Youth for Relief, Education, and Development (YORED) Empowers Chitipa's Youth Through Entrepreneurship
Through the introduction of Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups, YORED aims to foster a culture of business and entrepreneurship among local youth.
CHITIPA, MALAWI — Youth for Relief, Education, and Development (YORED), a youth-centred organisation, is making significant strides in uplifting the lives of young people in the Chitipa district, writes Victor Musongole.
Through the introduction of Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups, YORED aims to foster a culture of business and entrepreneurship among local youth.
With economic challenges such as capital scarcity and a lack of expertise in income-generating activities, YORED has taken the lead in promoting businesses, agriculture, and education.
The organization, which boasts a membership of over 60 individuals, has successfully established multiple VSL groups funded through membership fees.
Additionally, YORED provides support to vulnerable students by covering school fees and essential needs.
A Fara Research Report on youth in Malawi highlights the prevalence of informal employment, stating, "In most African countries, the majority of young workers in both rural and urban areas are in informal employment."
Joyce Chomo, a member of YORED, shares her success story of accessing soft loans through the group, which led to a significant improvement in her grocery business.
She proudly attests to a 30 percent increase in profits and improved agricultural yield due to the loans.
Piales Kayuni, who invested in pig farming with loans from the group, expresses how his life has transformed for the better.
"After joining this group, I bought pigs and managed to sell some piglets. I was now able to pay school fees for my children," Kayuni explained, highlighting the practical impact of YORED's initiatives.
Thomas Chiona, another member, recounts his journey into vegetable and animal farming, which he credits to the success of VSLs.
He emphasizes that loans provided by the group have fueled his thriving farming endeavours, resulting in increased profits from both animals and vegetables.
Daniel Mnkhondia, a bursary beneficiary, expresses gratitude for YORED's assistance in his education journey.
Mnkhondia, who is expected to start Form 2 at Yamba Community Day Secondary School, describes how YORED's support has brightened his future prospects.
Peter Chidule, the group's Secretary, outlines their progress since inception, including the establishment of an executive committee and the initiation of a VSL.
Recognizing challenges like resource scarcity and a lack of proper guidance, Chidule discloses that YORED is in the process of registering as a cooperative to strengthen its negotiation power and market presence.
Chidule adds, "We have several challenges... but we are processing the registration of our cooperative. We believe after we set up the cooperative, we will be able to negotiate for better prices and find more markets since we will have one voice."
YORED's innovative efforts in Chitipa district underscore the importance of youth-focused initiatives in promoting sustainable development, empowering young individuals, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.