By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, July 24, Mana: Minister of Labour Agness Nyalonje says well-trained and educated youths in different vocational skills are crucial in spearheading the Malawi 2063 agenda.
Nyalonje made the remarks on Tuesday at William Marry Secondary School ground in Lilongwe, during the graduation ceremony of 478 youths who have completed their vocational skills training.
She said for the country to attain its vision by 2063, Malawi must start producing goods and services through different vocational skills such as tailoring, welding, fixing phones and many more by well-trained people.
“Let me take this opportunity to advise you to make use of the knowledge and skills that you have attained throughout your training period.
Do not look down on yourself, start your businesses and later create job opportunities for others. It is possible,” she said.
Nyalonje then urged parents and guardians who have children with disabilities to encourage them to go for vocational skills training for them to be financially self-reliant.
She assured people of the governments commitment to train more youth with different vocational skills despite the limited resources the ministry is getting.
Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) Quality Assurance Officer Patrick Mputeni said the institution is geared to promote and improve the livelihood of the youths, by among other things connecting them to loan lending institutions such as banks and the National Economic Empowerment Fund.
On his part, World Vision Director of Operations Charles Chimombo said they are working hand in hand with TEVETA by training the youths in vocational skills to reduce the unemployment rate among them in the country.
Chimombo then asked the graduating students to be innovative and transparent in discharging their duties for them to achieve their goals.
One of the graduating students, Sailotha Mthiko thanked the government, TEVETA and World Vision for their support during the training.
Mthiko assured the three institutions that they will make use of the knowledge and skills gained from the training and transform their lives.
Of the 478 graduates, 229 are youths trained in tailoring, motor cycle repair, bricklaying, electrical, solar installation, and many more.
