MAZZARELLO SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE: STITCH AND SUSTAIN

By Sr. Godelieve Ruvugo Kayobera

Mazzarello Skills Training Centre has obtained the TEVETA Fund to train 40 students in Tailoring.

Mazzarello Skills Training Centre Administrator Sr. Godelieve Ruvugo Kayobera says in accordance with the 8th National Development Plan and17 Sustainable Development Goals, TEVETA has committed itself to reach out to as many students as possible in skills training and developing, which contributes to the development of Zambian citizens.

She adds that the funds help students to overcome the challenges of paying school fees and buying sewing materials.

Sr. Godelieve explains that the skill training Centre was established in response to the problems of poverty and lack of education of the young girls in Mansa.

In light of the problems of poverty and lack of education, the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco opened Mazzarello Skills Training Centre in 2005, in order to empower with skills all those who needed to be trained so that they could become self-reliant and provide for the needs of their families.

Sr. Godelieve 

She adds that reaching out to the poor and abandoned young girls is in according with their charism of education and evangelization of young people, especially those who are poor and abandoned.

The Salesian Sisters became aware of the number of girls and women who needed a space for training because they dropped out from schools after they failed to pass Grade 7 or Grade 9 exams. Some of them who are married or single mothers bring their children to Don Bosco community school expressed their need of going back to school and finding means to raise up their children.

Sr. Godelieve

She says for the past years, Mazzarello Skills Training Centre has offered skills of sewing, typing, cooking even carpentry, for short term and long term.

She adds that the mission of the institution is based on the awareness that “Education is the key to success.

Mazzarello Skills Training Centre is committed to empowering the students with skills in fashion design and textile technology so that they overcome poverty and gender inequalities as well as participate to the development of the country through income generating activities. We are certain that our students once empowered with skills, vested as good Christians and honest citizens they will be able to promote activities for sustainable development.

Sr. Godelieve

The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco officially called Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) came to Zambia in 1984.  They have established their presence in Lusaka, Mazabuka, Mansa, Luwingu and Kasama.