Mr. Gabriel Banda left sitting next to Mr. Dean Namadula (right) a Bricklayering and Plastering instructor at the centre.
The Evaluation Team produced a few case studies of former Centre students who were either running their own businesses or were working for other people or institution. The students indicated that there had been some improvement in the quality of their lives after completing the training. They also admitted that life was difficult before the training but there was some change for the better after they completed their studies at the Centre due to the income generating activities which they were undertaking. The following are brief summaries of the success stories of three former Centre Students.
One Step At A Time
Gabriel serves as a good example of a success story. He trained as tailor at the Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development and after completing his course, he worked briefly as a cook at the Parish and later as an instructor in the Design, Cutting and Tailoring Department at the Centre. When he left the Centre, he started a tailoring business in a small kantemba (shop) at the market in Zimba. After a while he rented a shop where he started operating from with a rented sewing machine. Fortunately for him, the shop owner decided to sell it to him after some time. After buying his first shop, Banda’s business started performing extremely well. It enabled him to buy more sewing machines and other properties. By the time of this study, Banda had bought a total of four shops, two of which he was renting to other people. He was using one of the shops for his tailoring business and as a sales outlet. The fourth shop was being used as a grocery –a well-stocked and successful one.
-
UNSTOPPABLE!
Trapped by severe family economic uncertainty, Joseph Mubita like most members of his clan was to be confined to perpetual damnation after dropping out school in the eighth grade. The tide of family misfortune was however to be turned around through a casual visit at Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development. Like a wave of light in the dark night, the visit eventually opened the door which two years later put a permanent smile on Joseph’s family. Enrolling in Bricklaying, Joseph had an additional privilege of practical exposure to Agricultural activities undertaken within the Centre. Due to the quality of his training and skills, he was immediately whisked away just upon completion of his course in Bricklaying by a number of local developers. With current lucrative contracts in Kazungula, Livingstone and Kalomo, Joseph is a model of focus, commitment and determination. Looking back, he says, “My training at Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development has unlocked my life potential and emancipated my family from Social and Economic bondage. With my minimum monthly income of 5000 ZMW (about USD 500), I am able to provide for my family members”. Asked about his future aspirations, he beams, “my dream is to upgrade by enrolling in a degree program at Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES). This will enable me to create employment for the many youths like me who could be trapped in social and economic uncertainties”. What word do you have for your fellow youths? “We oftentimes give up on ourselves. Things can be very hard and hopeless but there is always light beyond the darkest cloud. Zimba Centre for Rural Development and its dedicated staff can and have placed many people on the platform for personal realization. From a hopeless and trapped youth, I am now an unstoppable citizen contributing to national development”.
-
CHANGING THE COMMUNITY MINDSET
Until the successful completion and establishment of her Tailoring business, the common trend for most girls of JUDITH MOONGA`s village was marriage after the 9th grade. Upon her completion of grade 9 in 2004, Judith had a horde of potential marriage suitors from which her parents were to select. The criterion for selection of the marriage suitor was one who had some economic stability determined by the herds of cattle owned. Most of the rich suitors were also polygamists. Two polygamists were apparently competing for Judith to be their fourth or third wife. It was at the pinnacle of this contest that Judith heard about Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development through a friend. To her, this was an opportunity never to be missed come what may. As a dreamer, she always wanted to live an independent life. Through a cousin who promised to pay her tuition fees only, she boldly estranged from her family who felt deprived of an opportunity for economic gain. The next two years were tense for her family relationship. Graduating two years later, she immediately set up her tailoring shop. At the time of the interview, she had some level of social and economic independence. With an estimated monthly income of 4000ZMW (USD 400), owning a two bedroomed house and three herds of cattle. Asked about her experience, she narrates: “My advice especially to young girls is that live your dream. Success will always have enemies but remain focused. My family members have come back and now treat me with respect. My decision was not popular but today everyone talks about me.Most girls from my village have since then been negative about early marriages”. Asked about her future dreams, She smiles and says, “I hope to set up a big production shop and employ youngsters. I just wrote my grade 12 examination through the part time arrangement. I have been paying my tuition fees”. What can you say about Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development? “To me it is a city of refuge. Escaping from doom, I emerged into a world 0f infinite glory and endless opportunities. I remain indebted to staff and management for their caring and parental support”.
-
PENETRATING THE TOURIST CAPITAL
The hospitality industry is believed to highly competitive especially in the tourist capital-Livingstone. “To me it was first impression and job placement! Thanks to my committed teachers at Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development”, confidently asserts, Josephine Phiri. She is currently working for a leading Lodge that caters for a high number of international tourists. Her attachment proved convincing to her would be employers so much that she was given an appointment letter just upon her completion. As a grade twelve graduate in 2015, she decided to take her first step in her dream Job- hospitality Industry by enrolling into a Food Production Course offered by Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development. The courses offered during her training earned her a high acumen and resiliency. She proved exceptional in front office management, Food and Beverages and Menu planning.
“I am placed on the path for unprecedented growth. Thanks to Zimba Centre for youth and Rural Development” she closes interview with confident face.
-
FARMER IN THE MAKING
Graduating with honors in mixed farming, Brian is setting up a mixed farming project in his home village. Crop and animal production (Pigs and Gardening) were his passionate courses. “Initially my idea was to look for employment upon the completion of my course but this idea has since been permanently dropped. I felt that it would be a waste of my potential and skills to be employed. The question I always ask myself is: why can’t I setup my own project? It is difficult but I am looking forward to that day when I shall look back and say it’s done!” The dedicated staff inspired me to realize my potential. Zimba Centre for Rural and Youth Development has been offering mixed agriculture courses majoring in Crop and animal production. Brian is locally referred to as Local Investor. True to this, he intends to employ local youths in his emerging projects in order to grow his village economy.
-
CHURNING ENTREPRENEURS!
“My Computer training at Zimba Centre for Youth Development literally opened my blind eyes to immense opportunities. Throughout my course, I subjected my mind to creative thinking- my ideas have now solidified into a tentative project that I intend to pursue in the next two years”, an ever smiling Martin Simatanga announces. Trained in Computer office packages and web management, Charles intends to set up his own Computer, print and internet café shop.
Latest comments
What's the procedure of applying
I want to apply for this opportunity
scale
Applications