45 women from Chiradzulu have successfully graduated from a tailoring and design training program funded by the Malawi Relief Fund (MRF)-UK in partnership with the Issa Foundation. The graduation ceremony, held at Maone Technical College in Chiradzulu, marked the fourth cohort of the initiative, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 180 in under two years.
MRF-UK Country Director, Yakub Valli, highlighted the transformative impact of the program, emphasizing its role in fostering self-reliance and financial independence.
“This is not just a graduation,” Valli stated. “Today, we celebrate a milestone in the lives of these 45 remarkable women who have successfully completed their tailoring training program.”
He reiterated MRF-UK’s commitment to women’s empowerment, adding that equipping women with skills and opportunities drives economic growth and social change.
Beyond technical training in sewing and design, the graduates also received business and financial management education, alongside basic Islamic teachings to encourage ethical entrepreneurship.
To ensure sustainability, each graduate was provided with a brand-new sewing machine and accessories at no cost. Valli emphasized that financial barriers should not hinder success.
“We believe that lack of resources should never be a barrier to success. We want each of you to leave here fully equipped, ready to start your own business, earn a living, and build a better future for yourselves and your families,” he said.
Encouraging the graduates to apply their skills effectively, Valli urged them to “go forth with confidence,” stressing that the tools they received should serve as a foundation for growth and entrepreneurship.
The event was attended by key local leaders, including Mr. Kaumi, Director of Planning and Development at Chiradzulu District Council, who served as the guest of honor. He praised MRF-UK for its consistency in delivering impactful projects.
“MRF-UK and the Issa Foundation have proven to be true friends to our communities. Unlike many briefcase NGOs that fail to complete their promised projects, MRF-UK has delivered tangible, life-changing outcomes,” Kaumi noted.
He further emphasized that the combination of skills training and the provision of startup equipment would have a lasting impact, benefiting not only the graduates but also the wider community through mentorship and employment opportunities.
“The impact of this program will ripple through generations, fostering economic growth and community development,” he concluded.
The graduation ceremony was also graced by Traditional Authority (T/A) Ntchema and other local chiefs, including Swadiki, Chapola, and Chotokwa, reflecting broad community support for the initiative.
As the newly trained women embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, MRF-UK and the Issa Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women’s empowerment through skills training and economic inclusion.
“We sincerely thank our donors and trainers for their dedication. Congratulations to the graduates—may their talents bring prosperity to their lives and communities, and may their sewing machines stitch together a brighter future,” Valli said.
The program, valued at K23 million, is expected to continue expanding, providing more women with opportunities for financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.
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