to various reasons.
Fir her part, Precious Prize, 19, who dropped out of school in Form Two due to financial challenges, said the acquired welding and fabrication skills.
I will utilise the skills to open a workshop in my area T/A Ndamera.
Another youth, Blessings John, 18, from Kachere Youth Club from T/A Malemia, who honed skills in electrical installation, said the initiative was his consolation after failing to go to university.
I scored 23 points in the Malawi School Certificate of Education examination in 2024 but I could not make it to university due to financial challenges. Now these skills will help me to generate an income to support my family.
Melchizedek Traning Centre executive director Chimwemwe Phiri, who is also a trainer, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, saying the skills will empower the youth in the district socioeconomically.
The Nsanje district council, department of youth and Unicef is implementing the initiative in areas prone to disasters. This is one way of rehabilitating the psychological challenges to both school going and school dropout youth in the areas by giving them various skills which will help them to earn a living including and brighten their future.
This article was first published by Nation Publications Limited.