APM for women’s support

President Peter Mutharika yesterday underscored the need for women to be empowered, saying it is a catalyst for any country’s development.

Said Mutharika: “I have decided to name this college Aida Chilembwe because it is important to honour great women in this country. Women must be empowered. No country can develop without empowering women.”

He also made reference to John Chilembwe, the country’s fallen freedom fighter who led the 1915 Uprising against colonial rule, saying he had a vision for the country to be independent and was supported by his wife Aida, whom the college is named after.

Mutharika then urged Malawians to work hard, saying development cannot be achieved without hard work.

On his part, Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila said the college will enable students to contribute positively to the development of the country.

In his opening address, PIM foreign mission representative Terrence Griffiths said the technical skills project is an initiative that will help build the capacity for many youths in the country.

He also pledged to ensure they put resources in the college to keep it running.

On his part, Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education Training Authority (Teveta) board chairperson Gilbert Chilinde said the community technical colleges will provide useful skills to the youth.

During the ceremony, Mutharika was also presented with the Nelson Mandela leadership award by PIM.