By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, June 11, Mana: As part of its youth skills activities under Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), JCM Power, an independent Power producer has distributed nine sewing machines to nine students who were trained in tailoring at Kindle Vocation Centre supported by JCM Power.

The distribution exercise took place on Wednesday, at Kanzimbe Village, a catchment area where JCM power operates in the district.

According to LRP Chairperson, Timothy Tembo, the skills training for the youth has a great impact in uplifting the households of project affected people who have enrolled for different trainings.

"He said project affected individuals deserve a significant change of their livelihoods through various interventions aimed at promoting a better livelihood," he said.

JCM Community Liaison Officer, Levison Masamba said under the project, JCM power has trained 50 youths in driving with C1 driving licence, 11 youths in carpentry and joinery, 21 youths in brick laying, nine in tailoring and 11 in solar technology.

"The project includes training and startup kits for every trade. The goal is to make sure that our project affected persons have an alternative source of income to subsistence farming." He said.

Masamba added that the machines are provided for free as a startup for the youth.

One of the youths, Conex Frackson who is a beneficiary commended JCM power for the training and the sewing machine provided.

He added that he has gained the skill and will be self-sufficient and not depend on handouts.