MACHEKE - Women and youths residing on commercial farming and surrounding resettlement areas, are receiving self-help technical skills from Kunzwana Women Association (KWA) training centres across the country. Training schemes cater for people of all age groups from different social back grounds, and has lessoned participants economic dependence on spouses. Our association provides socio economic empowerment through skills training and development of micro credit scheme. This provides a non-formal training in life survival skills and capacity development. Participants are empowered to be self reliant and realize their potential. The elderly and disadvantaged are also catered for, said the associations director for weaving, Erica Takayendesa.
Takayendesa said besides offering lucrative skills, the courses were all age friendly. With training in areas such as weaving and sewing, people of advanced age can manage to produce products in line with market demands, she said.
She said there was no significant weaving industry in Zimbabwe and youths must fill in the gap and make a living. The weaving industry has suffered stinted growth due to lack of publicity. People must be encouraged to acquire self help skills and accelerate the countrys economic growth.
After completing the course I will be able to provide for my grandchildren and other family members. I will also be of service to the community, said Loice Murevanhema.
Participants are provided with course material and project starter kits at training centers. Graduates are provided with relevant equipment to quick start projects in respective areas of specialty. Demand for acquired skills is already overwhelming both locally and abroad. Weaving is a major source of livelihood in countries such as Kenya and Japan.
A South Africa based shop reportedly ordered 1 000 scarves with a 2010 soccer world cup emblem inscription. The association will supply the woven scarves before the soccer showcase kicks off next year.
The association has empowered hundreds of women through training in income generating skills. Training is availed free of charge to subscribed members and is extended to non members at a subsidized fee. Members pay a $5 annual subscription fee and enjoy free boarding facilities including catering services during training. KWA has 5 000 subscribing members.
The organization has centers in Macheke, Kwekwe and Nyamandlovu and has opened its doors to interested male participants.
Post published in: Economy