By Burnett Munthali
DVV International has highlighted the transformative impact of adult education through vocational training, emphasizing how it empowers individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and contributes to Malawi’s long-term development goals. Speaking with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), DVV International’s Communication Officer, Dyson Nthawanji, shared that the program is equipping participants with essential skills to improve their livelihoods and stimulate economic growth within their communities.
Nthawanji explained that the initiative is particularly successful due to community involvement, with chiefs and local leaders playing a vital role by providing the infrastructure for Community Learning Centres (CLCs). “In implementing the project, we don’t choose the infrastructure ourselves; it is the communities, particularly the chiefs, who volunteer to provide it. They also include members of the committee that oversees the activities of these classes,” he said. This community-driven approach ensures sustainable support and commitment to the program, which has become integral to each center’s success.
A highlight of the program is its combination of vocational skills with entrepreneurship training. For example, tailoring graduates receive training on business basics, enabling them to turn their skills into profitable ventures. Many of these graduates have gone on to purchase their own tailoring machines, creating businesses that support their families and contribute to local economies.
The program aligns closely with Malawi’s development agenda, Malawi 2063, which prioritizes human capital development. “By acquiring vocational skills, those who were previously idle are now able to engage in income-generating activities,” Nthawanji added. This focus on skill-building is crucial to achieving community-driven development, as it enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities’ economic and social growth.
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Dr. Limbani Nsapato, an education expert, emphasized the role of adult education as a pathway to human capital development, particularly in rural and remote areas that face significant challenges such as poverty and health issues. “Programs like DVV’s literacy and vocational training not only promote quality education but also help communities address pressing social issues through skill development,” Nsapato said. These programs contribute to the broader vision of Malawi 2063 by building a skilled workforce that can drive sustainable development.
DVV International operates Community Learning Centres in Dowa and Ntchisi, with a specialized tailoring training program at Zomba Central Prison. Through these efforts, the organization is not only equipping individuals with practical skills but also fostering a culture of lifelong learning and self-reliance within communities.
