Empowering Youth for a Digital Future: Mzuzu IHAB and FOCUS Organization Offer Skills Training
The combined efforts of these organisations have not only offered vital skills but have also sparked a transformation within the community and empowered the youth.
Mzuzu, Malawi – In a heartening tale of determination and skill acquisition, 26-year-old Wilson Khwawa shares his inspiring journey of surviving and thriving through a computer business he established in his community, writes Ellah Chirwa.
Not only has he been able to support his impoverished family with basic necessities, but he also aspires to create a dynamic studio offering a wide array of digital services in this age of technological transformation.
For Khwawa, life hasn't always been fair. In earlier years, his parents struggled to provide for the family, primarily relying on farming for sustenance.
This financial instability led to a halt in his education as he couldn't afford the school fees required to further his studies at the Community Day Secondary School in his area.
Reflecting on his journey, Khwawa expressed his gratitude, saying, "All thanks should go to Mzuzu IHAB together with FOCUS organization for offering free computer training."
The knowledge and skills he acquired through this program have become instrumental in shaping his future.
Innocent Kazingo, hailing from Malopa Village, also shared his life-transforming experience, attributing it to the graphic design skills he acquired.
Though he hasn't yet started his own business, Kazingo is now in high demand, providing his graphic design services to numerous clients.
This newfound livelihood enables him to save for the business he envisions while simultaneously supporting his family's basic needs.
Kazingo, who was previously reliant on his parents for everything, now takes pride in his independence.
He plans to relieve his parents of the financial burden of paying for a sibling's education.
Speaking with gratitude, he emphasized his commitment to imparting these skills to other youths, thereby supporting the government's efforts towards Agenda 2063, specifically the fifth enabler.
Highlighting the relevance of these skills in the digital era, Kazingo explained how they would remain in high demand as the world continues to embrace digital technologies.
Mzuzu IHAB, in collaboration with FOCUS organization, recently provided free training in end-user computing and graphic design to 83 young individuals, who were awarded their certificates in a ceremony held on Wednesday.
The primary objective of this training initiative is to empower these youths with lifelong skills that enable them to form groups and establish various digital businesses, including stationeries and graphic designing studios, among others.
Additionally, this programme keeps the youth engaged in constructive activities, helping deter them from engaging in undesirable behaviours.
Lapken Liwago, the District Youth Officer, commended Mzuzu IHAB and the FOCUS organisation for their impactful contribution to the district's development.
He emphasized the significance of economic empowerment for the youth in a district with a substantial youth population, which constitutes 51% of the total population of 365,557.
Liwago recognized the need for proper guidance and training to ensure the well-being and transformation of the youth, not only on a physical level but also in terms of changing mindsets.
The combined efforts of these organisations have not only offered vital skills but have also sparked a transformation within the community and empowered the youth to look forward to a brighter digital future.