A recent visit by Malawi24 has revealed that assets at a technical college in Likoma District are at risk of theft due to poor security and low student enrolment.
The college, which was established to provide vocational skills training, was found completely deserted, with no staff or security personnel on site. Its remote location, far from residential areas, has raised concerns that valuable equipment in its workshops could be easily stolen.
During the inspection, at least 35 electrical sewing machines were found in one of the training rooms, all left unattended and exposed due to a lack of proper security.
Local residents have also expressed concern over the underutilisation of the college, saying that very few students attend classes.
According to community members, the institution currently offers only a tailoring course, which has failed to attract many young people on the island.
One student, Maggie Chimphopo, who is in Form Four at a nearby private secondary school, said the college needs to introduce more courses to remain relevant.
“The college needs to offer more courses to attract young people. Right now, it is only offering tailoring, and not many are interested in it,” she said.
Another resident, Emmanuel Katema from the Ulisa area, criticised both the location and the planning of the college.
He said the site is difficult to access, even by motorcycle, which discourages potential students.
“How can you build a college in such a hard-to-reach area and offer only tailoring? There is a need to conduct proper research before introducing courses instead of making rushed decisions,” said Katema.
Stakeholders are now calling for urgent action to improve security, introduce more courses, and review the college’s location so that it can effectively serve its purpose of equipping local youth with practical skills.
