By Raphael Likaka
A faith based organization Passion Center says that young people, as future leaders, have a responsibility to take part in the development of the country.
The Executive Director of Passion Center, Pastor Saul Mateyu, said this in Zomba during the fourth cohort graduation ceremony for vocational skills training, where 27 youths supported by the organization completed their training in practical trades.
Pastor Mateyu explained that one of the main activities of their organization is supporting vulnerable youth by teaching them vocational skills, so that they can become economically independent and contribute to national development.
He encouraged the graduates to demonstrate the skills they have been learning over the past six months, and also advised them not to sell the starter tools they received for their work.
Among the 27 graduates, who came from the districts of Zomba and Machinga, 15 were male and 12 were female.
The skills they learned included carpentry, bricklaying, tailoring, and agriculture. They were also given starter tool kits and certificates to help them begin their work.
Pastor Mateyu also expressed happiness that the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) has now recognized and certified Passion Center as an approved institution to train youth in vocational skills.
“These young people have received adequate vocational training, and we have also taught them the Word of God. We believe their lives will improve economically.” He said.
Also speaking at the event, Enock Chabwera, from the Youth Office of the Zomba District Council and the guest of honor, praised Passion Center for empowering young people through vocational training and for contributing to the government’s Vision 2063 development agenda.
He said that when young people learn practical skills, they become self-reliant, help grow the country’s economy, and can also create jobs for others.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Linda Chinthenga said she was very happy, because she never expected that she would pass tairoling and fashion design course and receive sawing machine as start pack.