There Is Hope promotes self-reliance among refugees

There Is Hope (TIH) says its Skill Up project is promoting self-reliance and economic well-being among refugees and host communities in Dowa District.

The project, coordinated by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Malawi, targets young people aged 15 to 35 from Dzaleka Refugee Camp and surrounding communities through non-formal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

TIH Project Officer Nyengo Magagula Kumwenda said since 2024, the project has trained young people in bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, fabrication and welding, plumbing, solar photovoltaic installation, and tailoring and fashion design.

He said 436 students, 156 refugees and 280 Malawians were recruited, with 402 graduating, representing a 92.2 percent completion rate.

The project also provides entrepreneurship and life skills training, digital literacy, scholarships for vulnerable girls, industrial attachments, start-up kits and tree planting.

Kumwenda said the programme is being implemented with partners including TEVETA, SMEDI, MACODA, Dzaleka Camp management, Dowa District Council and COMSIP.

Dowa District Council Director of Planning and Development Phillimon Maseko urged development partners to share project progress to promote accountability, transparency and cooperation.

He also encouraged school leavers to enrol in vocational training to acquire skills that can help them become self-reliant and contribute to the development of Dowa and Malawi.