Malawi to Support Israel-Based Interns
In an inspiring development from Tel Aviv, graduates of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) participating in the LUANAR KINNERET Internship Programme at the MASHAV International Agricultural Training Center are setting their sights high. These ambitious individuals are not just gaining invaluable experience but are also nurturing dreams of launching their own enterprises upon their return to Malawi.
During a notable visit by the Malawi delegation to the training center, Alexander Makanjira and his peers took the opportunity to convey their aspirations to the Ministers of Labour and Foreign Affairs. Their requests were unique; they sought not financial assistance but rather guidance and support to navigate the bureaucratic challenges of establishing their businesses back home.
“I’m very much interested in going into agriculture, mainly greenhouse vegetable production including tomatoes, and cabbage,” revealed the 31-year-old Makanjira, showcasing his ambition to contribute to the agricultural sector.
Alongside Makanjira, 24-year-old Nellie Sapao shared her dream of venturing into Aloe Vera production and processing, particularly targeting the cosmetology sector. She highlighted the global demand for Aloe Vera gel in cosmetics, pointing out the potential for export markets.
Despite the geographical and climatic challenges they face, including extreme hot and cold weather, the interns remain dedicated to their goal of achieving professional growth and entrepreneurial success.
The Malawian government, represented by Minister of Labour, Agnes NyaLonje, reassured the interns of its support. NyaLonje explained that the existing mechanisms and support structures within the Ministries of Education, Trade, Industry, and Labour would be optimally utilized to ensure the LUANAR – KINNERET Internship Programme is effectively integrated, thus providing the interns with the necessary support.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, who led the delegation, encouraged the interns to stay focused on their dreams upon returning home. She emphasized the importance of leveraging their newly acquired knowledge, skills, and potential start-up capital to bring their projects to fruition. Tembo expressed confidence that successful project setups by returning interns would serve as a beacon of inspiration for other young graduates to follow suit.
Highlighting the feasibility of the interns’ ambitions, Tembo noted that USD 10,000 in start-up capital could lay the foundation for successful enterprises, especially given the skills and knowledge gained through the internship.
Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa, the government spokesperson and Minister of Information and Digitalisation, mentioned the government’s plan to adopt an integrated approach to support the interns effectively. This strategy involves collaboration with various ministries and leveraging resources from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Mega Farms, and other entrepreneurial support programmes to ensure the interns’ smooth transition from learners to entrepreneurs.
This bilateral engagement between the interns and the Malawian government officials not only showcases the potential of international internships in enriching young professionals but also highlights the commitment of the Malawian government to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among its youth.
