NGO empowers youths in Ntcheu
Save the Poor Foundation (Sapof) executive director Alice Chiwaya says it is important to empower the youth with economic opportunities for sustainable development.
Speaking on Saturday in Ntcheu District during the launch of an economic youth empowerment project for 10 villages in Sub-Traditional Authority (ST/A) Tsikulamowa, she said they were equipping the youth with vocational skills for them to become productive.
Chiwaya said the youth were involved in destroying the environment through charcoal production because of lack of viable opportunities for income.
She said: “With funds from Natalyas Foundation and a baseline study on the needs and possible ventures, we are equipping the youth with tailoring and design skills to improve their livelihoods.
“We want to end their dependence on forests so that they contribute to conserving the environment to build resilience amid effects of climate change.”
Group village head Thomas commended the foundation for the initiative, saying it will transform young people’s lives.
“This will reduce the number of idle youths and those involved in charcoal production by encouraging vulnerable girls to overcome gender barriers in societies,” he said.
A beneficiary Mayeso Mapalamba, who has a physical disability, pledged to utilise the opportunity to become self-reliant.
“I am excited because this is the beginning of a new lease of life. I will be a tailor with skills to run the business profitably to achieve my dream of building my parents a decent house ,” he said.
The beneficiaries will receive sewing machines and tailoring accessories.
