The Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, has committed to continue enhancing human resource capital development in the country.
The college’s Continuing Education Centre director Francis Chikunkhuzeni said this yesterday during the launch of The Polytechnic Business Incubation Centre at the main campus in Blantyre.
Speaking on behalf of Polytechnic principal Grant Kululanga, he said their main focus in contributing to human capital development is in engineering, communication and applied sciences.
He said: “We have produced professionals in different fields and we have awarded many of them. But also, we have been emphasising that there must be an element of employability in everyone. Not just as an employee, but an employer.”
To that end, Chikunkhuzeni said the college ensured that every programme it offers has an entrepreneurship component to impart entrepreneurship and skills innovation.
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry director of business environment and policy advocacy Madalitso Kazembe, who was guest of honour, also hailed the college for ensuring the entrepreneurship aspect is incorporated in studies.
On her part, team leader for the programme Mary Kamwaza said the launch of the centre will ensure that ideas that the youth have are turned into practical solutions, businesses and wealth.
She said: “This incubation project will help many of the country’s youths to improve their lives. The trainers are keen on helping shape the ideas the youth have.”
The centre will train about 400 youths in various disciplines including welding and fabrication, woodwork, photography, entrepreneurship, design and waste management, among others. The first cohort is already in session with the training expected to run for five months.
