Young people have expressed their excitement about the skills they gained during a four-day Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training organised by the Phalombe Youth Arms Organisation (PYAO) in the Phalombe district, with support from The Hilden Charitable Fund.
The four-day training, which was attended by 26 young people, was conducted last week from 25th to 28th August 2025, at the Migowi Executive Lodge in the district.
The young people were drawn from various youth clubs and youth-led organisations within Phalombe district.
One of the participants, Vanessa Macheso, from Traditional Authority Mkhumba, emphasised the importance of the training for her small business focused on fast-food cooking.
“I want to establish a larger takeaway shop in a few years, where I can sell fast foods and other items such as confectionery. I aim to offer delivery services for food to people in their offices, schools, and homes. I believe this is achievable because I have acquired skills that will help me overcome challenges and realise my dream, thanks to this training,” she shared.
Another participant, Catherine Wayenera, from Tikondane Youth Club in the area of Traditional Authority Jenala, expressed her aspiration to open a big tailoring and designing shop. She stated that through the GALS training, she aims to set a three-year vision with two milestones to ensure the achievement of her goal.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge from this training. The cash flow analysis will assist me in managing my finances, and I am confident that in the next few years, I will be a different person,” she said
Vanessa Macheso presents her vision journey
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, Director of Administration for Phalombe district council, Bakali Maulidi, advised the young people to take the training seriously, as it is life-changing; it encourages individuals to set goals by establishing small-scale businesses that can grow gradually.
In his speech, District Youth Officer for Phalombe, Halson Bulangeti, pledged that his office will monitor the young people’s plans through vision journeys they will set after the training.
Joseph Before, one of the directors on the PYAO’s board, stated that the organisation wants to see the young people realise their dreams after the training, leading to positive changes in their livelihoods
After the training, the young people who participated were awarded certificates of attendance and also received resources they could use if they wished to share the knowledge and skills gained with their colleagues.
Some of the young people are working on a group assignment
Speaking during the closing ceremony, District Gender Officer for Phalombe, James Gubudu, urged young people trained in the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) and Positive Youth Development (PYD) to bring their talks and visions to life, and to seek support when necessary to realise the vision journeys they have set.
The Gender Officer told the young people that the skills and knowledge gained during the training should empower them to change their circumstances and become role models, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve larger dreams, even those that others may doubt.
Gubudu stated that his office, in collaboration with PYAO, will ensure they monitor and track the progress of the vision journeys the young people have set.
