Empowering Women and Youth in Binga Through Vocational Training
For years, women in the Saba area of Binga lived lives defined by waiting. They waited for husbands to return from fishing trips or piece jobs, for money that never seemed enough, and for a chance to change their circumstances. That opportunity finally arrived through a vocational training program implemented under the Climate Adaptation, Water and Energy Programme (Cawep), a government initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The program trained 207 youths in the Saba area under Chief Saba, equipping them with practical skills in cutting and design (sewing), welding, building, cosmetology, and solar installation. These skills have now translated into income, dignity, and self-reliance for many.
Before the program, many women spent their days at home with no source of income, relying on money earned by their husbands, which was often insufficient to meet basic household needs such as food and school fees. One of the beneficiaries, Elie Mudhimba (32), shared how the training marked a turning point in her life.
“Before this training I used to stay at home doing nothing and when this programme came I was empowered,” Mudhimba said. “I was trained in cutting and design and building and now I can make clothes for myself and my children and some for sale. I am now able to take care of my family and my parents.”
Beyond improving her own livelihood, Mudhimba said the training had placed her in a position to uplift others. She is now training other youths who did not qualify and other adults on how to sew clothes and earn money to take care of their families.
Her impact is already visible in the community. One of her trainees, Fatima Sibanda (33), said she was grateful for the opportunity and committed to passing on the skills to other women. Another trainee, Elizabeth Muleya, said the training would help her better provide for her family and reduce dependency.
Expanding Business Opportunities
For Prisca Munsaka (29), the program expanded an existing business into a more sustainable livelihood. Trained in cosmetology, she said the new skills enhanced her income-generating activities.
“I used to do braiding and weaving before I was taught to do cosmetology. Now I can do make-ups, manicure and pedicure which has enhanced my business,” said Munsaka. She also highlighted the importance of business management training.
“I was also taught business management skills so now I can properly manage my business and I hope to expand it and earn more money so that I can take care of my family. This training in cosmetology has enhanced my skills in the beauty industry and I hope to spread it in Binga.”
Youth involved in technical trades said the program moved them from survival work to skilled production. Welder Khumbulani Muleya said the training fundamentally changed the way he worked.
“Before the training I used to join and seal people’s broken products and get US$10-$15 but now I can make my own products like door and window frames, push and scotch carts which cost US$600 and steel boats which cost US$500, among others,” he said. “I was an amateur, but now I see myself as a pro in the game.”
Muleya said he was now training young boys in welding and hopes to expand his business to other communities. He expressed gratitude for the project, saying it has empowered youths in the community.
Supporting Entrepreneurship
The program also supported entrepreneurship through access to loans. Joyce Mwembe (44) said financial and business management support enabled her to grow her business into a fully established shop.
“I started buying things for sale going from one place to another before I built my shop in 2023,” Mwembe said. “I was given a loan of US$2 000, which I used to boost my business. I was also trained in business management and I managed to develop and expand my business. Now I am a proud owner of a shop.”
Steven Muleya (32), who received training in solar panel installation, said the program diversified his skills, although access to equipment remains a challenge. “I used to do cell phone repairs before I was trained on solar panel installation. The challenge I am having is that in as much as I was taught to install solar systems, I do not have the equipment to do the job. I was also trained in business management skills and I hope they will help in enhancing my business.”
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Traditional leader Chief Saba (Charles Mudenda) said the skills training program had brought positive change to the community, particularly among young people. “This has made them stay away from drug and substance abuse, though cases are rare in my community. They have gained skills which will enable them to work for themselves and make a living out of it.”
He urged beneficiaries to continue sharing their skills with others. “I urge them to continue cascading their skills to other youths so that they empower each other. I am happy with the skills training project and hope the youth will take it seriously as it can transform my community.”
