Blantyre-based Youth Organization Empowers Youth with Vocational Skills
Blantyre's YADA trains youth in tailoring, welding, carpentry, bricklaying, IT.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— A Blantyre-based youth organization called Youth Action in Development Activities (YADA) has been training young people in tailoring, welding, carpentry, bricklaying, and IT, writes Happy Valirani.
Since its establishment in 2019, the program has reached over 150 young individuals in the catchment areas of Zingwangwa, Mbayani, and other surrounding townships in Blantyre, providing them with valuable skills.
Ian Wisiki, the Executive Director of YADA, spoke to Africabrief about the progress and success of the project.
"The project is going well, and so far we have managed to reach 150 young people who have acquired different vocational skills. The aim of the project is to ensure that young people have the opportunity to acquire employable skills that will enable them to compete in the job market or start their own businesses, where they can also employ others," Wisiki disclosed.
"Many young people in the country do not have the means to pursue tertiary education due to various reasons related to their family's economic status. However, they possess the potential to excel in life. This project aims to provide these young people with the opportunity to make something of themselves."
Christina Magoli, a resident of Zingwangwa township, studied catering through the project and expressed her gratitude for the program.
"I have learned how to prepare high-quality food, similar to what we see in hotels. I have also learned how to start my own small-scale business. Without the Skills for Youth Development project, I would not have acquired these skills," Christina said with enthusiasm.
Sophie Fumulani, who studied tailoring, fashion, and designing, echoed Christina's sentiments regarding the benefits they have gained at YADA.
"The training has helped me learn a lot in the field of tailoring and fabric designing. I now have my own sewing machine at home, where I am able to make new clothes for customers. The income I generate helps me meet my daily needs. I thank the YADA organization for this project," Sophie expressed.
Encouraging her fellow youths, Sophie added, "I would like to encourage my peers to seize these kinds of opportunities because hands-on skills are essential nowadays and can help them become self-reliant."
The organization's director mentioned that they partnered with Southern Region Informal Sector Training Providers (SORISTPA) to register with the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA).
This partnership ensures that all the trained students receive certification from TEVETA under the informal sector training certification.
Despite facing financial challenges and a lack of proper equipment for youth training, Wisiki stated that the program has received a tremendous response from young people.
YADA plans to extend its catchment areas to accommodate as many youth in the district as possible.
Furthermore, the organization aims to establish its own well-structured infrastructure accredited by TEVETA as a community vocational training center.
Currently, the project is being implemented with local resources from members and well-wishers.