Malawi: 24 girls have graduated from Saint Patrick’s Homecraft Centre in Rumphi district. The girls were trained in food production as well as fashion and design at the institution.
The training of these girls is proof of their resilience and focus towards creating a brighter future for themselves. Saint Patrick’s Homecraft Centre in Rumphi district has been training girls in vocational skills for several years.
The graduation ceremony for the girls was organized on Saturday. Regional Service Centre Manager for Technical Entrepreneurial Vocational and Education Training Authority (TEVETA) for the North, Joseph Chikopa was also among the guests. He said the graduation of 24 girls is a step towards the attainment of Malawi 2063.
He said only skilled people including girls can contribute meaningfully to the development of the country. He expanded on the goals of the Malawi 2063 agenda which has been set by Lazarus Chakwera administration.
According to Malawi 2063, the enabler number five focuses on human capital development. As a country, we need a skilled workforce and these people have been given the right training to be skilled. The administration wants to make sure that more girls can get the opportunity to embrace vocational skills. They are not just for men,” said Chikopa.
Sister Deborah Nkunika, who serves as the Principal for the Saint Patrick’s Homecraft Centre, said the acquired skills will enable girls to establish their own businesses. They can also generate opportunity and employ others in their business.
A tailoring, fashion and design graduate, Emily Phiri from Mzimba shared her future plans after she has graduated.
According to the young girl, she will open her own shop and become self-reliant financially which is a major development. Saint-Denis Parish Priest, John Moyo urged the girls to utilize acquired skills to improve their lives.
The priest also urged them to use these skills to help others in their communities.
13,027 girls have been enrolled in various vocational skills training institutions. The stats reflect the numbers of girls since the year 2016