Skills Program Transforms Prospects for Rural Youth
The beekeeping, tailoring and other Trade Skills may seem simple, but for many youth they are the Gateway to an entirely new life.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — Over 20 young people from Traditional Authority Somba in Blantyre have received life-changing vocational training under a National Youth Service program implemented by the Malawi government, writes Thokozani Beaton.
The project is run locally by the Umodzi Youth Club.
The skills training initiative aims to address high unemployment among rural youth by giving them marketable skills to earn a living.
Umodzi chairperson Elita Nsume said participants from villages like Kumbendera and Mingale have been learning tailoring and design to become self-reliant.
"Many of them had been idle and unproductive. They could not support themselves and their families," Nsume said.
The program will enable them to contribute meaningfully and have an impact beyond their own prospects.
Cecilia Bonwell had to leave school early due to pregnancy.
"I had no prospects of getting any form of employment but this tailoring opportunity will alleviate my poverty," she said.
17-year-old Hopeson Venancio faced similar barriers completing his education.
"Now I'm very happy participating in these tailoring courses because this will solve many of my problems and it will definitely transform my life," he said.
The trainings target rural youth clubs to provide solutions to unemployment, according to Mpemba Youth Network leader Kedron Cheonga. Umodzi and Milare clubs were approved out of 26 applying.
Umodzi plans to use their skills training to make uniforms for underprivileged local schoolchildren once qualified.
Founded in 2002, the club is known for community service activities like tree planting, elder care and health facility cleaning.
Chairperson Nsume said they encourage positive youth development and engagement in the community.
The National Youth Service vocational programs implemented by the Malawi government provide a lifeline to rural youth with limited prospects for formal education and careers.
By giving them technical skills and Networks to build microenterprises, the trainings are keeping dreams alive for young people like Bonwell and Venancio.
Their stories show how a small investment in skills can pay huge dividends - transforming futures, supporting families, and empowering youth to better their communities.
The beekeeping, tailoring and other Trade Skills may seem simple, but for many youth they are the Gateway to an entirely new life.