By Mary Mwambongo

Today, the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, conducted a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) training session for its Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) short course students in Lilongwe. 

The training, sponsored by the SAVE project, aims to equip selected individuals with comprehensive computer knowledge, enabling them to develop and update computer systems.

In his opening remarks, Edwin Khundi, an Engineering lecturer at MUST and one of training facilitators, applauded the students for their dedication and commitment to attending the training, which will continue online. The training took place at the Mzuzu University (Mzuni) Satellite campus in Lilongwe.

The training is in two phases with the face-to-face focusing on practical knowledge and online for the theoretical side. 

The training in Lilongwe today was the first of the face-to-face sessions lined up and tomorrow, the team will be in Balaka for a similar exercise.

Nine students attended today's session, with six more expected to join tomorrow's training.

Mary Suwedi, a beneficiary of the training and a carpentry student at Rumphi Technical College, expressed gratitude to SAVE project for its efforts in empowering youths with computer system and design knowledge.

"This CAD training will enable me to create designs using computers, enhancing my skills in carpentry," Mary said.

The SAVE project seeks to promote inclusive education in Malawi through initiatives like the CAD training, bridging the skills gap and fostering economic growth.

The project is funded by the World Bank in partnership with the Government of Malawi.