Andiamo members with MEDI staff after completing the training
Seven workers from different sections of Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust (AYCT) received certificates after completing a weeklong training programme in Cooperative Business Management at Malawi Entrepreneurs Development Institute (MEDI) in Mponela, Dowa.
The training, which took place from 19 to 24 August covered the following subjects: understanding the cooperative concept; managing cooperative societies; group dynamics and leadership in cooperatives; book keeping, financial and capital management; marketing in cooperatives, business communication and the legal requirements for cooperatives; and cooperative sustainability.
Raymond Caghoma, responsible for staff development at AYCT has since described the training as “very important” since the training concerned management of the cooperative like AYCT.
“We are pioneers who will bring about the concept of cooperatives at Andiamo,” says Caghoma.
The seven who went to MEDI are John Kadango from the Carpentry section Mayamiko Taferakaso from Alleluya band, Davie Mwale from Arts department, Raymond Caghoma from AEI, Chimwemwe Truwa from Comfort Clinics, Henry Goster from Get Up Stand Up, and Ellen Nthenda Banda form the administration office.
Meanwhile, two teachers of Tiyende Women in Development, one of the institutions of AEI, Tiwonge Chirambo and Ellen Caghoma are being trained in Tailoring and Designing at Don Bosco Institute in Lilongwe and Catholic Women Organisation in Balaka respectively.
This year alone, a number of workers from AYCT have had opportunities to upgrade in different fields. Early this year Rodrick Khauya and Elias Mpinga attended for Grades 2 and 1 of Electrical Installation (National Trade Test Board) respectively.
Thom Damba, a principal from Andiamo Music School, was certified by Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi after a Music Training workshop.
In June, George Mashepa, a lecturer of the Techpole sat for a Diploma Level II in System Support which he has passed.
Eric July and Francis George were in Blantyre at Comboni Technical College for two weeks upgrading the skills in Carpentry and Joinery.
Just recently, Annie Ngoma of Marandimo Building Construction’s secretary also underwent a weeklong training in Zomba in secretarial skills.
The trainings are made possible with the help from CMB of Italy, partners of Andiamo Youth Cooperative Trust.
By Patrick Bwanali