PROJECTS
Empowering communities through transformative youth development initiatives across Malawi
Computers for Change
Over the past eight years, ICTAID with support from the Rights Institute for Social Empowerment has successfully run its flagship "Computers for Change" project, a youth empowerment program that helps young people gain important skills in technology and business that can open doors to employment and further education. Through this program, ICTAID has provided free training and support to over 380 young people from Lilongwe urban areas and surrounding communities in practical areas such as software development, network management, systems support, customer service, and business management. The program has made a special effort to reach young people including young girls and women, particularly those living in underserved areas around Area 25 in the Lilongwe district, who often face more barriers to accessing quality education and training opportunities. The project has created real success stories that show its positive impact on the community and the lives of individual young people. Among the most inspiring achievements are three young women who participated in the program and went on to earn university degrees at respected national institutions like the University of Malawi and the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, pursuing careers in fields they might not have considered possible before. These achievements clearly show how ICTAID's programs and continued support are making a real and lasting difference in the lives of girls and young women from local communities, opening doors to higher education, employment opportunities, and better futures not just for themselves but for their families and communities as well.
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Welding, Fabrication and Entrepreneurship for a change
From 2019 to 2021, we partnered with local welding and fabrication artisans to implement a transformative youth empowerment project in Lilongwe's semi-urban communities. Our initiative combines practical hands-on skills training in welding and metal fabrication with comprehensive entrepreneurship development to equip youth and young women with in-demand technical expertise and business acumen. Participants gain extensive experience in welding techniques, metal cutting and shaping, fabrication processes, equipment operation and safety, quality control, and design principles, while simultaneously developing business planning, financial management, marketing, and customer service skills. Designed specifically for youth and young women from Area 25 and surrounding communities, the project addresses the critical skills shortage in the welding and fabrication trades while creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. During this period, our collaborative efforts with local artisans directly impacted 110 youth and young women, empowering them with practical technical knowledge, craftsmanship expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to establish successful businesses or secure well-paying employment in the skilled trades sector. Many program graduates have gone on to establish their own welding and fabrication enterprises, while others are thriving as skilled technicians in their respective fields—demonstrating the lasting impact of our training. Through hands-on training, mentorship from experienced artisans, business support, and real-world application, we continue to inspire innovation, build confidence, and create pathways to sustainable livelihoods for youth and young women in our communities.
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Join Our Mission
Be part of transformative initiatives that empower youth and women through technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship. Together, we can create lasting impact in communities across Malawi.