As we wandered through the streets of Kawale in Lilongwe, the words of Malawi’s celebrated musician, Skeffa Chimoto, played on a loop in my mind: Kubadwila banja laumphawi tingati vuto siiwe, koma kuzafa mphawi apo ndiye vuto ndiwe,’ which translates to ‘Being born into a poor family is not a choice, but dying a poor person means the problem is you.” “These words seemed to capture the spirit of the place, a town known for its lively atmosphere and the resilient spirits of those who call it home. But today, Kawale was about to unveil a story that demonstrates success over adversity      

This is the story of Sylvia Palasida, a young woman whose life from hardship to success epitomizes the power of determination. Born as the youngest of six children in a small village in Blantyre, Sylvia grew up in humble circumstances. Yet, from a young age, her intelligence and warm spirit shone brightly, marking her as someone destined for something greater.

Sylvia’s academic journey began at Mandindi Primary School and eventually led her to Lilongwe, where she moved in with her sister to continue her secondary education. She quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant student and a beloved friend of many. But her path was far from easy. After successfully passing her Form Four exams, Sylvia faced a harsh reality; she couldn’t afford the school fees needed to pursue her dream of studying public health.

“I remember the pain of not being able to continue my studies due to school fees,” Sylvia recalls. “It was a tough moment, but I knew I had to find another path.”

Determined to carve out a different future for herself, Sylvia sought alternatives. During this challenging time, she discovered Tingathe’s vocational training programme. The organization’s Tailoring and Fashion Design course piqued her interest. Having already dabbled in selling clothes imported from Tanzania, Sylvia saw this as an opportunity to change her passion into a sustainable career.

“When I heard about Tingathe, I saw a chance to turn my passion for fashion into something real,” she says. “I was already involved in the clothing business, and this training was exactly what I needed to elevate my skills.”

At Tingathe, Sylvia’s education expanded far beyond just tailoring and fashion design. She also gained skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy. The moment she successfully sewed her first dress was a turning point; it was then that Sylvia knew she had found her calling.

“Tingathe gave me more than skills; it gave me confidence,” Sylvia shares. “The day I completed my first dress, I knew this was my path.”

Today, Sylvia’s life is evidence of the power of vocational training. She currently owns a shop in Kawale 2 near Masintha Ground, Lilongwe, where she designs and sells clothes along with fashionable accessories like shoes, wrist watches, and perfumes among others. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond fashion; she has ventured into livestock farming, raising pigs and goats, and engages in annual farming activities to boost her income.

“I have come a long way from the girl who doubted her future,” Sylvia reflects. “Now, I’m not just supporting my family but also creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. In my shop, I employed a woman who supports me.”

Sylvia has become an inspiration to many, especially young women in her community. She demonstrates that with determination and the right opportunities, dreams can indeed become reality.

“If you ask me to define success, I will tell you that it’s about understanding yourself, setting goals, and working hard to achieve them. Vision and passion can change everything,” she says.

Sylvia is grateful to Tingathe for impacting her life positively. She now optimistically looks to the future and plans to open new shops in Area 25 and Chinsapo. She continues to seek knowledge to further enhance her business. Every day, she wakes up inspired by what she learned at Tingathe and is committed to growing her business

As we left Kawale, our hearts swelled with joy and admiration for Sylvia’s accomplishments. Her story displays the truth about how vocational education can transform lives, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.

Tingathe has trained over 1,000 vulnerable youth in peri-urban communities in Lilongwe, providing vocational skills through the support of partners including Imago Dei Foundation, Segal Family Foundation, Azurit Foundation, Old Mutual Malawi, Irish Rule of Law, and British Council, among others.