By, ALBERT NG’OMA, AHAPPY ToT Participant, Malawi.

I would like to share some of the things that have been revealed to me during our AHAPPY training that was held here in Kasungu Malawi, from 14^th  to 18^th  September, 2026. This training has shown me that young African people and our governments are connected to different industries and products from other countries. It has made me think more deeply about how products such as condoms are produced and used in Africa, and how issues such as sexual health, HIV, employment and the working environment can affect the development of our communities.

In addition to that, this training has shown me how many young African people depend on the government to give them jobs. Here in Malawi, many people depend on farming, but many young Malawians say they cannot do farming and instead want to work for the government after spending years in school. Some people say farming is for poor people or for people who did not go to college or university. This way of thinking can contribute to problems such as high living costs, unemployment and poor development in farming.

Not just that, but I have also learned how we Africans sometimes wait for other people to help us instead of building things for ourselves. This can lead to the loss of opportunities involving food, land, money and other resources. If we can stop waiting for other people to help or employ us, and instead start creating opportunities for ourselves and others, we can contribute to building a better Africa for everyone.

Before this training, I did not think deeply about some of these issues. I mainly thought about finding a job and depending on other people for opportunities. Through this training, I have started to understand that young people can also become creators of opportunities instead of only looking for opportunities from others. Education should not only prepare us to look for employment, but also to develop ideas, solve problems, create businesses and create employment for others.

One way I want to put what I have learned into practice is through my business idea, Bush Hair Hold. Instead of only waiting for employment from the government or another company, I want to develop a locally made hair-care business that can create value in Malawi. My goal is to start small and gradually build Bush Hair Hold into a manufacturing business. As the business grows, I hope it can create employment opportunities for young people and contribute to the local economy.

For me, one of the biggest lessons from this training is that development can begin with one person identifying a problem, developing an idea and creating a solution. I want to use what I have learned to develop my own ideas, learn new skills and create opportunities for other young people. Through Bush Hair Hold, I hope to contribute to building businesses, creating jobs and encouraging young Africans to believe that we can develop our own ideas and products instead of always waiting for others to do it for us.