39 youths in Balaka get vocational skills

At least 39 youths in Balaka District have acquired vocational skills through the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP).

The youth, from traditional authorities (T/As) Chanthunya and Toleza, trained in carpentry, bricklaying, welding and fabrication and tailoring to equip them with skills to generate income for their well-being.

In an interview on Tuesday, Labon Chimenya, member of Titukulane Group in T/A Chanthunya, said he chose carpentry and joinery.

“Having failed to secure employment, I grabbed the opportunity to undergo vocational skills training under the SSRLP so that I can start my own business,” he said.

Chimenya said most young people were indulging in bad behaviours such as drugs and substance abuse while others were involved in illegal charcoal production.

Another beneficiary, Florida Majamanda, said she acquired tailoring skills and she now makes school uniforms in her area.

“I am using a borrowed sewing machine as I am waiting for the project to give me mine, according to the arrangement,” she said.

Balaka district community development officer McDonald Nyaka said the project will procure start-up equipment for the youth and that the beneficiaries are expected to do business in their areas for two years.

“Youths that are willing are taken through a business plan and concept note orientation. They are required to indicate their area of specialisation and our office organises their training for six months,” he said.

Nyaka said this was the right approach to deal with poverty, adding that they were training other youths for the second cohort.

The training started in February 2023 and ended in June.

SSRLP is funded by the World Bank through National Local Government Finance Committee and is working with Comsip Cooperative Union Limited.