Fueling Dreams Through Mentorship – The ArTERY Project’s Transformative Impact
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Fueling Dreams Through Mentorship – The ArTERY Project’s Transformative Impact
In Malawi, where unemployment remains high and opportunities are scarce, especially in rural communities, skills training alone is not enough. What truly changes lives is belief in one’s potential. The ArTERY Project (Accelerating Transition to Employment for Refugee Youth), implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC), in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, is proving this through its unique blend of vocational training and mentorship.
WUSC, in partnership with There Is Hope, and four other Refugee led organizations within Dzaleka Refugee Camp, the initiative empowers refugee and host community youth to turn raw talent into sustainable livelihoods.
In June 2025, young participants, both refugees and Malawians, gathered not to learn trades but to redefine their futures. The project’s mentorship program was designed to instil an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching youth how to create jobs rather than just seek them. Held at the TIH Lilambwe Centre, the sessions brought together five driven individuals (three refugees, two Malawians) from various trades.
ArTERY Project participants going through a business mentorship session at There is Hope
The mentorship went beyond theory, addressing real-world challenges in Malawi’s economy. Participants learned to; Develop sustainable business plans, Identify market opportunities, Manage finances and risks as well as Navigate entrepreneurial hurdles
Beyond technical skills, the sessions fostered self-discovery. Youth shared personal goals, discussed barriers, and received tailored advice on turning their skills into income.
“This mentorship changed how I see my trade. I now see myself as a businessman, not just a craftsman,” reflected Omary Amido, a carpentry and joinery graduate.
The project also conducted follow-ups with graduates placed in jobs and apprenticeships across Dowa and Lilongwe. Six youth (four Malawians, two refugees) were visited at their workplaces, where they applied classroom learning in real-world settings.
Plumbing trainees, once hesitant, now confidently install complex drainage systems and adapt to new technologies like modern geyser models.
Bricklaying students expanded their skills, learning plastering and precision work on-site.
“I used to fear site work, but now I look forward to it, I’m learning more than I expected,” shared Gift Kalodzera, a Bricklaying project participant.
Gift Kalodzera, a Bricklaying project participant at a site where he was constrcting a fence for a client.
A key milestone was formalizing partnerships with host companies through signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements ensure clear roles, accountability, and employer commitment to youth development.
The next phase includes distributing start-up kits to graduates, equipping them to launch their own businesses. Post-distribution support will ensure these ventures thrive, turning skills into long-term self-reliance.
The ArTERY Project is more than a skills initiative, it is a movement transforming mindsets. By combining training, mentorship, and real-world experience, it proves that with the right support, youth can build their own opportunities. In a country where jobs are scarce, this project is lighting the way for entrepreneurship, resilience, and hope.
