Mazabuka youths land leather crafts training
Written by Millennium on July 28, 2019
CEASAR MBEWE writes
GOVERNMENT has commended Solidaridad Network Foundation Zambia and Fine Stiches for training Mazabuka youths in leather crafts under its livestock programme.
Commerce permanent secretary Kayula Siame said the initiative resonated with agenda of industrialization and diversification in Zambia.
Ms Siame said despite Zambia recording a positive growth in its livestock production, the availability of hides and skins, had not guaranteed its competitive access of high quality manufactured leather goods into local, regional and international markets due to low productivity and value addition, among others.
“It is an established fact that the leather value chain holds great potential to create jobs, reduce poverty, save and generate foreign currency as well as significantly contribute to fiscal revenue,
“For instance, the average national footwear demand for Zambia is estimated at 14 million pairs annually and this translates into thousands of direct jobs for local enterprises in footwear production,” Ms Siame said.
She said government was delighted to note that through the Solidaridad leather training project, youths had been equipped with knowledge and practical skills on value addition in the leather sector.
And Solidaridad Zambia country manager, Angela Mulenga said the Nambola Livestock programme aimed at contributing to increase agricultural production, reduced deforestation, and secured ecosystem, services such as proper water management, biodiversity and improved livestock management.
Ms. Mulenga said it was a blessing that all the officials in the district including Chief Mwanachingwala (Itebe Camp) in whose area the project was being managed cooperated well.
“Under the livestock programme, Solidaridad has awarded certificates to 10 young women and men of Mazabuka who have completed training in hand leather craft as a way of adding value and improving income at house hold level,” Ms. Mulenga said
Meanwhile 10 farmers who were awarded certificates told the Sun that they were grateful to Solidaridad for giving them the free life changing skills.
One of the trainees, Forward Malambo, a farmer from Mazabuka said the knowledge he had acquired would forever be useful in his entire life.
Another trainee, Friddah Munakaanzaa said as a mother she would now be able to make hand bags for sale and to help her meet financial challenges she had been facing.
