A Recipe for Success: How Siyakha Supports Youth Skill Building

Twenty-two-year-old Nellie Ndalama takes the hour and a half journey on the minibus from Machinjira to Limbe, Malawi once a week to buy birds eye chilies, cooking oil, carrots, onions, and other ingredients she will need to make her famous hot sauce. Once she finishes mixing and carefully packaging the hot sauce, she sets out to sell her hot sauce at homes, shops, and offices for her customers to enjoy with their favorite foods.

Nellie’s story of determination and transformation is just one of many from those who have participated in World Education’s Siyakha program, under the Ana Patsogolo Activity (APA). Siyakha is a model designed to equip young women with essential life skills, vocational training, and entrepreneurial knowledge.

Nellie is the eldest of 3 children. Her mother, a single parent, struggled to raise funds for school fees for Nellie and her siblings by selling donuts. Despite economic challenges, Nellie was able to finish secondary school. When she learned about the Siyakha program, she saw an opportunity to make a livelihood. “I was inspired when some girls who had done Siyakha in my community were making money through poultry farming. I saw agriculture as an opportunity for me to stand on my own and also support my mother,” explained Nellie.

Through Siyakha, Nellie received comprehensive training in agricultural practices which prepared her to venture into hot sauce production using her savings. She started by experimenting with different chili varieties, perfecting her recipe, and learning the intricacies of small-scale production. Her determination and persistence paid off as she is able to sell 60 bottles in two weeks and earn a substantial income. “I have customers within and outside the community who love my hot sauce,” said Nellie proudly.

The Siyakha program also played a crucial role in supporting Nellie’s marketing efforts, helping her establish a brand identity, design eye-catching labels, and create a digital presence through social media. Her goal is to see her product sold at supermarkets like Shoprite and Chipiku. Currently, APA is supporting her to obtain a license to sell at supermarkets from Malawi Bureau of Standards.

With the money she earns, Nellie is able to help her mother meet her family’s needs, such as buying groceries and paying school fees for her brother. She also has her sights set on creating jobs for other young girls through her business.

With the skills I learned in Siyakha, I want my business to grow into production of jam and mayonnaise, and food processing. This will help me to be economically independent and also further my education,” says Nellie.

Nellie has become a role model and an inspiration for other young women in her community. Mentorship programs facilitated by Siyakha allow Nellie to share her experiences and encourage other aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. Nellie’s journey with APA’s Siyakha program is a testament to the impact of economic empowerment initiatives on the lives of young women. By providing education, skills development, and employment opportunities, these programs help young women like Nellie break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create positive change in their communities.