Chikondi Kanama, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Bangwe Township in Blantyre, has launched vocational and technical education in his home area to equip youths with skills to succeed in the job market.
The holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering (Honours) first-class degree from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), obtained in 2019, observed that young men and women in his area lack employable skills during their productive years and need a serious mind-set shift from being job seekers to job creators.
The Bangwe-based young entrepreneur told ProjectM that he opened the school, Serenity Institute of Science and Technology, in April 2023, to equip youths with the necessary tools and exposure to open up numerous opportunities for them in today’s increasingly digital world.
“We want a future where youths confidently navigate the job market, make meaningful contributions to the country’s economy and lead fulfiling lives,” he said.
According to Kanama, the unemployment rate in Bangwe Township is very high because young men and women lack opportunities to pursue their goals, making it difficult for them to secure employment.
He said unemployed young adults are given the opportunity to complete a five-year apprenticeship in various skilled trades such as Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication, Palliative and Elderly.
Kanama emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach from the government, Civil Society, and the Private Sector by providing institutional-based vocational and technical training to the youth.
“We thank God that within a space of one year, we are recognised and trusted in our community, and we are happy to say that the first 10 students, who were in salon and beauty therapy, including palliative and elderly care, have graduated.
Currently, one of our potential partners has offered a proposal to construct ramps and other disability-friendly infrastructure in preparation to offer scholarships for the disabled, and we are challenging other NGOs in the country to emulate the same,” he said.
Chikondi Kanama can be reached at +265888226042.
This is so awesome bro keep it up