The second six-week phase of the Youth Development Programme is underway at Hope Skills Centre. Twenty-three students are continuing the course and have moved into the new purpose-built teaching block.
Neil Ambler, Hope4Malawi’s Technical Director from the UK, started the programme by leading several inspiring course sessions.
The village infrastructure course focuses on sustainable living. Students learnt how to choose the best soil for making bricks to build weather-resistant homes and how to build stoves to reduce the wood needed for cooking.
The Life Skills course covers personality traits, building relationships, working in a team, and writing life plans. Each student was introduced to Google Workspace on their designated computer and taught basic computer skills.
Students attending these courses said they had learnt new skills that had changed their mindsets. They also felt their English had improved dramatically and are now more confident about conversing in English, and their personal growth has been significant.
Computer training has continued on Friday afternoons with a local Malawian trainer.
Each day starts with worship and devotions, delving deeper into scripture. One-to-one sessions also help students with personal challenges and give clarity on the course content.
Improving reading skills
For students without good English, the team provides regular reading practice and encouragement to read more widely. This is already having a huge impact on their understanding and communication skills.
The importance of good nutrition
The students also enjoyed learning how to cook pancakes and ratatouille using locally sourced products during sessions on healthy eating led by a home economics teacher from the UK.
Supporting the local community
Visiting vulnerable people and helping with household chores enabled the students to connect with the community. They undertook a variety of jobs, including sweeping and clearing rubbish and provided blankets, soap and maize.
The new teaching block at Hope Skills Centre includes space to teach bigger groups, an IT suite, a tailoring room and a bike maintenance workshop
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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