While many schools across Zambia were closed for several months by the Ministry of Education due to the pandemic, our training has continued at Katombora Reform School, which comes under the direction of Ministry of Home Affairs.
The school in Livingstone is almost completely secluded from the outside world. Transport to and from the facility is difficult so there are very few visitors, and a number of precautionary measures were put in place to keep the school safe from the spread of COVID-19.
It meant 40 young men were able to complete their construction skills training and in September, 24 Brick and Blocklaying trainees and 16 Rough Carpentry trainees enjoyed their graduation ceremony.
A joyful occasion the ceremony was punctuated by singing, traditional dances and skills demonstrations by the graduating juveniles.
New skills means new opportunities for these young men, it means fresh hope and a second chance.
Princess Joyce Sekute presented the trainees with their certificates.
In her speech she said the juveniles who had been in conflict with the law deserved a chance to reform and develop into respectable and responsible citizens.
A second group of Brick and Blocklaying trainees have started their training and are making good progress.
This is the second year of the three-year Rise Again project in partnership with UP Zambia – Undikumbukire Project, with financial support from the European Union.
