The TAGDev 2.0 program at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on December 5, 2025, conducted a comprehensive 21st Century soft skills training at the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA).

The initiative formed part of TAGDev 2.0’s broader mission to empower differently abled young men and women with practical skills that enhance their economic participation and personal development.

The day-long training brought together young people with various physical and sensory disabilities who are striving to build sustainable livelihoods.

The program focused on equipping participants with essential soft skills that are critical in today’s fast-changing world.

Sessions covered entrepreneurship, gender inclusion, safe-guarding and personal mastery, alongside reflective discussions and feedback engagements.

The activities were facilitated by MUST staff, including Mayeso Kachingwe, Issa Edward, and Jonna Nyirenda.

Speaking during opening ceremony, MACODA Director General George Chiusiwa emphasized the importance of such capacity-building efforts, noting that initiatives like TAGDev 2.0 play a vital role in ensuring that differently abled individuals are not left behind in national development.

He highlighted that bringing soft-skills education directly to them empowers participants to contribute meaningfully to their households and communities. 

Chiusiwa applauded MUST and TAGDev 2.0 program for recognizing the potential within these young people and investing in their growth.

One of the participants, Chikondi Banda, who is hearing-impaired, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity. 

She described the training as transformative, explaining that the entrepreneurship sessions had opened her eyes to new ways of running her small business. 

With an improved understanding of planning, innovation and customer engagement, she believes she can now grow her enterprise and eventually employ others. 

For her, the training marked the beginning of a more confident and structured business journey.

Through initiatives like these, TAGDev 2.0 continues to fulfil its commitment to creating inclusive opportunities that uplift differently abled youth. 

By providing life-changing skills at MACODA, MUST reaffirmed its dedication to fostering resilience, independence and social inclusion, paving the way for a future where every young person has the tools to thrive.