A total of 151 women and men on Likoma Island have today graduated in various technical and vocational skills under the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) informal apprenticeship programme, marking a significant milestone in skills development for the island district.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, TEVETA Director of Training Programmes, Mr. Modesto Gomani, urged the graduates to become role models within their communities and actively apply the skills they have acquired to contribute to the socio-economic development of the island.

Mr. Gomani emphasized that the newly acquired skills should add value to Likoma’s main income-generating activities, particularly fishing, while also encouraging diversification into other economic ventures to promote sustainable livelihoods. He noted that skills development is key to creating a resilient and self-reliant community.

He further encouraged both the graduates and the wider Likoma community to enroll at Likoma Community Technical College to advance their competencies. Established in 2023, the college is envisioned to offer training in multiple trades using modern learning facilities. Mr. Gomani explained that as demand for programmes grows, government will scale up resources and expand the range of courses offered at the institution.

In his remarks, Likoma District Commissioner, Mr. Abubarkar Nkhoma, commended TEVETA for implementing the training programmes, describing them as a catalyst for economic transformation on the island.

“These trainings will change Likoma Island by empowering our youth to become financially active and self-reliant. We are hopeful of building a new and vibrant district where people depend on themselves economically,” said Mr. Nkhoma.

He added that the interventions will reduce the need for residents to travel to the mainland to access essential technical services such as Carpentry, Mobile phone repairs, Plumbing, and other critical TEVET-related services.

Of the 151 graduates, 110 were men and 41 were women, trained in various trades including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Tailoring and Fashion Design, Carpentry, Boat making, Basic electronics, Motor Cycle Mechanics, Cosmetology, Painting and Decorations, Fabrication and Welding, Bakery, and Beekeeping.

Likoma Island, which is geographically hard to reach, has greatly benefited from the intervention, which promotes inclusive development in line with the Malawi 2063 vision of leaving no one behind, regardless of location.