COMSIP COOPERATIVE
UNION LIMITED
NEWS
Breaking Barriers: Six Young Women in Kasungu Among First to Receive Bricklaying Toolkits
By Mercy Chaluma
Six young women trained in bricklaying are among the first beneficiaries to receive start-up toolkits under the third cohort of the Youth Skills Challenge Support (YSCS) in Kasungu District.
The toolkit distribution is being implemented by COMSIP Cooperative Union Limited under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) – Tidzidalire, as part of efforts to help young people transition from skills training into sustainable businesses and employment.
The six young women are among 838 youths across Malawi who will receive start-up tools after completing skills training in various trades, including welding and fabrication, tailoring, plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, cosmetology, phone repair and bricklaying.
Their achievement challenges traditional perceptions about trades such as bricklaying, demonstrating that young women can successfully pursue and build livelihoods in skills that have traditionally been dominated by men.
The beneficiaries underwent practical skills training delivered by TEVETA-recognised artisans and received certificates upon completion. The training and certification are intended to equip them with the skills and credentials needed to establish and formalise their businesses.
“We have started the tools distribution exercise with the Central Region. Next is the North, followed by the Southern Region,” said Ernest Jumbe, YSCS Coordinator at COMSIP.
The 838 graduates from the third cohort join 2,096 youths from previous cohorts who are already using their skills and tools to run businesses, improve their livelihoods and create employment opportunities for others.
Through the Youth Skills Challenge Support, young people are equipped with practical, marketable skills and start-up tools to help them establish businesses, earn incomes and move towards greater economic independence.
The programme is contributing to efforts to reduce youth unemployment and poverty while supporting young people to participate meaningfully in local economic development.
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