The Teresian Sisters have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women in Malawi by equipping them with various skills that will enable them to become economically self-reliant in their households.
Speaking on Monday at Mtima Woyera Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe during a graduation ceremony, the Sisters celebrated women who successfully completed training in tailoring and designing.
Sister Clementina Mkandira, one of the senior leaders of the congregation, announced plans to establish a women’s development school in Balaka District.
Sr. Mkandira We want to improve the lives of women in Malawi
She explained that the school will provide women with practical skills to help them achieve financial independence.
“This development center will serve the whole country. Every woman interested in learning different skills will be enrolled. Our aim is to improve the lives of women in Malawi,” she said.
Sister Teleza Mulenga, who is overseeing the project, expressed joy at the progress made by the women who completed the training. She noted that their achievements give hope for a brighter future.
“I am so impressed with this first pilot phase of our project here at Mtima Woyera Parish. We didn’t know how big the impact would be, but looking at what these women have achieved in just three months, we believe that once we fully implement this project, it will be even more successful,” she said.
She added that the planned development center in Balaka will offer training in multiple skills, including tailoring, cookery, soap-making, and other income-generating activities.
Graduating women receiving their certificates
Grace Chanza Gondwe, the course instructor, expressed optimism that the women will continue applying the skills they have acquired in their communities and pass them on to others.
One of the graduates, Precious Phiri, applauded the Teresian Sisters for the initiative, saying her life has greatly changed.
“I will now be able to provide for my family through a tailoring business,” she said.
One of the women showcasing her designs
The tailoring course, which began in September with 20 women from Mtima Woyera Parish, has seen 14 women successfully graduate.
Fr. Richard Chikumbu from Mtima Woyera Parish, blessing the new sewing machines
