700 Malawian young women graduate from USAID supported, DREAMS backed, Siyakha vocational training program, largest class since its inception
By: Bettina Boateng, USAID/ Malawi
In Blantyre, Pauline Chatsira smiled brightly for a photo she will never forget. On Friday, August 11, 2023, in front of hundreds of graduates, teachers, supporters, family members, and friends; she beamed as she held her certificate from the Siyakha vocational training program. After walking across the stage, she snapped a photo with the guest of honor, Maryanne Ombija, USAID Malawi's Health Officer and HIV/AIDS Division Chief who encouraged all to continue the good work of living healthy, informed, and productive lives.
“To all young women graduating today, I am very proud of you. Over the past few months, you have worked hard to complete vocational training in a program of your choice through the Siyakha training program. I’ve been inspired by your creativity, your energy, and your skills. Your future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what you do next,” Ombija said.
Siyakha is part of the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) initiative. This hands-on effort is a part of USAID’s and The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)'s partnership to reduce HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women in HIV priority areas. Over the past three years, the U.S. government has invested more than $60 million, or 65 billion kwacha, in multi-sectoral programs to help adolescent girls and young women in Malawi lead more determined, resilient, empowered, AIDS-free, mentored and safe lives. Through partnerships with local technical and trade schools, participants receive hands-on vocational and business skills training. In #Malawi, all 700 graduates — the largest class since the Siyakha training program started — were trained in a number of vocations such as welding, electrical and solar installation, motorcycle repair, videography, cosmetology, tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, and tourism.
Speaking at the podium as the student representative for this year’s graduating class, Pauline stood tall. She told everyone how her dream of getting a good job is now a reality because of USAID’s support to Siyakha and USAID’s Ana Patsogolo project. Pauline participated in the tourism training program, and she now works at the five-star Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre. Pauline thanked all who supported her and her peers through many months of hands-on training. Because of USAID and PEPFAR, her dream of getting a good job in the hospitality industry is now a reality.
To learn more about how USAID is working with young women to achieve their DREAMS, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/global-health/health-areas/hiv-and-aids/technical-areas/dreams
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#PEPFAR@20
Photo Credit: USAID
Photo Credit: USAID