EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RISE MALAWI MINISTRIES IN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT. A CASE STUDY IN MADISI, DOWA.

Youth unemployment and limited access to practical skills remain significant challenges
affecting socio-economic development in Malawi, particularly among young people in rural
areas. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Rise Malawi Ministries in promoting youth
empowerment in Madisi, Dowa District, with a focus on the types of programs offered, their
contribution to employability and entrepreneurship, and the challenges encountered during
implementation. A case study design using a qualitative approach was adopted, and data were
collected from 14 youth beneficiaries through questionnaires and interviews. The findings
revealed that Rise Malawi Ministries provides vocational skills training such as carpentry and
joinery, as well as welding and fabrication, which were considered practical and relevant to
income generation and employment opportunities. Several participants reported improved
livelihoods through self-employment or paid work after completing the training. However, the
effectiveness of the programs was constrained by challenges including inadequate resources,
limited training equipment, shortage of trainers, and communication gaps. The study concludes
that Rise Malawi Ministries plays a vital role in youth empowerment in Madisi by equipping
youths with marketable skills, and recommends enhanced resource mobilization, strengthened
stakeholder collaboration, and expansion of training programs to improve sustainability and
impact.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of faith-based organizations in addressing development gaps within rural communities where government and Non- Govermental Organizations(NGOs) support is limited. By leveraging community trust and local participation, such initiatives can enhance youth resilience and social inclusion. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms and aligning training programs with local market demands would further improve long-term outcomes for empowered youth.