Community college excites Likoma communities

Seven years after failing to open its doors over land acquisition, Likoma Community Technical College has finally enrolled its first generic cohort of students.

Speaking on Wednesday during the opening of the college in the island district, Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational Education and Training Authority (Teveta) regional service centre manager (North) Joseph Chikopa said the opening of the facility means that every district in the country has a community technical college.

He said the facility will impart technical skills to the youth in the district, which is crucial as the district and the country need skilled labour force.

“I, therefore, encourage the youth to enrol with the college to pursue technical courses to make them competitive on the job market. They can also employ themselves through opening workshops,” said Chikopa.

Likoma district commissioner Abubakar Nkhoma said most people in the district rely on fishing, but catches have dwindled in recent years, a development which makes vocational skills a better alternative to earning a living.

He said: “The decline in fish catches tells you that there is need to have other alternatives of earning a living apart from fishing.

“The college is, therefore, in a better position to provide alternative source of livelihood as it offers technical courses that can help one to become financially independent.”

Acting Senior Chief Mkumpha called upon Teveta to include a variety of courses that are in tandem with community needs.

In his response,Teveta head of corporate affairs Lewis Msasa said they are looking forward to having more trades at the college based on what the community will demand.

In her remarks, Violet Chumba, 20, said she was excited to be among the learners in the first cohort.

“I am looking forward to graduating in three years with a diploma,” she said.