Salima youths hone vocational skills

Youths in Salima District have touted a vocational training project Kindle Orphan Outreach Organisation is implementing, saying it is a game changer in the youth empowerment drive.

The organisation, which awarded certificates to 45 graduates on Wednesday, is targeting underprivileged youths who cannot afford formal education in entrepreneurship and vocational skills programmes.

The courses include tailoring and fashion designing, carpentry and joinery, electrical installation and bricklaying.

A beneficiary, Charles Yohane, said he acquired electrical installation skills and was looking forward to earning an income through power installation works.

“I learned how to connect solar power to houses and other structures. These days many people are buying solar equipment for their houses and irrigation. I will definitely find more work in this field,” he said.

Yohane urged his fellow youths to acquire vocational skills to employ themselves and become financially independent.

In an interview, Kindle Orphan Outreach executive director Joseph Kandiyesa said they are providing the trainings to empower the youth economically.

He said: “We are trying to contribute towards the achievement of the country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063 through youth empowerment programmes.

“We know that when young people acquire technical skills, they can generate income and employ other youths.”

Salima District Council chairperson Chifungo Katoweka said that the youth will contribute to the district’s development.

“Skilled youths are critical for the district’s socio-economic development,” he said.

The project is targeting youths from Salima, Dedza, Lilongwe and Nkhotakota districts.