In October 2024, the new Youth Development Programme at Hope Skills Centre moved to a new phase, with students attending two days of work placements each week. They can choose from tailoring, building work, bike maintenance, farming and assisting in local schools, which enables them to learn new skills, gain work experience and support the local economy.
Seven students chose tailoring and have already made bags and oven mitts. The plan is to make washable sanitary packs to support Hope4Malawi’s UFULU Freedom programme for girls at primary and secondary schools, giving them the support and confidence to attend school regularly.
Isobel, the tailoring tutor, was a miracle find. She was looking for a project to help people learn to sew and is now running the tailoring course two days a week at Hope Skills Centre.
Three students opted for building work placement, working with Ben, Hope4Malawi’s local builder, to maintain the kitchen and build a new stove at Chimwembe Primary School. Those working on the farm at Hope Skills Centre have been farming organically, making compost, and preparing the land for planting maize.
A few of the students learnt about bike maintenance with Steve from the UK. The 13 bikes in the Hope Skills Centre workshop are used by teachers and staff who travel to schools and projects in remote areas. Bikes enable staff to bike rather than hike miles on foot, saving energy and improving punctuality.
The remaining students are helping with Hope4Malawi’s primary school programmes, including the UFULU Freedom programme, phonics training and reading programme.
It’s been an incredibly encouraging start to the course. The students are committed and are already feeling inspired about what they can achieve in future.
Can you help a child in Malawi?
Thanks to the kind support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's Youth Development Programme, school building, resourcing projects and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children growing up in rural Malawi.
For further information and ways to get involved, please contact.
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