IOM TRAINS HUNDREDS OF YOUTH IN VOCATIONAL SKILLS

Youths along the lakeshore areas of Mangochi and Nkhotakota districts have saluted the United Nations’ migration agency for equipping them with vocational skills. 

This follows the graduation of a total 257 youths, mainly returnees, after a three month training courtesy of the International Organization for Migration.

One of the beneficiaries, Omar Tambala from Nkhotakota, said he will now be able to pursue a career in tailoring with huge possibility of employing fellow peers.

"I migrated to South Africa in search for greener pastures and only returned home as life became unbearable due to a surge in Covid-19 infections," said Tambala.

In her remarks, IOM Project Officer, Irvine Mwangala said the initiative was introduced to help cushion returnees from the pandemic.

"We are happy communities have been trained, they have recieved the the tools and will be able to go out there and practice the trade they have been trained in," said Mwangala.

Mwangala further stressed the organisation wants to prevent youths from seeking opportunities in foreign countries.

Through the project, youths have graduated in several fields including welding, carpentry, tailoring and mechanical vehicle engineering.