Plan International has trained youths in vocational skills in Machinga district as one way of ending child marriages and teenage pregnancies in the district.

Plan International in partnership with Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority- TEVETA has trained 45 youths in carpentry and joinery, hairdressing, bricklaying, tailoring and fashion among others.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony on Thursday, Plan Malawi Yes I Do Project Officer, Joseph Boniface Mayere said the move follows an observation that the root cause for child marriages is lack of economic muscle.

Mayere also highlighted on the need for collaborative efforts from various quarters in the country if the fight to end child marriages and teenage pregnancies is to progress.

District Commissioner for Machinga Rosemary Nawasha said the district is struggling with issues of child marriages and teenage pregnancies.

She therefore said the initiative will contribute to the development of the district and promote gender equality citing girls who studied skills considered to be meant for men like motorcycle mechanics.

During the graduation, 26 females and 19 males received their certificates and start up kits.

Plan International through Yes I Do Project has so far trained over 100 youths in Machinga and Lilongwe districts.