By Rahim Abdul
Forty-five learners in Blantyre are preparing to venture into self-employment after completing a three-month practical skills training programme organised by The SID in Machinjiri.
The graduates received their certificates during a ceremony held at Blantyre Lodge over the weekend, where guest of honour Yunus James Sani challenged them to turn their newly acquired skills into sustainable businesses.
Sani urged the graduates to view their skills as business opportunities rather than merely qualifications, saying their ability to identify opportunities and apply their knowledge would be key to improving their livelihoods and supporting their families.
The SID Director, Ibrahim Yusuf, said the programme equipped participants with practical knowledge to help them achieve economic independence while contributing to community development.
Yusuf described the training as an investment in the learners’ future, saying the skills could bring positive changes to their daily lives.
One of the graduates, Amina Senga, said she was happy to have acquired soap-making and bread-production skills, which she intends to use to establish her own business.
She said the training opened opportunities for her to generate income instead of depending on others.
Another graduate, Mary Ching’amba, commended The SID for the initiative, saying she can now produce various items for sale.
The training covered the production of soap, crisps, peanut products, sausages and cakes, among other items, giving participants practical skills that can be developed into small-scale businesses.
