Teveta urges youths to run businesses
Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education Training Authority (Teveta) executive director Elwin Sichiola has encouraged the youth in the North to establish businesses to become economically independent.
Speaking in a telephone interview on Tuesday, he said the youth who acquired vocational skills under Teveta courses should utilise available loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) and FDH Bank plc.
Sichiola said the youth should not look down on Teveta courses but consider the skills as viable career options.
He said: “Our job is complete when the graduate is able to utilise their skill to get wage employment or establish a business and providing employment to others.
“Through the Skills for a Vibrant Economy [Save] project funded by the World Bank, we are providing over 6 000 bursaries to those in need.”
Moses Kaponda from Traditional Authority (T/A) Fukamalaza in Nkhata Bay District, who operates a solar installation firm, said Teveta offered him entrepreneurship training.
“The skills helped me to register my firm Solar Solution System,” he said.
Kaponda said his firm wins contracts to install solar power to institutions and people’s homes.
“I am now economically independent as I am able to support my family. I encourage fellow youths who acquired vocational skills to either open workshops or get employment,” he said.
Alice Ndau, from T/A M’bwana in the same district, thanked Teveta for empowering her with technical skills.
She said: “The skills I gained helped me open a firm Eco Tech Solutions which is into solar energy business.
“We offer solar water pump irrigation system installation, solar off-grid installation, solar backup installation, solar geysers installation and maintenance of solar products and electrical appliances in the district and surrounding areas.”
