Students provide relief to contractors as they construct technical colleges which are designed to develop the youth in seven trades so as to reduce unemployment and poverty in the country.

Before the technical college commences enrolling students, suitable structures, equipment and other requirements are first put in place so that students have a conducive environment for skills development.

Among such requirements are equipped classrooms for teaching, workshops and work benches, space for exhibits in workshops, warehouses, fire extinguishers, lavatories, first aid and library facilities, college fence for security including proper drainage system.

Administration block cannot be ruled out as it provides office accommodation for the college principal, the deputy principal, instructors and all other personnel recruited for smooth running of the college. 

Principal of Khwisa Community technical college in Balaka, Steven Romoliwa says, “Two classroom blocks   and college fence you see were constructed by graduates from here. The drain too was constructed by students with help of a contractor. 

The colleges of Khwisa and  Aida in Chiradzulu offer students seven trades namely renewable energy, fabrication and welding, plumbing, tailoring and fashion design, information and communication technology, carpentry and joinery and bricklaying.

The trades are offered in partnership with Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education Trust (TEVET).

In carpentry and joinery according to acting principal of Aida College, Amos Kasambwe says the colleges produce products like display cabinets, chairs, dining sets and any furniture products. In fabrication and welding, steel beds, steel TV stands, small kitchen ware, steel windows, school desks and chairs.

Khwisa and Aida technical colleges are transforming lives of the surrounding communities and beyond through supply of household products and skilled labour force.

Romoliwa says graduates from the colleges employ themselves and or form their construction companies where they employ others from their localities or other areas.

Additionally, students do industrial attachments with Chiradzulu and Balaka including surrounding districts of Blantyre, Zomba, Phalombe, Mulanje among others.

Government’s idea of setting up community colleges in every district is, mostly, to empower the youth to be productive in their homes and the country at large.