The Government of Malawi signed the Financing Agreement (FA) on 9 September 2015 and the programme was launched on 18th November 2015 to implement Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP). STEP was financed from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). The total estimated cost of the funding is EUR 33 725 000. The duration of the operational implementation is 84 months (7 year) The duration of the implementation period is 60 months (5 Years) and the duration of the closure phase is 24 months (2 years).
On 4th February 2019, the Lilongwe Technical College held the official launch of the Operation and Management of Equipment Training. The training sets to equip instructors to effectively operate and use the newly acquired state of art equipment before being used for training. The tools and equipment have been procured at a price of EUR 13.964,267. Besides supplying of the tools and equipment, the EU has constructed and rehabilitated workshops at total cost of EUR 1,892,300.
The European Union- EU through the National Authorization Office- NAO complement the Government efforts of providing technical and entrepreneurial skills to the largely out of school as well as vulnerable youth so that they become useful citizens of the nation by constructing blocks and providing equipment in some of the selected National and Community Technical Colleges as well as Community Skills Development Centre.
Speaking during the launch, The Guest of Honor, Director of Administration in the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower, Mr. Timpuza Mwansambo commended the European Union for joining hands with the Government of Malawi to implement the agenda of constructing Community Technical Colleges and supply of the state of art equipment in the Community Technical Colleges where more youths will access the technical skills and improve the quality of products that can compete at the international market.
During an interview the EU representative at the event, Lena Veierskov encouraged the trainers and users of the equipment to make the best out of the equipment and training that the EU has provided to them as it will add a great deal to the development of Malawi, because technicians are at the basis of the development of each and every country.
Also present at the function were, The Principal of Lilongwe Technical College Mr. Suzikga Mvalo, The Head of Unit, National Authorizing Office Support Unit, Mr. Nations Msowoya and The TEVET Executive Director, Mr. Wilson Makulumiza Nkhoma. The training is taking place for 2 weeks at most of the Technical Colleges and it will cover the training of all the technical trainers in the Malawi.
Some of the equipment that was donated