From greenhouse to greatness: The inspiring journey of Malawi’s Thocco Mweneungu

Mzuzu, Malawi (ILO News) - In the heart of Mzuzu, Northern Malawi, a story of resilience and transformation is unfolding— one that speaks to the power of opportunity and determination.

Meet Thocco Mweneungu, a vibrant young woman whose life changed dramatically through the Norway-funded Global Skills Programme, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Malawian government through the Ministry of Agriculture.

Like many young women in her community, Thocco faced daunting challenges after completing secondary school. Despite attending several short courses, she remained unemployed and burdened with the responsibility of supporting her siblings.

Dreams of financial independence seemed distant—until she discovered the Global Skills Programme.

“I had completed school and tried different courses, but nothing seemed to work. I felt stuck and worried about how to support my family,” Thocco recalled.

Reflecting on her situation before joining the programme, Thocco said she felt stuck and worried about her family’s future, despite her efforts to improve her prospects through education.

Through this initiative, she joined a tailor-made training programme in Agronomy, Pest and Disease Control, and Entrepreneurship.

Guided by experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, she became part of a dynamic cooperative under the Girls Empowerment Society (GES), focusing on greenhouse horticulture.

“When I joined the programme, I realized this was my chance to learn something practical and useful. Working with other young women gave me hope,” she said.

Thocco explained that joining the programme gave her hope and a sense of purpose. She emphasized that working alongside other young women and learning practical skills was a turning point in her life.

The cooperative’s journey was not easy, but their perseverance paid off. With technical support and teamwork, they began producing high-quality horticultural crops, creating a sustainable income stream.

For Thocco, this was more than just farming— it was the foundation for her future. The dividends from greenhouse farming gave her first real financial foothold.

With newfound confidence, she invested in her long-held dream: launching a cosmetics business. “I used my share of the profits to start a small cosmetics shop. It was something I had always wanted to do,” she explained.

She shared that using her share of the profits to start a small cosmetics shop was a dream come true—something she had always wanted to do.

Today, her shop is thriving, providing employment for two people— including herself—and serving as a beacon of hope for other young women.

But Thocco’s entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. She has built her own house and constructed an additional shop, which she rents out for extra income.

“I never imagined I would own a house or have another shop to rent out. This programme changed my life completely,” she said.

She noted that owning property and generating rental income were achievements she never imagined possible before joining the programme.

Thocco’s journey reflects the broader impact of the Global Skills Programme—empowering young women, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving local economic growth.

Her success is not just personal; it’s a ripple effect that inspires her peers and strengthens her community.

“The programme didn’t just teach me skills—it gave me hope and the courage to dream bigger,” Thocco said.

Summing up her experience, Thocco said the programme did more than teach her skills—it gave her hope and the courage to dream bigger.