From Jobless Youth to a Thriving Entrepreneur Repairing Dozens of Motorcycles
In Traditional Authority Ngulumya in Machinga District, Steven Kazula,29, is proving that skills and determination can transform lives.
After completing his high school education, Kazula spent years searching for employment without success. Despite countless applications and attempts, no opportunity came his way. To survive, he depended on piece work just to meet his daily needs.
“I had almost lost hope about my future,” says Kazua.
But his story changed when World Vision, in partnership with TEVETA, introduced a youth skills development programme in the Chamba area. The initiative enrolled 60 young people in vocational training courses such as tailoring, carpentry, phone repairing and motorcycle repair. Kazula was among those selected for the training and he chose motorcycle repair.
After six months of intensive training, he gained the confidence and skills to start his own motorcycle repair shop at Chamatwa Trading Centre in Machinga.
Today, the once unemployed young man is running a thriving business and supporting his family.
After completing his high school education, Kazula spent years searching for employment without success. Despite countless applications and attempts, no opportunity came his way. To survive, he depended on piece work just to meet his daily needs.
“I had almost lost hope about my future,” says Kazua.
But his story changed when World Vision, in partnership with TEVETA, introduced a youth skills development programme in the Chamba area. The initiative enrolled 60 young people in vocational training courses such as tailoring, carpentry, phone repairing and motorcycle repair. Kazula was among those selected for the training and he chose motorcycle repair.
After six months of intensive training, he gained the confidence and skills to start his own motorcycle repair shop at Chamatwa Trading Centre in Machinga.
Today, the once unemployed young man is running a thriving business and supporting his family.
“My life is no longer the same. Now I can provide for my family. On a good day, I make up to K20,000(11.51 USD)” says Kazula.
The impact of the business is already visible at home. With the income he earned, Kazula managed to buy a bag of fertilizer during the last farming season, helping his family harvest eight bags of maize.
“Unlike before, life is now beginning to make sense. I am very thankful to World Vision for giving us this opportunity,” says Kaluza.
Kazula is now dreaming beyond survival. His ambition is to expand his business and create employment opportunities for others.
“One day I want to open branches in different areas and employ fellow youths,” says Kazula.
Through the skills development programme, 60 young people have been trained and certified by TEVETA this year alone giving many unemployed youths a second chance and renewed hope for the future.
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