Creccom to empower Ntcheu youths

Creative Centre for Community Mobilisation (Creccom) has launched a project to empower 100 youths in Ntcheu District with entrepreneurship skills to become economically independent.

Speaking on Wednesday at a stakeholder meeting to identify the programme’s beneficiaries on Wednesday, Creccom Green Jobs project coordinator Bruce Matabwa said many youths were just staying idle; hence, introducing the initiative.

“The youth will be trained in eco-tourism, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to cultivate a greener and sustainable future,” he said.

Matabwa said they engaged community structures such as community social support committees and area disability forums to select the beneficiaries.

“The Green Jobs project is set to create a lasting impact in the area because it has components to protect the environment in the district,” he said.

Ntcheu district assistant community development officer Christopher Sanena said the project will help prepare youths for the future and at the same time complement the government’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063 (MW2063), which seeks to make the country a middle-income economy.

He said the youth have a special role to play for the country to achieve the aspirations outlined in the MW2063 because they are energetic and innovative.

Tiyanjane Hardweck, a youth who has benefitted from the project, said the skills will help her to generate income.

“Just as many youths, I was just staying idle until Creccom introduced the initiative,” she said.

The three-year project is being implemented in traditional authorities Mkutumula, Ganya, Masasa and Tsikulamowa in the district with funding from Save the Children Italy.