Youth Empowerment Project Trains Malawian Youth in Soap Making, Farming, and Business Skills
A youth organization in Mangochi, Malawi, trains youth in soap making, farming, and business skills, empowering them to improve their lives.
MANGOCHI, MALAWI — The Ndumundu Youth Organisation in Mangochi is implementing a Youth Economic Empowerment project, providing training in soap making, farming, and business skills to the youth in the area, writes Happy Valirani.
The project, which started in 2022, has been successfully implemented in 24 youth clubs within the Ninja, Mkumba, Chisopi, Nangapoche, and Jalasi youth networks.
Additionally, 60 individuals in Traditional Authority Bwananyambi have received training.
Yohane Kampira, the Director of Ndumundu Youth Organisation, highlighted the project's focus on soap production, chicken farming, and tomato and groundnut farming.
The goal is to equip the youth with the skills needed to become self-sufficient.
"Besides these skills, we are developing the vision journey in their clubs for them to have a well-defined vision and how they can solve their daily challenges. We are also forming cooperatives for all youth clubs that are into commercial farming like soya and groundnuts," explained Kampira.
"The aim is to help the clubs have readily available markets, hence making enough profit for their social well-being."
Participants in the programme have already seen positive changes in their lives. Bashir Shuaib, a member of the Mkumba youth club, expressed his gratitude for the economic empowerment project.
"At first, my life was very difficult because I had nothing that I could do to bring in money, but now I am able to feed myself and my family," said Shuaib.
"Through the training, I have started my own business where I sell the soap that I make, and from the proceeds, I am able to support my family."
Patuma Wayison, another beneficiary, shared her success story of starting her own garden and selling tomatoes.
She also produces and sells soap. Wayison recognised the program's impact in redirecting youth towards positive economic activities.
"Before we received this training, many youths in the area were just loitering around. We never knew that we can have something profitable to do to find money to sustain our lives," said Wayison.
"But now, with the training, I am able to make and sell soap, earning myself a good living. The trainings are benefiting even those who did not go to school."
The project aims to empower more youth in the Bwananyambi area and expand its impact.
Funding for the organisation primarily comes from well-wishers and volunteers who help train the youth members.
Despite operating on strict budgets, Ndumundu Youth Organisation has made significant progress in reaching and empowering the youth and plans to continue the skills development programme.
Ndumundu Youth Organisation envisions a future where the organisation becomes a major supplier of farm and animal products through empowered youth clubs, enabling them to compete in the international market.
Nice big up Ndumundu youth organisation