By George Mponda

Karonga, June 4, Mana; Executive Director for Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS), Kossam Munthali has said equipping youths with practical skills that are directly linked to job markets such as carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and electrical work is significant for both individual and the country's development.

Munthali said this on Wednesday in Karonga during the graduation ceremony for over 15 youths awarded certificates in motorcycle mechanics, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and bricklaying at a ceremony held in the district.

"Graduating in vocational skills is not just about earning a certificate but a pathway to independence, dignity, and lasting community transformation for the youth of Karonga.

"Expanding access and support for vocational education is key to unlocking this potential since it will help the youths start their small businesses, becoming employers rather than job seekers which is why to date we have so far trained over 40 youths," said Munthali.

Representing the graduates, Chikosa Mwagomba, a plumbing student, said the training has shown that with the right support, they can change the direction of their lives.

"Before this, I was unemployed and uncertain about my future, but now I have skills that are in demand as many people are constructing their houses in Karonga and I plan to open a small workshop," Mwagomba said.

On his part, Northern Region Service Manager for Technical Entrepreneurial Vocational and Education Training (TEVET) Authority, Joseph Chikopa said the training has empowered vulnerable and unemployed youths in Karonga with practical skills that can lead to sustainable employment or entrepreneurship.

"These youths have been trained by the Karonga Informal Sector Training Providers Association and the curriculum they learnt is officially recognized by the government, so I can assure you these are professional skilled people who will deliver quality work," said Chikopa.

Senior Chief Kalonga who represented Paramount Chief Kyungu at the graduation hailed FOCUS for their work uplifting Karonga youths.

The youths who have been given start up kits for businesses have graduated under a ‘Child not Bride' project implemented by FOCUS in Karonga funded by TERETHON through Plan Malawi.