2000 youth graduate under Save the Children programme
Two thousand youth from Rumphi, Ntchisi and Mchinji last week graduated in various technical and vocational skills under Youth-In-Action programme implemented by Save the Children.
Save the Children Programme Manager for Youth- In-Act ion Ann Chikoko said increased youth unemployment, child labour and school drop-out rates which led to low employability for the youth, prompted Save the Children to roll out the programme.
“We train them using learning for life curriculum and the programme using learning skills building approach. Some youth study social economics, others enterprise development and others go back to school and Save the Children gives the required assistance in all programmes,” said Chikoko on Friday when 677 youth graduated at Chitimba Primary School in Rumphi.
Chikoko said having gone through functional literacy skills; the youth are changing behaviour because of the life skills. And the organization gives out starter pack in the name of cash grants, materials and fees to those who want to go back to school.
“As Save the Children, we are very happy to see the youth change behaviour and some of them have now become employers and reliable business owners. We are excited,” said Chikoko who added that so far 3,833 youth have been transformed under the programme since 2012.
Rumphi District Social Welfare Officer Joshua Luhana said the district has high levels of youth unemployment because most youth drop out of school because of the activities along Lake Malawi while others resort to become tour guides.
One of the graduates, Taonga Mkandawire, 20, said she dropped out of school while in standard eight in 2009 because she became pregnant.
“After giving birth, life was difficult as I needed many things. I enrolled for welding under Youth- In-Action programme and today I am graduating as a welder. I will be able to fend for myself,” said Mkandawire who now has two children.
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