Chagunda Youth Club Receives K500,000 Boost for Honey Farming Venture
The funding was granted through the Job and Opportunity Fair organized by Mhub, a youth-led social enterprise.
SALIMA, Malawi— Chagunda Youth Club in Salima has secured a significant boost of 500,000 Kwacha to support their honey farming venture, writes Alinafe Jimmy Mkwezalamba.
The funding was granted through the Job and Opportunity Fair organized by Mhub, a youth-led social enterprise.
Andrew Misoya, Vice Chairperson of the club, expressed gratitude for the funding and emphasized its importance in achieving self-sufficiency and improving livelihoods.
"As youths from remote areas, we often face limited opportunities, and this support will significantly enhance our honey farming business and empower us to break free from vulnerability and exploitation," Misoya passionately stated.
The club plans to utilize the funding to expand their beehives, enhance branding, and improve honey processing techniques, maximizing revenue and contributing to community development.
Tesha Sambo, a youth representative for Salima district, acknowledged the challenges faced by youths in their pursuit of self-improvement and commended Mhub's initiative.
"Mhub's Job and Opportunity Fair has provided us with a much-needed platform to connect with potential employers, customers, and funding sources, rekindling our hope and aspirations," Sambo remarked.
Karen Manda Nyasulu, Communications and Community Engagement Manager at Mhub, explained the fair's purpose.
"Inspired by the success of our pilot project in Lilongwe in 2022, we expanded the fair to five districts, including Salima, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhatakoa, and Lilongwe, with the goal of connecting youths to a wide range of opportunities," Nyasulu stated.
The fair featured a performance by musician Zeze Kingstone, who encouraged youths to embrace innovation and adapt to the ever-changing world. "Opportunities are not always served on a silver platter. We must be wise, resourceful, and innovative to seize the opportunities that arise," Kingstone emphasized.
The two-day event witnessed six youth clubs pitching business ideas for funding, with three receiving cash prizes of 500,000, 300,000, and 200,000 Kwacha, respectively.
This initiative has empowered youths in Salima and surrounding districts, providing them with the means and motivation to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to community development.
Salima, in particular, faces challenges with sexually transmitted infections, with 71% of cases affecting youths.