Youths get tips on job opportunities

M

alawi’s technology and innovation hub, mHub, has engaged 400 youths in Mzimba District on how to pursue various careers as well as utilise job and business opportunities.

Speaking on Friday on the sidelines of a two-day fair in the district, mHub technical manager Dan Mvalo said they engaged the youth to link them to employers, micro-finance institutions and businesspeople.

He said: “This fair is unique because we have linked the youth to different employers, financial institutions and organisations so that they can get job opportunities and access loans to venture into entrepreneurship.

“On the other hand, the fair has also drilled the youth in different career development skills such as how to start and run a business and how to approach job creators for those seeking employment.”

Mvalo said they expect the youth to get internship programmes and permanent jobs.

M’Mbelwa District Council youth officer Yamikani Nyalugwe said the job fair presented an opportunity to the youth to gain knowledge to increase their chances of getting employed or start businesses.

He said: “This fair has exposed youths to various employers, entrepreneurship and other learning opportunities which will help them secure jobs or create their own.

“As a district that is already struggling with high youth unemployment and migration to South Africa, this is a good opportunity for the youth.”

One of the particpants, Sibongire Banda said she acquired skills on how to run a successful business.

“I have learned how I can grow my stationery business and how I can access loans,” she said.

The hub is conducting the exercise in Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Salima, Mchinji and Lilongwe districts with financial support from GIZ to the tune of K45 million.

The fair brought together different institutions such as non-governmental organisations, banks and micro-finance companies.