By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, May 30, Mana: Director of Education, Youths and Sports (DEYS), for Dedza district council, Henry Likeke, has encouraged youths in the district to be self-reliant by increasing income-generating initiatives in their communities.

He was speaking on Thursday at Traditional Authority (T/A) Kasumbu's headquarters during the Informal Vocational Skills Graduation Ceremony and the awarding of start-up materials.

Likeke asked the graduating youths to utilize all available resources for economic growth, apart from the machines received as start-up materials for their acquired skills.

"There is a tendency among some youths who are leaving this country to work in other countries, especially South Africa. That country has attained economic growth because some youths are always working tirelessly there. However, let it be noted that for our country to achieve Malawi's 2063 vision, it needs energetic individuals. Let us therefore build our Nation by diversifying our sources of income, including farming," he said.

Commenting on the development, the council’s youth officer, Twesa Mwamlima, concurred with Likeke saying the time has come for youths to work together and develop their areas.

"We appreciate Kasumbu Development Organization (Kado) for helping in taking these initiatives to transform the lives of youths. It is also very commendable to see Action Aid Malawi continuing to support community organizations," said Mwamlima.

In his remarks, Kado Executive Director, Godfrey Sandram, said since its establishment, 91 youths have been trained in various skills, including tailoring.

“Others have also learnt skills like fixing motorbikes and financial literacy skills,” said Sandram.

One of the youths who received the sewing machine, Mary David, commended Kado for the training and assured the organization that she would use it for the intended purpose.