By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, May 30, Mana:  Government has said courses being offered at Magomero Community Development College are crucial in fighting malnutrition and HIV/AIIDS in the country.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza said this Wednesday during the graduation ceremony of 185 students from Magomero Community Development College with diplomas and certificates in early childhood development, nutrition and home management, community development, social work, social protection, agro-food processing and adult education.

She said the courses are geared to train from frontline works who could assist the country ins fighting malnutrition and HIV/AIDS.

"This is in line with Pillar 5 of Malawi 2063 agenda, which is human capital development. The nation needs robust and strengthened social services delivery for all children and young people to access better services," Sendeza said.

The Minister appealed to the graduates to consider venturing into entrepreneurship and other small-scale businesses, saying the government alone cannot offer employment to all of them.

"Every year, we have new graduates from various universities in the country and the government cannot absorb them all into the civil service. This is why you have to start thinking outside the box.

"For example, by forming cooperatives to access the K59 billion which the government has set aside specifically for entrepreneurs who are into agro-processing or by writing proposals to access NEEF loans," Sendeza added.

She thanked the World Bank and the European Union (EU) for providing financial and technical support at the College and offering scholarships to about 107 of the graduating students.

Sendeza urged the graduates to make a difference in the communities they would be serving by strengthening early childhood development and nutrition, among others, saying the country was experiencing a problem of non-communicable nutrition-related diseases.

Principal for Magomero Community Development College, Thokozani Mtapa said the new graduates have the potential to help the country become self-reliant in many areas; thereby, contributing to the aspirations of the Malawi 2063.

"This is a skilled and vibrant workforce that we are releasing into the world. Apart from their normal courses, they have been equipped with skills in value-addition, business management and entrepreneurship which will enable them to start small-scale businesses and become independent financially," she said.

Senior Chief Nchema advised the graduates to work with traditional leaders in the communities they would be working to make meaningful impact in various areas of development.

President of the student Union at the College, Stanley Miliyasi said they are ready to serve and contribute to food security, community development and job creation in the country.

The 2024 graduation ceremony was held under the theme: "Strengthening nutrition and early childhood development to achieve children's full potential."