Kasungu youths hone vocational skills

Youths from Traditional Authority Chulu in Kasungu District have expressed excitement with the informal vocational skills training programme implemented by Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational Education and Training Authority (Teveta) in the area.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Stiyana Banda, a youth who is undergoing training in motorcycle repairing at Matenje Community Skills Development Centre, said the skills will enable her to generate income to become financially independent.

She said: “As one of the youth who dropped out of school due to poverty, I had little chance of getting formal employment.

“I am delighted to enrol with the informal training programme to acquire vocational skills. I am now ready to offer my services to the community after attending lessons for four months.” 

Another youth Hazwell Nyasulu, who is doing carpentry and hoinery, said he was looking forward to graduating on Thursday.

“I have acquired basic training in carpentry and joinery which will help me to start my own workshop. I urge my fellow youths in the area to apply for the courses in the next phase,” he said.

The centre’s chairperson Charles Bayineti thanked World Vision Malawi for supporting Teveta to introduce three new courses, namely electrical installation, motorcycle repairing and welding and fabrication.

“Previously, we used to offer three courses only, namely tailoring and designing, bricklaying and carpentry and joinery.

“However, we asked World Vision for their support. So they bought equipment which enabled us to introduce the new courses.”

Bayineti said he was pleased the youth had acquired basic vocational skills that will enable them either get employed or start their own businesses.

World Vision Malawi acting director of operations Mavuto Kholowa said they want to complement government’s efforts to train many youths in vocational skills to attain the aspirations of Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development plan.