Tingathe Organization Aims to Equip 2,500 Underprivileged Youths with Entrepreneurial and Vocational Skills
Tingathe Organization provides free entrepreneurial and vocational training to underprivileged youths in Lilongwe's semi-urban areas, Benson Kamonjola.
Lilongwe, Malawi - Tingathe Organization, a local non-governmental organization operating in Lilongwe's semi-urban areas, is on a mission to provide free entrepreneurial and vocational training skills to underprivileged youths, writes Benson Kamonjola.
The organization aspires to reach up to 2,500 young individuals by the year 2027.
"Empowering underprivileged youths with entrepreneurial and vocational skills is crucial for reducing unemployment and poverty in our communities," said Martin Mbewe of Tingathe Organization.
Founded in 2017 by two recent graduates from the University of Malawi, Tingathe Organization initially operated in the Kauma and Mtandire areas of Lilongwe.
Since its establishment, the organization has successfully provided vocational training skills to 405 students in the region.
"We believe that through free financial literacy skills, we can equip the youth with the necessary tools to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities," emphasized Mbewe.
Madalo Masamba, one of the beneficiaries of the project, highlighted the life-changing impact of the program on her financial situation.
"The skills I have received have transformed my life, and now I am actively seeking opportunities to start my own business," said Masamba.
Masamba also emphasized the importance of empowering girls economically, stating, "Girls also need to be empowered economically because some of the social problems that we go through can be overcome through empowerment."
Damasiano Damiano, another beneficiary trained in tailoring and fashion designing, expressed his gratitude for the training program, stating, "I had lost hope after failing my Form 4 exams, but now I own a sewing machine, which I believe can help me start my own business."
Damiano further highlighted the impact of poverty and unemployment on young people, stating, "A lot of young people here in urban areas are getting involved in immoral behaviour because of poverty and unemployment, but with initiatives like that of Tingathe, I see hope for a better future."
Senior Chief Kauma, in support of the programs, acknowledged the positive impact on the youths in his area. "Such projects are of great importance in our society because if we empower these youths, it means we are creating a community that is socially and economically developed," said Chief Kauma.
Martin Mbewe expressed optimism about the future and called for support from other organizations, saying, "We are determined to reach our goal of empowering 2,500 youths, and we believe that with the support of partners, we can make a significant difference."
Currently, Tingathe Organization offers training in various fields, including tailoring and fashion design, carpentry and joinery, and financial literacy, among other technical and vocational skills.