Youths in Traditional Authority Malemia in Nsanje District have commended Kuchene Women Forum for equipping them with tailoring skills to empower them economically.
A beneficiary Shina Alufasi, 32, from Nthukuso Village said she had lost hope of getting employment or capital to start a small-scale business.
She said: “Life was tough as I come from a poor background. Sometimes I was tempted to just get married to solve my problems.
machine to Alufasi. l Martin Gela Jnr
“However, the gods smiled at me when I was selected to undergo training in fashion, tailoring and design. After four months, I acquired the skills that will make a difference in my life.”
Alufasi thanked the organisation for giving her a starter kit of sewing machine, rolls of cloth and needles.
“This will be sufficient for me to establish a workshop to support myself and my child,” she said.
Another beneficiary Chrispine Mbalika, 22, from Ndenguma Village said he now has something to do to generate income.
“I dropped out of school and had lost hope of acquiring technical skills. I thank the organisation for giving me this opportunity to learn tailoring,” he said.
Group village head Nthole said the youth empowerment initiative will reduce crime in the area since most youths will be economically empowered.
The organisation’s executive director Mary Namalomba said they reached out to 18 youths with the skills initiative.
She said: “We gave them the equipment to set them up in businesses.
“We want youths who dropped out of school to become ambassadors and mobilise others to return to school.”
Nsanje district youth officer Gertrude Francisco said the intervention will help the district to reduce poverty since many youths will be economically empowered.
Kuchene Women Forum conducted the training with support from ActionAid Malawi.
