By Burnett Munthali
Likoma, Malawi – Vocational training at Likoma Community Technical College is transforming lives by empowering individuals with essential skills, particularly in tailoring. According to Shalom Nthala, an instructor at the institution, the training offers significant benefits by fostering self-reliance and enabling personal and economic advancement. Notably, women have shown the most interest in these opportunities, highlighting the program’s role in promoting gender inclusivity in skill development.
Nthala has urged parents to abandon the misconception that vocational skills such as tailoring are unproductive. Instead, he emphasized that parents should encourage their children to take advantage of such opportunities, as these skills can open doors to self-sustainability and long-term success.
“The trainees have an advantage here because Likoma, being surrounded by water, attracts many tourists. Once they complete their training and start tailoring businesses, they can tap into a market driven by local and international visitors, making it easier to find customers for their products,” Nthala explained.
He further highlighted that the influx of tourists, including expatriates, presents a unique opportunity for the students. “Tourists come here regularly, and this creates a chance for them to purchase tailored goods. At the end of the day, our trainees can earn money to support themselves,” he added.
One of the students, Joana Kaunda, who recently enrolled in the tailoring program, expressed optimism about her future. Kaunda believes the skills she is learning will not only help her meet her personal needs but also enable her to support her family. She shared her aspirations, stating, “It is my dream that one day, I will establish a successful tailoring business.”
The training programs at Likoma Community Technical College underscore the importance of vocational skills in fostering economic independence and community development. With the support of institutions like this, individuals are gaining the tools they need to improve their livelihoods while contributing to the local economy.
- Malawi’s Governance Under Pressure: Fiscal Cuts, Legal Disputes, and Security Partisanship Challenge State Institutions
- Riot and Arson in Chingola as Presidential Visit Turns Violent
- Concerned citizen dismisses politics arresting, re arresting MCP thugs
- Kayuni becomes the first man to be sued in Chakwera’s government
- Walter Nyamilandu Manda Thanks Constituents, Pledges Development in Nsanje
- “Where Did Our Fuel Go? Malawi Questions Missing 27.7 Million Litres from DRC Delivery ”
- UTM legislator speaks from the point of pain in Parliament
- DPP Retains Leadership in Phalombe Council Elections
- Bushiri Takes Steven Kayuni to Court Over Alleged Role in Child’s Medical Treatment Blockade
- President Mutharika Calls for Unity and Stability in the SADC Region
- Salah, Hakimi, Temwa Chaŵinga and Nnadozie Shine Among Africa’s Best at FIFA Awards 2025
- Rights Groups Condemn Election Marred by Intimidation and Killings
- Malawi at a Crossroads: Restoring Discipline, Justice, and Unity in a Troubled Democracy
- Government Imposes Ban on Vehicle Purchases, Cuts Fuel and Travel Spending to Curb Public Expenditure
- Limpopo FM calls police to tighten security at the Lilongwe court
- Lilongwe Bridge Opens — but Vendors Quickly Move In
- Concerned citizen calls police to investigate alleged reported 400 guns
- NBM plc pumps K20 million into NPL’s Mother’s Fun Run initiative
