Youths in Mzimba District have commended Green Jobs for Adolescents and Youth project for equipping them with practical skills that transform their economic prospects and promote environmental conservation.
The project, being implemented by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) Malawi in partnership with other stakeholders, is targeting out-of-school youths with vocational training in renewable energy, bakery, tailoring, tour guiding and sustainable agriculture.
In an interview on Tuesday, one of the beneficiaries, Enock Mtambalika from Kapopo Village in Traditional Authority M’mbelwa, said
baking skills. I Joel Phiri
the project has enabled him and his two colleagues to become self-reliant after acquiring skills in solar pump and home solar system installation.
He said the trio now offers installation services within and beyond their locality.
“We have opened a small company, which we plan to register soon so that we can expand our services and also create employment for other youths in the area,” said Mtambalika.
Another beneficiary, Sophilet Mkandawire, who was trained in baking, said the skills she acquired have inspired her to venture into baking business.
“I am planning to open a fully-fledged bakery to serve my community. When I bake scones, they sell like hot cakes,; hence, helping me earn more profits for my livelihood,” she said.
Mkandawire said she plans to adopt modern, energy-efficient cooking stoves to minimise fuel consumption and protect the environment.
Adra project coordinator Beatrice Banda said the Green Jobs project was designed to address unemployment and vulnerability among out-of-school youths by equipping them with marketable and environmentally friendly skills.
She said the initiative is running in Mzimba and Ntcheu districts with funding from Save the Children Italy through Save the Children Malawi
