By Rahim Abdul
The Side organisation says it is targeting to train more than 1,000 people through a free catering skills programme scheduled to run from August 1 to November 30, 2026.
The organisation says the initiative is aimed at equipping participants with practical catering skills that can help them create employment and improve their livelihoods.
The Side Executive Director, Ibrahim Yusuf, said the training sessions will be conducted at Chanasa Event Garden in Machinjiri.
Yusuf said the organisation introduced the programme after recognising the growing demand for practical vocational skills that are easy to learn and can quickly generate income.
He said catering provides an opportunity for individuals to start small businesses with relatively low capital while meeting the increasing demand for food services.
“We decided to offer catering training because it is one of the easiest vocational skills to learn and it gives people an opportunity to establish their own businesses,” Yusuf said.
He added that the programme is open to everyone regardless of their religious affiliation, gender or social background.
“Our doors are open to anyone willing to learn. We are not selecting participants based on their religion because the aim is to empower communities with practical skills,” he said.
Yusuf further disclosed that, besides cooking and catering techniques, participants will also receive training in entrepreneurship and business management.
He said the business component has been included to ensure that graduates are able to transform their newly acquired skills into sustainable income-generating ventures.
According to Yusuf, all participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded certificates in recognition of their achievement.
The Side believes the initiative will contribute to reducing unemployment by empowering people with practical skills that can help them become self-reliant and create opportunities within their communities.
