Church Program Teaches Vocational Skills to Empower Malawi Women
The Baptist Women Union of Malawi has provided scholarships for 15 female church members to learn tailoring through the program.
MZUZU, Malawi - A vocational skills training program by Mzuzu Baptist Church aims to empower women and youth facing economic challenges in Malawi, writes LoveMore Shaba.
The Baptist Women Union of Malawi has provided scholarships for 15 female church members to learn tailoring through the program.
Union president Jaquelin Kalenga said most women lack businesses to support themselves and their families.
"We believe that giving them skills will contribute positively to the life of the church and Union in giving and participation," Kalenga said.
She said the joint initiative with Mzuzu Baptist equips members with lifelong abilities.
The training extends beyond the church to help women in surrounding areas.
"The entrepreneurship training is beneficial since Mzuzu Baptist goes beyond by opening doors to accommodate some from Nkhata Bay and Mzimba," Kalenga said.
"But as Union we will go as far as Likoma, Karonga and Chitipa in helping women regardless of denomination."
Dorothy Nyirenda, one of the recipients, said the opportunity will help ease her family's financial pressures.
Pastor Francis Kisebe said the timing is ideal, as many church members face economic hardship.
"The skills that they will gain from this training will help them to start businesses to manage their families," he said.
The Baptist Women's Union objectives include providing skills, spiritual guidance and literature to women and girls, as well as promoting God's Kingdom.
The three-year program aims to equip 100 women each year with entrepreneurship and tailoring skills.
The European Baptist Mission International, through the Baptist Women Union, is funding the tailoring workshops.