By Priscilla Mwakifuna

Chikwawa, February 17, Mana: In a bid to empower youths in Chikwawa through vocational training and entrepreneurship, Apostle Arbert Mpende from Time of Repenting and Deliverance Ministries (TRIDEM) has distributed 36 sewing machines and other sewing equipment to youths.

The distribution was done on Sunday during the graduation of students who enrolled at TRIDEM vocational school at Domasi Trading Center in the district.

According to Mpende, the initiative is under a project called Community Health Evangelism.

“The goal is to equip the youths with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and independent, thereby improving their livelihoods,” he said.

Mpende added that his ministry will utilize the existing committees in the community to act as surveillance mechanism to ensure proper use of the machines.

Speaking at the event Chikwawa District Youth Officer, Mcnell Shire said the development will have a remarkable impact on the youths’ livelihood.

"Youths who were previously hindered by their struggles to buy their own machines have now been empowered to generate their own income," said Shire.

One of the people who benefited from the initiative, Merifa Mkhwazi said she is happy that her dream of becoming a tailor has now been fulfilled and she has a sewing machine to start her business.

The beneficiaries will be required to pay for the sewing machines in installments for a period of six months.