By Burnett Munthali

A local non-governmental organization, Concerned Youth Organization (CYO), has equipped 30 youths in Blantyre with skills in solar energy system installation, providing them with opportunities to pursue self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative is part of the “Sustainable Futures: Empowering Youth in Green Economy and Resilient Livelihoods” project, which aims to foster green economy skills among young people. The beneficiaries of the training program were drawn from Ndirande, Mapanga, Chirimba, and Nkolokoti wards.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, CYO Board Chair Robert Mponela emphasized the importance of empowering youth with practical skills that can help them generate income and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

“Our goal is to create opportunities for youth to become self-reliant by equipping them with marketable skills. Solar energy system installation is a growing industry, and these young people are now in a position to explore self-employment opportunities or even start their own businesses,” Mponela said.

The program provided a hands-on training curriculum that included both theoretical and practical components. The participants received training in:

Solar Systems Introduction

Basics in Electrical Installation Theory

Electrical Practical Sessions

Entrepreneurship Concepts

Practical Solar Electricity System Installation, focusing on inverters, batteries, and controllers

The comprehensive approach ensured that the participants not only acquired technical skills but also learned how to start and manage their own businesses.

Ackley Kananji, Director for Leisure, Culture, and Environmental Services at Blantyre City Council, commended CYO for its efforts, stating that the initiative aligns with Malawi’s Agenda 2063, which prioritizes youth empowerment and sustainable development.

“By equipping young people with skills in green technologies like solar energy, CYO is complementing government efforts to achieve Agenda 2063. This is the kind of innovation and partnership we need to build a resilient and self-sufficient nation,” Kananji remarked.

The “Sustainable Futures” project is being implemented in both Blantyre and Neno districts, with funding from IM Swedish Development Partner Southern Africa. The organization hopes to expand the initiative to other districts in the future to reach more young people.

Through the project, CYO aims to address youth unemployment while promoting renewable energy solutions, which are vital for combating climate change and ensuring sustainable development.

One of the participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the skills gained during the training would enable them to improve their lives. “I now have the knowledge and confidence to start my own solar installation business. This training has opened up a world of opportunities for me,” said a beneficiary from Ndirande.

With growing demand for renewable energy solutions, initiatives like CYO’s solar energy training program are paving the way for a brighter future for Malawi’s youth. By equipping them with skills in the green economy, the organization is not only empowering young people but also contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

CYO’s efforts demonstrate how collaboration between local organizations, international partners, and government institutions can create impactful and sustainable solutions for Malawi’s socio-economic challenges.