Build It International and Pestalozzi International have launched a new partnership, marking an exciting expansion of vocational training opportunities for young people in Zambia.
The collaboration brings Build It’s bespoke construction training programme to Pestalozzi’s Skills Hub in Ibex Hill, Lusaka, a vocational centre dedicated to empowering young people from underserved communities.
By combining Pestalozzi’s community reach with Build It’s practical training expertise, the collaboration opens new pathways to sustainable livelihoods as Build It Programme Impact Manager, Kelvin Mwando explains:
“This partnership helps bring our high-quality, practical construction training to even more young people. Pestalozzi’s Skills Hub is well established on the eastern side of Lusaka, and serves a different population to our construction training centre at Ten Miles, on the Great North Road.
We’re excited to work alongside Pestalozzi to equip more young people with new skills that will help unlock potential and create real employment opportunities.”
Pestalozzi’s Skills Hub at Ibex Hill, Lusaka offers soft skills and vocational training in programmes such as organic farming, electrical engineering and auto mechanics.
The addition of construction training delivered by Build It adds a valuable new skillset aligned with Zambia’s growing infrastructure needs.
Pestalozzi Programme Manager Honest Mutesha shared:
“This partnership with Build It opens new doors for young people in the area for practical skills development and community-based learning. It aligns with our mission to equip underserved youth with lifelong, life-changing opportunities.
As Pestalozzi we believe: “An individual’s past does not define their future, their mind is the strength of a transformed future.””
Under the guidance of experienced Build It trainer Christopher Choongo, a pilot cohort of 25 young people began their training in July 2025. They are learning Bricklaying and Plastering at the Pestalozzi Skills Hub, following Build It’s bespoke curriculum that combines practical construction techniques with essential life skills.
Our latest training recruits: New skills means new opportunities for young people to work and thrive
Like with all Build It training programmes, the trainees will complete their technical training and undertake work placements with contractors. They will sit for TEVETA Trade Test Level III certification exams. All this helps to ensure that they graduate job-ready and confident in their abilities.
Among the new trainees is 25-year-old Maureen Phiri. Maureen has dreamt of working in construction since childhood, inspired by her aunt who works in the construction sector:
“I know it’s unusual for girls to be fascinated by construction work, but seeing my aunt in PPE always excited me. I told myself I wanted to be just like her. Now, wearing safety boots and a blue work suit, I feel like I’m living my dream.”
Maureen describes herself as creative individual who loves turning ideas into tangible results. She looks forward to learning how to build something from the ground up.
Skills training unlocks opportunities for young people to work and thrive. Our thanks to everyone who supports us in #BuildingBrighterFutures for young people across Zambia.
Get in touch to find out more
For more information about the partnership, please contact Kelvin Mwando, Build It Programme Impact Manager via [email protected]
For more information about the Pestalozzi Zambia and SkillsHub programme, please contact Honest Mutesha, Pestalozzi Zambia Programme Manager via [email protected]