By Emily M'mangisa

Zomba, November 21, Mana: Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire has stressed the need to foster entrepreneurship skills among the youth to build an empowered and resilient nation.

Speaking at Gymkhana Club Ground on Thursday during a graduation ceremony of 1,000 youths who underwent an entrepreneurial skills training under the auspices of Titukulane Resilience and Food Security Project, Mkandawire said skills development is among the seven pillars in the ministry of youth.

"Under the seven pillars, we have entrepreneurship, this is why I am grateful to preside over this graduation," Mkandawire said.

He noted that acquisition of skills is more than just money, saying it is a capital that will remain in the youths for eternity.

Mkandawire reiterated the President Dr. Lazarus Chakweras' vision to create a self-reliant Malawi through provision of necessary skills to the population.

The minister, therefore, encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge they gained to eradicate poverty.

Executive Director for Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA), Elwin Sichiola said the authority will continue equipping people of different age groups including the youth with vocational skills.

"All those that have received certificates today and have MSCE are welcome to pursue diplomas on our programs," he said.

In his remarks, Zomba District Council Chairperson, Bazilio Chinthenga expressed gratitude with the implementation of Titukulane Project.

Chinthenga said the project has demonstrated deliverables that are currently assisting the community.

He, however, called upon other organizations to continue where Titukulane project has stopped, saying more youths remain jobless.

One of the outstanding students in fashion designing from Traditional Authority Nkagula, Bashiri Ali, 24, outlined his achievements from the project.

“I am glad to have been recognized and be among the youth who have gained entrepreneurial skills. I promise to do my best and be an example to many youths within my community," he said.

United States Agency for International Development representative, Alexis Jones, who is also Humanitarian Assistance Team Leader, said it was the aim of the agency to put measures that will assist in the development of Malawi.

Of the total graduates, eight students graduated from brick laying, carpentry 126, electrical installation 36, welding and fabrication 93, cosmetology 117, phone repairing 32 and 226 students in tailoring.

Before the graduation, the minister and other top officials alongside Zomba Prison Brass Band led the graduates through a parade from Zomba Police College to Gymkhana Club Ground.