Our construction training programme continues to help young people in Zambia gain the practical skills, confidence and qualifications they need to build sustainable livelihoods.
Six cohorts of 25 young people have gone through our training at our Centre for Excellence so far this year, and two further cohorts began their training this month.
One of those trainees is 24-year old trainee Ali, pictured below, who is learning on our Rough Carpentry and Steel Fixing course. Ali learnt about the training through a friend, and applied straight away:
“I am very happy to be learning a skill that I believe will soon transform my life. Carpentry will help me break free from poverty, support my family, and create opportunities for others I hope to work with in the future.”
Expanding access to training
We have expanded our reach through mobile training, delivering programmes in both the east and west of Lusaka.
By taking training directly into communities where opportunities are often limited, we are helping to make skills development more accessible. Our mobile training is being delivered in partnership with Chongwe Child Development Agency and Mthunzi Centre through Koinonia Community. These partnerships are helping us reach more young people closer to where they live and work.
Supporting trainees into employment
Several cohorts sat their trades test during the July and August examination period, with further cohorts scheduled to sit their assessments in the November and December exam window.
Many of these trainees are now on their work placements, where they are applying their new skills in professional settings and taking an important step towards employment.
Building pathways to self-employment
We are also helping young people create their own opportunities. We are strengthening the entrepreneurship support available to trainees, recognising the vital role that self-employment plays in Zambia’s construction sector.
Through a new partnership, we are piloting tailored entrepreneurship support for 10 trainees from our mobile training cohorts, empowering them to take their first steps towards running their own businesses and building independent futures.
Participants are receiving practical guidance to develop business ideas, understand the realities of self-employment and identify income-generating opportunities within their communities.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are helping young people in Zambia gain the skills, experience and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.
