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.
CITY OF HOPE: A SAFE HOME FOR GIRLS AT RISK
In societies globally, like in Lusaka, vulnerable children, particularly girls, have been pushed to the sidelines due to the profound impact of HIV/AIDS, family struggles, and poverty. Addressing these voids, caring individuals such as the Salesian Sisters have set up a safe haven. The City of Hope, overseen by Sr. Mary John, is a haven providing comfort for young girls aged 7 to 18. These girls are rescued from the harsh streets and the injustices of the powerful and privileged. With Sr. Mary John at the helm, their aim is to provide solace and assistance amidst challenges.
Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of Sr. Beatrice Mwansa
Meet Sr. Beatrice Mwansa, a Daughter of the Redeemer who has dedicated her life to serving others. In this video, she shares her inspiring journey, including her experiences in the religious life and her successful career in media. She also highlights her personal growth and the challenges she has faced in life. She further elaborates on her role in the media industry and the impact it has had on her life.
Through her narrative, she gives a comprehensive overview of her life and the factors that have shaped her into the person she is today. watch to learn more about this incredible woman’s story of faith and service.
SISTERS APPLAUDED FOR TAKING CARE OF THE TEENAGE GIRLS IN SCHOOLS
Joy and jubilation characterised the mood of celebration at Ibenga Girls Secondary School as the school commemorated its Diamond Jubilee under the theme “60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST”. The girls, parents and scores of people from other walks of life especially the Ibenga alumni flocked to the school for the festival. Mrs. Joyce Chibuye, the Alumni chairperson, who went to the school in 1975 could not hide her joy as she fully participated in all the activities lined up for the day. As Ibenga celebrates its diamond Jubilee in 2023, it gives me shivers, this morning I must have shed tears of joy as we were preparing to come to the celebration. It is really moving for me. Joyce Joyce has passionately commended the religious sisters who have worked at the school since its inception for gallantly taking care of the girls in their teen age stage. She says the teenage stage is one of the most challenging stages in life to manage. This why I give a big hand to the sisters at Ibenga for they took care of us and are still trying their best to manage teenagers who are actually very demanding to handle. Joyce She has encouraged the young Ibenga girls to listen to what the sisters and their teachers are telling them as they would never regret. It’s only when we grow old that we realise there are things we shouldn’t have done but when we were growing up as youngsters, we wanted to experience a lot of things because that’s part of life. I would like the girls to be attentive and take their studies seriously so that they end up like some of us or even better. We would like to have the first woman president coming from Ibenga. Joyce Joyce recollects the days of Ibenga in the 70’s and the many things she learnt from the then head teacher Sr. Alacoque of the Dominican sisters of the Sacred Heart. She says that Sister used to follow up the girls to make sure they did what was right. Am grateful to the Dominican Sisters especially Sr. Alacoque who is still living in Germany who taught me to glorify God above everything else. Each time I come to Ibenga and I look at the church, it gives me happiness because I learnt that God should come first in everything that one does as a teenager. Even today, we put God first and everything came back in full view of what we used to enjoy here at Ibenga. Joyce Meanwhile Joan Chipunza a grade twelve pupil who was the head prefect of the ushers during the celebration said the girls woke up with smiles and enthusiasm to put in the best to make the celebration a success. Everyone has put in so much that you could not know who the coordinator was anymore. I thank the girls for such great cooperation. Some are Ushers, Majorettes, Alter girls and others Stellas. Everyone is participating in some activity. Joan Joan also recalls how she had come to like the school and considers it the best school ever. Over the years, the school has had good results and great standards. They have taught us good morals, how to maintain cleanliness and how to have fun together during entertainment. On a personal level, I have learnt to put things aside and not jump to conclusion but to behave in a mature way. Joan Upe Nalungwe also praised the sisters for imparting good values to the girls. She recounts how Sr. Estella Kasonde, the head teacher always told the prefects to be alert and vigilant by looking around and making sure all is in place and avoid the sin of omission. And Mercy Kazembe, the president of the interact club is also proud to be at Ibenga saying, “It’s the best school ever and I cannot imagine myself elsewhere”. She has thanked the school management for running the school with excellence and all the activities that they organise for the girls as they teach them many things.