Thirty-one (31) female students have graduated with certificates in home management and catering from the Chikumbi Community Development Skills Training Centre in Lusaka.

Under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, the Training Centre is prioritizing practical skills development to empower the poor and vulnerable irrespective of their social status.

Speaking when she officiated at the 1st graduation ceremony held, under the theme “Empowering Vulnerable Communities With Livelihood Skills”, the Director for Community Development, Mrs. Patricia Muyamwa acknowledged the women’s effort to acquire skills training for the betterment of their individual and community welfare.

She appreciated the role skills centres are playing in not only reducing poverty amongst the poor and vulnerable households but also improving the general welfare of citizens in line with the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP).

“The graduation we are witnessing today is a milestone in providing efforts towards achieving a nation of skilled persons that will apply their knowledge and commitment to fighting poverty at individual and community levels”, Mrs. Muyamwa said.

To the graduates, Mrs. Muyamwa encouraged them to uphold high moral and professional standards and work diligently to the expectations of industry employers, as she further encouraged non-governmental and private institutions to consider offering employment to the new graduates.

“When you educate a woman, you educate the whole world”, Mrs. Muyamwa said and expressed appreciation to the graduates who through a vote of thanks indicated a willingness to tap into the existing political will and set up cooperatives to start their businesses as opposed to waiting for formal employment.

And Katuba ward Councillor Mr. Chitambira Sibanda invited the new graduates to familiarize themselves with the procedural requirements to access the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to explore empowerment opportunities through the formation of cooporatives.