By Alex Bwaluka | Executive Director
Charity Centre for Children and Youth Development (CCCYD)
Progress Report: Economic Strengthening through Fashion and Design Training
Period: January – May 2025
Project Location: Kalumbila District, North-Western Province, Zambia.
1. Introduction
From January to May 2025, the Charity Centre for Children and Youth Development (CCCYD) implemented a focused women’s economic empowerment initiative in Kalumbila District. The project aims to uplift vulnerable women through skills development in fashion and design, enabling them to generate sustainable income and improve household well-being.
2. Project Goal
To economically empower vulnerable women in Kalumbila District through practical training in fashion and design.
3. Objectives
To equip selected women with tailoring and design skills.
To build entrepreneurship capacity among trainees.
To enhance women's ability to engage in income-generating activities.
4. Activities Implemented (Jan – May 2025)
Participant Selection: In January, 8 women were identified in collaboration with community leaders and local stakeholders.
Training Launch: The training began in February at a designated community center equipped with sewing machines and basic materials.
Training Components:
Basic tailoring and fashion design
Use of manual and electric sewing machines
Pattern making and garment construction
Business management, including pricing and budgeting
Entrepreneurship Component: In March, participants were introduced to financial literacy and savings culture.
Progress Review: In April, a practical assessment showed significant improvement in sewing skills and product quality.
Exhibition Event: In May, the trained women showcased their work at a local community exhibition, drawing attention from schools and small retailers.
5. Achievements
8 women successfully trained in tailoring and design.
2 women initiated small home-based tailoring businesses.
A support group was formed among the participants for continued collaboration and peer learning.
Increased confidence and economic participation among participants.
6. Challenges
Limited training space and materials posed logistical difficulties.
Lack of electricity disrupted the use of electric machines on several occasions.
Some participants lacked initial capital to purchase their own materials post-training.
7. Next Steps (June – December 2025)
Provide start-up kits (sewing machines and materials) to the 8 graduates.
Facilitate market linkages for school uniforms and community garments.
Enroll more women for the next cohort of training.
Explore partnerships for funding a permanent training centre in Kalumbila.
Conclusion
Training 8 women in fashion and design in Kalumbila has proven impactful, with initial results showing skill development, improved confidence, and early income generation. CCCYD remains dedicated to scaling this initiative to reach more women and support them toward economic independence.
By Alex Bwaluka | Executive Director
By Alex Bwaluka | Executive Director
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