On 19 July 2025 we were honoured to welcome Hon. Neale Richmond, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, to our Centre for Excellence in Lusaka as part of his visit to Zambia.
Minister Richmond was accompanied by colleagues including Bronagh Carr, Irish Ambassador to Zambia; Kate O’Donnell, Head of Development at the Irish Embassy in Zambia and Michael Gaffey, Director General of Irish Aid.
The visit provided the Minister and his delegation with the opportunity to meet our trainees, graduates and staff, and to hear first-hand how Ireland’s support is helping young people gain skills that are shaping their futures.
Hon. Neale Richmond, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, is welcomed to our Centre for Excellence by Build It Chair Lucie Kasanga
Hon. Neale Richmond is Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora. He was appointed to this role on 29 January 2025.
There was the opportunity to hear directly from some of the young people who have completed our construction skills training courses.
One particularly moving story came from Regina Machiya, a graduate of our Bricklaying course, who shared her journey from financial hardship to becoming a pillar of support for her family. Her honest and heartfelt account highlighted the transformative power of skills training.
Build It graduate Regina Machiya, pictured in the middle
Addressing the delegation, Build It Chair Lucie Kasanga expressed gratitude to the Irish people:
“Thank you for the continued support offered to the young people here in Zambia. It is because of this support that young people have hope for a better future, that they can live a life of dignity and contribute to developing the nation.”
The visit showcased the current three-year partnership with Government of Ireland to support Build It to increase women’s inclusion and participation in the construction sector.
Sisters Vistor and Patience Phiri, co-founders of an electrical firm, spoke about overcoming barriers in a male-dominated industry with the mentoring and business training initiatives being provided by Build It:
Vistor Phiri highlighted:
“It’s not easy being a female in this space. It’s a journey of constantly proving your competence, regardless of your qualifications. This additional support has helped us focus not just on our work, but also on how we can uplift other women in the sector.”
Women in construction: Vistor and Patience Phiri
Minister Richmond and colleagues toured our construction training facility, meeting current trainees who shared their personal experiences and aspirations. The tour also included highlighting examples of sustainable construction technology.
The visit concluded with confirmation of additional support from the Government of Ireland to Build it in 2025.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Minister Richmond and all the guests, the Government of Ireland, and the people of Ireland for supporting young Zambians with skills to build themselves, their families and their communities a brighter future.