🔧 What We Do
Empowering Lives Through Practical Skills and Lifelong Learning
At Young Achievers Skills Development Foundation (YAF), we believe that skills are not just tools for survival — they are the foundation of opportunity, dignity, and empowerment. Our programs are built on a deep understanding of the realities faced by young people and underserved communities in Malawi: high unemployment, low literacy rates, and limited access to practical education.
Through our vocational, literacy, and life skills programs, we aim to bridge this gap by offering training that is relevant, accessible, and transformative.
🎓 Our Training Focus Areas
Currently, we offer the following core trades and development programs:
⚡ 1. Electrical and Solar Installation
Powering homes, communities, and futures.
Trainees gain hands-on experience in residential electrical wiring, solar system installation, basic troubleshooting, and electrical safety. With increasing demand for renewable energy in Malawi, this trade offers real job and business potential, especially in off-grid rural areas.
👗 2. Tailoring and Fashion Designing
Sewing success, one stitch at a time.
This program equips participants with skills in clothing construction, pattern design, machine handling, and entrepreneurial fashion production. Graduates are able to start their own tailoring businesses or find employment in the local garment sector.
🧱 3. Bricklaying and Construction Skills
Laying the foundation for sustainable infrastructure.
Trainees learn bricklaying, plastering, concrete mixing, and basic building site safety. This trade supports young people in gaining entry into construction work or launching small-scale building services in their communities.
🔩 4. Welding and Fabrication
Shaping materials and futures with strength.
This practical program introduces learners to metal cutting, arc welding, fabrication of gates, doors, windows, and basic maintenance. The demand for skilled welders in rural and urban infrastructure makes this a highly employable trade.
📈 5. Business and Entrepreneurship Skills
From training to thriving.
We integrate core business principles into all our trades, helping trainees understand customer service, bookkeeping, business registration, marketing, and sustainability. This ensures our graduates are not only skilled, but also ready to manage or launch their own enterprises.
📖 6. Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning
Because it’s never too late to learn.
This program focuses on basic reading, writing, and numeracy for adults — especially women and youth who missed formal education. It promotes confidence, independence, and access to more opportunities including other YAF programs.
🌿 7. Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness
Feeding families and fueling futures.
We train youth and communities in modern farming techniques, organic composting, irrigation methods, post-harvest handling, and value addition. The focus is on food security, income generation, and climate-smart practices.
💬 Our Approach
We ensure that our training is:
Market-driven: Informed by labor demands and local economic realities
Inclusive: Accessible to youth, women, and people with disabilities
Practical: With real tools, field work, and community-based learning
Holistic: Blending vocational, business, and personal development
Sustainable: Promoting self-reliance, innovation, and environmental awareness
🏁 Outcomes We Strive For
Youth with employable technical and business skills
Increased access to vocational education in rural areas
Growth in small businesses and micro-enterprises
Communities empowered through skill-sharing and mentorship
Reduced dependency and increased household income
📌 Our Commitment
At YAF, we are not just training individuals — we are nurturing leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Our goal is to ensure every graduate leaves with confidence, a tangible skill, and a clear plan for the future.