The Social Development Department in the Catholic Diocese of Zomba says it remains committed to supporting survivors of climate-related disasters to rebuild their lives.
The Executive Director for the Department, Fr. Patrick Kamba, was speaking today in the area of Group Village Headman Mbalu under Sub-Traditional Authority Lamusi in Zomba district when a group of 39 youths graduated in various technical and vocational skills trades under the Loss and Damage project implemented by the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM).
Fr. Kamba said that people who survived the recent weather-related tragedies such as Cyclone Freddy, are finding it hard to get back to their normal life such that they need to be supported.
According to Fr. Kamba, the youths of this area were also affected in different ways and that is why CADECOM decided to implement this project in the area. He added that one of the best ways of supporting these youths sustainably is to equip them with technical and vocational skills so that they can be able to generate their own income and support themselves financially.
Youths posing with officials after the graduation
As we are winding up this project, we are leaving this area happily because we have successfully implemented the project. This is a project for the community because the youths that have graduated today will also train others so that the skills are widely shared throughout the community”, continued Fr. Kamba.
According to the Executive Director, the youths were trained in bricklaying, carpentry and joinery as well as tailoring and fashion designing.
At the graduation ceremony, CADECOM also donated assorted tools to the youth groups in each trade, such as sewing machines, builders’ levels, carpenters’ hand planes, hammers and many more.
Donation of sewing machines in progress
In her remarks, the District Youth Officer (DYO) for Zomba, Sophie Mzunga, hailed CADECOM for the project, saying that it is a catalyst for achieving meaningful youth empowerment in the area. She then urged the community leadership to ensure that the tools are protected from theft and careless handling.
At this juncture, the DYO urged the youths to remain united and leverage the skills they have acquired so that the project can bear its intended fruits.
Some of the donated assorted items
Speaking later at the function, one of the beneficiaries of the project, Bertha Ntonya, extended her gratitude to CADECOM for considering them, adding that the commission had a leeway to implement the project elsewhere apart from their area. She concluded by assuring the gathering that she will properly utilise the skills to transform her life for the better.