On March 15, 2026, New Hope Training Centre for All celebrated its largest graduation ceremony to date, with over 300 students receiving certificates in various trades including tailoring, welding, carpentry, and digital skills.

The ceremony was held at our main campus in Area 24, Lilongwe, and was attended by government officials, community leaders, partner organizations, and proud family members of the graduates. It was a day of joy, celebration, and hope for the future.

A Milestone Achievement

This graduation marks a significant milestone for NHTCA. Since our founding in 2021, we have now trained over 2,500 individuals, providing them with market-ready skills that transform lives and communities. The Class of 2026 represents our largest cohort yet, with students from all across Malawi.

"When I started this journey five years ago, I dreamed of reaching this moment," said Blessings E. Kwenda, Founder and Executive Director of NHTCA. "Seeing 300 graduates today, knowing that each one of them has the skills to build a better future for themselves and their families, fills me with overwhelming gratitude. This is what New Hope is all about."

Student Spotlight: Grace Banda

Among the graduates was Grace Banda, a 34-year-old widow and mother of three who completed our tailoring program. Before joining NHTCA, Grace struggled to support her family through piecework and informal jobs. Today, she not only has a certificate but has already started her own tailoring business.

"I never thought I could learn a skill that would allow me to support my children," Grace shared. "The instructors believed in me even when I doubted myself. Now I have customers coming to me for custom clothing, and I'm even training two other women from my village. NHTCA gave me hope."

Program Highlights

The graduating class of 2026 includes students from all eight of our core trades:

  • Tailoring & Fashion Design: 85 graduates
  • Welding & Fabrication: 45 graduates
  • Carpentry & Joinery: 50 graduates
  • Basic Mechanical Engineering: 30 graduates
  • Renewable Energy: 25 graduates
  • Agricultural Technology: 35 graduates
  • Digital Skills: 20 graduates
  • Entrepreneurship: 40 graduates

Special Recognition

Several graduates received special recognition for outstanding achievement:

  • Best Overall Student: Chikondi Phiri (Welding & Fabrication)
  • Most Improved: Esther Banda (Tailoring & Fashion Design)
  • Entrepreneurship Award: James Mwale (Entrepreneurship)
  • Community Impact Award: Mercy Banda (Digital Skills)

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this achievement, we are already planning for the future. Our next intake begins April 13, 2026, and we are expanding our programs to serve even more students. We are also developing new partnerships with employers to ensure our graduates have pathways to employment or entrepreneurship.

"To the Class of 2026," Kwenda concluded, "you are now ambassadors of New Hope. Go out into the world with your skills, your dignity, and your hope. Transform your communities and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. We are proud of each and every one of you."

Congratulations to all our graduates! We can't wait to see what you accomplish.