​In the month of August, SELL Programme Malawi conducted the following activities:

We are also pleased to announce that in August the youth development unit was able to attend the international youth day that was scheduled for the 17th and 18th of August. The team had the opportunity to interact with the vice president to discuss its programs. The team was also able to engage with various organizations like save the children as well as explain to other young people about the program. This event helped the team to build relations with other organizations as well as young people to propel its programs further and allow more outreach to young people.      ​

​The Youth Development Unit took an initiative in raising awareness to simple and sustainable living. The students of Lusekelo School of Computing had an opportunity to learn the basics of solar power, how to create and make use of compost manure and also some useful hints for daily living. They were encouraged that the implementation of these sustainable practices is contributing to a greener and healthier environment.

The SELL team managed to have yet another training. This was the third training thus far. It took place in NkhataBay at the pastoral Centre with 37 trainees in attendance. The training was a success with great participation and passion from the trainees showing not only their commitment but love for the program.

Preparing for the training

The team thoroughly prepared for the training. All the kits were packed, including manuals for the new people. On top of that books were also carried for trainees to borrow in order to use for their own self development. The team shared the work to make it easier, and so each member had time to prepare. Every trainee was contacted to confirm their presence at the training. A few of the trainees were unfortunately unreachable and hence were not able to attend the training. 

The training
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The training run from the 27th to the 30th of July. The trainees started arriving on the 27th after which they began to register and settle down in their rooms. The training quickly started the same evening.
On the following days the training was graced with the presence of the diocesan youth chaplain Fr. Benjamin Banda who listened to the challenges that the volunteers face in their different communities. He then reaffirmed them that he is with them and also provided some of the problems that the local community leaders face and have with the program. This helped the trainees get to understand the point of view of the local community leaders and allowed them to reflect on the areas that they can improve on. The session ended well as both the volunteers and the diocesan youth chaplain had gained a lot of insight on how to work together going forward.

The rest of the training was also a huge success with active participation from the volunteers. And each team member presenting their work well. The training ended on Sunday with an outdoor mass, after which everyone headed back home and arrived safely.

​Evaluation
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The training went really well; all the preparations were done before hand making it easy for the team to carry out their duties. The volunteers were also very engaged in the training by helping out wherever need be. This was in areas like keeping the environment safe, helping in leading the mass as well as organizing the social night. They were able comfortable enough to share the challenges they face allowing for the whole group to reflect on how ease such going forward.
Overall although some of the trainees were not able to make it, the training went on to be a success.