The Malawian academic landscape is very challenging. There are so many hurdles that hinder students from finishing their education successfully, whether that is lack of funding or the simple fact that there are just not enough secondary schools and colleges to meet the demand of the students that need them.
As a response to this dire need, The Chisomo Idea has created a vocational training initiative that doubles as a business incubator to provide young people with practical skills in different technical disciplines. Our vision is to equip young people, men and women, with practical skills that they can use to either enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
Program Progress
So far, we have started two initiatives, a baking initiative where women from the community are taught how to bake and sell bread. We have also started a tailoring program where students are taught how to make clothes and bags that they can sell in the local market.
Both initiatives are showing good results with 3 businesses started in the baking initiative and 28 students already graduated in the tailoring initiative with 20 new students enrolled in the current cohort.
At the end of the cohort, students are able to bring their families to a colorful graduation which gives us an opportunity to vision-cast about the program as well as the work of Chisomo. The graduations have been some of the most exciting catalysts for growth for Chisomo and a place of affirmation and encouragement for the students.
Our 2023 Goal
In 2023 we would like to build out further infrastructure that will house future initiatives like an auto garage where students can learn to fix motorcycles and cars, a welding shop where students can learn metal work as well as a brick and motor studio so students can learn the art of bricklaying and building
Currently we are in the preliminary stages of building a carpentry program. The program is in its pilot stage with 10 students. The plan is to have the students, men and women, learn how to make furniture and other wooden home and office accessories.
Real-Time Updates
Here’s what’s happening on the ground under this initiative. Click on the image to read the full caption from the post. #VocationalTraining
Today’s progress report 🏃🏿♂️🏃🏃♀️Give to proof today and be part of this extraordinary story /// Click on link in bio /// Zelle, Cashapp and Venmo available upon request #VocationalTraining...
✨Words by Sellah Singini ✨
“Today was one of those days where you see the work of that IDEA coming to fruition. ...
✨Words by Sellah Singini ✨
“Today was one of those days where you see the work of that IDEA coming to fruition.
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Today was the beginning of a new life for that student who dropped out of school because of early pregnancy, that boy who got good points but couldn’t pursue college, that lady that got divorced and has 5 kids to look after, that married woman who needs extra income to finance her family as well. The works that these graduates are doing is extraordinary.
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Today these people on the pictures graduated from The Chisomo Idea tailoring pilot project that ran from may to November this year.
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Calling it pilot project coz the best is yet to come
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if you are looking on how you can give in this festive season let’s start talking about the growth of this project
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Thanks to Inkosi Van Wyk Maseko and Twandy Mwangonde for always being there and Noel Noxy Musicha Cosmas Phiri and Melissa Musicha for making things happen all the time.
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I am a happy soul
#Chisomoideadiaries #VocationalTraining...
Interviews are underway for the start of our tailoring business incubator 💜 Community Flourishing in the making!
