Youth Empowerment
In June 2024, with generous support from Stitching Afrika Foundation and Wilde Ganzen from the Netherlands, Community Hope Initiative embarked on an impactful youth vocational training project in Traditional Authority Kalolo, Lilongwe. The initiative, aimed at empowering vulnerable youths through bricklaying skills, selected 25 young people—17 males and 8 females—after a thorough assessment of their socio-economic backgrounds.
Over the four-month period, from June to September, these youths were not only trained but also took part in various practical projects within their community. They successfully constructed a dwelling house for one individual, built 10 school toilets, and a teachers’ house, demonstrating their growing expertise in bricklaying.
The story of success does not end there. Upon completion of their training, the youths have been employed by a Chinese construction company working on a warehouse project. Each trainee is now earning K4500 per day, a significant step towards self-sufficiency. The daily wages they receive have transformed their lives, allowing them to meet their basic needs and support their families. From struggling to make ends meet, they now have stable income sources, helping them buy food, pay for household necessities, and even invest in their futures.
This vocational training project, powered by Stitching Afrika Foundation and Wilde Ganzen, has not only provided these youths with bricklaying skills but has also opened doors to employment opportunities that are lifting them out of poverty. The impact of this training is already visible in their communities, as they contribute to construction projects and become valuable members of the workforce.
The partnership between Community Hope Initiative and its esteemed sponsors has sparked hope and created a ripple effect of positive change. The skills these youths have gained will continue to empower them, their families, and their communities for years to come.
Future Projects: Expanding Opportunities for Youth Empowerment
Building on the success of the bricklaying vocational training, Community Hope Initiative is already planning future projects to further empower vulnerable youths in Lilongwe and beyond. With continued support from Stitching Afrika Foundation and Wilde Ganzen, the organization aims to expand its vocational training programs to include other practical skills such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. These trades will provide additional employment opportunities for young people, diversifying their skill sets and enhancing their employability.
Another upcoming project (tailoring training) focuses on entrepreneurship and small business development. The initiative plans to provide training and certificates to the youth graduates. This will not only provide them with skills but also create job opportunities where individuals and companies can employ them and become self reliant.
In collaboration with local companies and government agencies e.g TEVETA Community Hope Initiative also envisions offering advanced certifications and apprenticeships, ensuring that youths can access long-term career.
The youths at a Chinese construction site where they are constructing a warehouse.
These future projects are rooted in the belief that investing in youth is the key to sustainable community development. With ongoing partnerships and a proven model for success, the organization is committed to changing more lives, one skill at a time.
