Ace Holdings Boosts Ceramics Training at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)

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Ace Holdings Boosts Ceramics Training at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)

Ace Holdings Boosts Ceramics Training at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)

Sep 20, 20239 mins read

Blantyre, Malawi — May 9, 2023 — In a generous act of philanthropy, Ace Holdings, represented by its Managing Director, McDonald Chisale, an alumnus of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), donated state-of-the-art ceramics equipment to the institution valued at millions of Kwacha.

This significant donation was warmly received by MUST's Director of Research and Outreach, Professor Alfred Maluwa. He expressed his gratitude to Chisale for his kind gesture and encouraged other alumni and well-wishers to follow suit.

The newly acquired ceramics equipment is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the practical skills of students and unemployed individuals in the field of ceramics production. The university currently operates a ceramics studio, catering to both educational and commercial purposes.

Professor Maluwa explained, “We have a ceramics studio here at MUST where we produce various ceramic products, including kitchenware, household items, and tiles. With funding from the African Development Bank, we acquired heavy-duty ceramics equipment. However, we identified the need for smaller equipment to facilitate students' hands-on training. These smaller machines are essential for students to gain practical skills before operating commercial-grade equipment.”

In addition to serving as a training ground for students, the ceramics studio also empowers unemployed youths in Malawi. After undergoing intensive six-month training programs covering all aspects of ceramics production, these individuals establish their own companies. These enterprises specialize in crafting a range of products, including teapots, saucers, plates, and tiles. To date, 124 youths have benefited from this initiative, with some successfully selling their ceramic products in local markets.

McDonald Chisale, a Master of Science (MSc) in Entrepreneurship graduate from MUST, expressed his hopes that the new equipment will contribute to producing graduates who can engage in entrepreneurship, aligning with the government's initiative of import substitution.

Chisale stated, “Malawi currently imports a substantial amount of ceramic products. I believe that with this equipment, we can impart practical skills to our students and youths, enabling them to engage in ceramic production. This endeavor aligns with MUST's vision of becoming a world-class center for science and technology education, research, and entrepreneurship. I encourage fellow alumni to support the university in its mission to facilitate economic growth not only in Malawi but also beyond.”

The donated equipment includes top-load kilns, electric potters' wheels, pulverizers, and handle extruders, further reinforcing MUST's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of ceramics.

This generous donation by Ace Holdings and the vision of Malawi University of Science and Technology serve as a testament to the power of education, skills development, and alumni support in driving economic growth and self-sufficiency in Malawi.

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Ace Holdings Boosts Ceramics Training at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST)

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