Katantha Youth Club Empowers Girls in Lilongwe with Tailoring Skills
The initiative promotes self-reliance and economic stability for girls through tailoring and fashion design skills, enabling income generation.
Lilongwe, Malawi - In a heartwarming success story, more than 20 young girls from Lilongwe's area 36 have graduated from Eminence Tailoring School, thanks to the Katantha Youth Club Girls Empowerment Initiative, writes Mustafa Makumba.
This initiative, aimed at fostering self-reliance and economic stability among girls, has not only equipped them with valuable tailoring and fashion design skills but also provided a means of income generation.
Yamikani Mbewe, one of the leaders of the Katantha Youth Club, explained the motivation behind the initiative, saying, "We wanted to impart critical skills to the girls who are just staying at home after sitting for their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Examination. We selected dedicated and self-motivated girls from the youth club and enrolled them in a tailoring school because we wanted to find something for them to do during their school break. Some of those who were passionate and industrious finished the course and now own tailoring shops, able to make ends meet."
The graduates' efforts have not gone unnoticed, with many expressing their appreciation for the youth club's support.
Tadala Chapolama, a 23-year-old resident of Matindi Village in Lilongwe district, shared her success story: "I was not lucky enough to pursue higher education due to financial hurdles. However, the coming of this valuable initiative is a blessing in disguise. I am now a fully-trained fashion designer and one of the most successful tailors in our community."
Chapolama's sentiment is echoed by her classmate, Alice Paul, who also owns a tailoring shop, saying, "Through the tailoring workshop, I can support my family, and I am grateful for this initiative."
Katantha Youth Club, established in 2018, aims to empower the youth to become responsible citizens in their communities and Malawi at large.
Their multifaceted approach includes reducing school dropout rates through career guidance and role modelling activities, preventing early pregnancies, and addressing issues related to drug and substance use among youths.
The club's dedication to its mission is evident in its successful rescue of over 100 students who were on the brink of dropping out of school.
This achievement was made possible through the Mudzi Uyere fundraising initiative, where members conducted house-to-house sweeping exercises in exchange for contributions.
In addition to skill-building and education-focused efforts, the youth club also maintains a netball team, providing opportunities for girls to engage in recreational activities while distancing themselves from risky behaviours.
Katantha Youth Club's holistic approach is making a significant impact on the lives of young girls in Lilongwe, creating a brighter future for the community.