In 1999, the Marianist Institute of Rural Artisans for Christian Life Education (MIRACLE) Technical Institute was born in the border district of Karonga under the Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church.
Due to space, it was agreed then to use two old hostels for Chaminade Secondary school as classrooms to nurture students in technical and vocational skills in three courses.
In a typical of “a 1000 kilometrs’s journey starts with a single step”, on Friday, all that became history as MIRACLE Technical Institute (MTI) commemorated 25 years of its existence.
According to the Institute’s principal Wanangwa Sichone it will start offering degree programmes to help bridge the country’s job and entrepreneurship market.
Sichone explains that the survey that Marianist brothers led by Brother Peter Daino conducted in 1996 established that there was a great need to impart technical skills to the idle youths in Karonga district.
She says: “We started on a humble note 25 years ago with three courses. We extended to Chitipa youths and later on we opened the door to the whole country.”
“Today we are celebrating a silver jubilee of excellence and commitment due to dedication, hard-working spirit, collaboration and unwavering support from the community, donors, government, ministry of labour, parents and other stakeholders”.
Sichone says the institution has trained over 2 000 students in tailoring, fashion and design, solar installation, electrical installation and information, communication and technology, cosmetology, food production and carpentry and joinery.
“Along the way, we also introduced the commercial sector courses such as community development examined by Association of Business Managers and Administrators based on the need.
“However, considering that there were a lot of youths without academic entry qualifications like Junior Certificate and Malawi School Certificate of Education, we introduced informal six months technical skills in Hair Dressing and Beauty and a one year Food Production course,” she said.
Founded on Catholic and Marianist values, the institution aims at shaping students into technically skilled and morally grounded individuals.
“Our mission has sometimes come at a cost, but we remain unwavering in our commitment to nurturing students who embody integrity, service, family spirit, compassion and humility,” said Sichone.
To justify this, the Marianist regional superior, Father Stephen Wanyoike Mburu blessed the newly Marian Grotto to serve as a sacred space dedicated to Mary, embodying the Catholic heritage and devotion.
She said: “The tranquil spot invites everyone to deepen their faith through prayer and reflection, inspired by Mary’s virtues of humility, compassion and faith.
“The Grotto reflects our commitment to nurturing both spiritual and academic growth. In celebrating Mary’s mission of bringing Christ into the world, we see today as a testament to that mission and honour it with this space.”
The celebration which coincided with the 2024 graduation of 167 students saw the official opening of a new Student Center Block which will house the student president’s office, a boardroom and a showroom where department projects will be displayed and sold.
“This facility which includes a restaurant for day students, teachers and the local community as well as a fully-equipped tuck-shop signifies huge growth,” she adds.
According to the principal, this center will be a hub of interaction, enhancing unity and strengthening the community bonds among students and staff.
In his homily during a Holy Mass service, Father Wanyoike Mburu challenged the graduating students to be innovative by starting own businesses instead of waiting for white collar jobs in order to create both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
He said: “Formal and informal technical schools play vital roles in shaping citizens to break poverty cycles. Though quality education remains a far-fetched dream to the underprivileged, we strive to contributing to high quality education to produce productive citizens.
“Therefore, we align our programs with industry needs, we empower graduates to be key drivers of Malawi’s development, contributing to local infrastructure, productivity and a higher quality of life.”
One of the graduands, Caroline Sikwese commended MIRACLE for shaping her cosmetology skills said she has been empowered to create jobs while making ends meet to socially develop the country.
Due to its prowess efforts, Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) accredited the institution in 2005 to enable it deliver hands on and theory experience.
This collaboration necessitated the presence of the Authority’s presence at the grand Silver Jubilee which coincided with the graduation and commissioning of the students centre.
TEVETA centre manager for the Northern Region John Chikopa while applauding MTI for striving for the attainment of quality education said the institution’s silver jubilee also coincided with TEVETA’s Silver Jubilee.
He said: “MTI has established itself as a beacon of hope by training the youth in various vocational skills and trade for the country’s development. It is also increasing access and equity to meet the demand of the job market which is also TEVETA’s pillars”.
Commemorated under the theme: “”Bridging Knowledge and Industry: Graduating Talent for Today and Tomorrow,” the institution now aims to digitize more of its processes, inspired by Malawi’s Vision 2063 for digital transformation.
“We will continue strengthening our Catholic and Marianist identity on campus. We envision MIRACLE as an enduring “Oasis” that meets the evolving needs of the industry and aligns with national goals,” said Sichone.
