Mangochi West Constituency legislator Reuben Kanyama has embarked on skills development sensitisation camps across his constituency as part of efforts to address youth unemployment and promote economic independence among young people.
In collaboration with the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) and the Ministry of Labour, through the Mangochi District Council Labour Office, Kanyama recently reached out to youths and school leavers with information encouraging them to enrol in skills training programmes offered at various vocational training centres under TEVETA.
Kanyama said many young people lack adequate information about vocational training opportunities, prompting him to initiate the campaign to facilitate direct interaction between youths, mentors and trainers.
He said the youth are a productive group that can drive the country’s development if provided with appropriate skills and opportunities.
“The youths are a productive group to move the country forward. At their prime age, if given opportunities for skills development training, we create a pool of economic development drivers.
“We are concerned with the growing number of unemployed young school leavers who finish secondary school without a clear pathway. By bringing TEVETA and trainers closer to the communities, we want every young person to see skills as a viable route to self-employment and job creation,” Kanyama said.
TEVETA Regional Service Centre Manager for the South, Conceptor Bamusi, said the current job market requires skilled people to drive the country’s industrialisation, agricultural mechanisation and urbanisation, which she described as key pillars of economic growth.
Bamusi said with proper engagement and mentorship, applicants can perform well in their chosen trades regardless of their educational background.
“TEVETA is inclusive in its operations, and we provide opportunities to all regardless of age, gender or educational history because we believe in equal opportunities,” she said.
Bamusi has also encouraged interested youths to take advantage of the current application window ahead of the next TEVETA intake into technical and vocational training institutions and skills development centres across the country.
Vurson Banda, 23, an MSCE holder from Group Village Mwanda in the Nankhwali area, expressed satisfaction with the on-the-spot guidance provided by TEVETA and the District Labour Office.
Banda said the session was relevant as it had opened up career opportunities for many young people in rural areas.
He said he aspires to enrol in Welding and Fabrication, which he considers a marketable course and a practical alternative for earning a living in a rapidly changing society where people need to adapt to new economic opportunities.
The initiative, organised by the Mangochi West legislator, was held at three venues, where more than 1,500 participants were oriented on available courses, entry requirements, funding options and application procedures.
