Forty-five women from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mchema in Chiradzulu are set to transform their lives after graduating with tailoring and entrepreneurial skills, thanks to the support of Malawi Relief Fund (MRF) UK and Issa Foundation.
The women, who underwent intensive training at Maone Vocational Training Center, received their certificates during a graduation ceremony that celebrated their hard work and resilience.
The programme, valued at K23 million, provided Tevet, recognised training free of charge, equipping the women with practical skills essential for self-sufficiency.
Speaking at the event, MRF Country Director Yakub Valli reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering rural women with vocational skills that promote economic independence.
Said Vali: “Our goal is to create sustainable livelihoods by providing women with skills that can help them generate income and support their families.
“We are proud of this group of graduates and confident that they will use their knowledge to uplift themselves and their communities.”
Beyond the training, MRF and Issa Foundation went a step further by providing each graduate with a startup kit, including a sewing machine and essential materials.
This support ensures that the women can immediately put their skills to use by establishing their own tailoring businesses.
One of the graduates, Memory Jere, expressed her gratitude, saying the programme has changed her life.
“Before this training, I had no source of income, but now I have the skills and tools to start my own business. I am excited to begin this new chapter and support my family,” she said.
The initiative highlights the role of vocational education in empowering women and fostering economic development in rural communities.
With the skills acquired and the necessary resources in hand, the 45 women are now equipped to become financially independent and contribute meaningfully to their households and society at large.
MRF UK and Issa Foundation have been instrumental in supporting vocational training in Malawi, ensuring that women, particularly those in rural areas, have access to opportunities that can improve their livelihoods.
The Maone Technical College training initiative is just one of many projects aimed at creating lasting change through skill development.
As the graduates embark on their new journey, their success will not only benefit their families but also inspire other women to seek similar opportunities, reinforcing the power of education and empowerment in transforming lives.
