Construction of a training facility to enhance vocational skills in young adults in the communities near Kagem emerald mine in Zambia. The Chapula vocational training centre (CVTC) will be realised in partnership with the Zambian government and deliver training in the areas of bricklaying, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and IT skills.
Youth unemployment remains a key challenge in Zambia. The country has a relatively young and dependant population with about 46 percent of the population being under the age of 15. Youth make up almost two thirds of the country’s working-age population and almost one quarter of them are unemployed, according to a World Bank estimate. The main causes of youth unemployment/underemployment have been identified as low education and training, and a lack of effective vocational guidance that would match industry needs. Less than 6% of grade 12 leavers proceed into Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) or other tertiary education, far below what is required and desired to ensure that employers have a sufficient pool of educated and skilled people to recruit from.
Formal sector employment in general is hard to find. The private sector is struggling with economic slow-down. Crime and drug abuse are all too common and many young people drop out of school with few prospects. Moreover, this generation is marked by early marriages, early childbearing and HIV/AIDS infections.
High numbers of economically frustrated youth cause instability. Youth empowerment must focus on changing the young generation’s mindset and culture. Education and motivation matter – and when they result in a sufficient number of people becoming successful entrepreneurs, those people can dramatically improve the employment situation for everyone.
USD 1,320,000
Breakdown of costs (USD):
| Building | Classrooms (x4) | 300,000 |
| Administrative building | 200,000 | |
| Workshop | 150,000 | |
| Teacher’s housing | 100,000 | |
| Restroom block | 100,000 | |
| Fencing | 50,000 | |
| Utilities | Water (borehole, tower & pipes) | 50,000 |
| Power | 100,000 | |
| Furniture | Workshop | 20,000 |
| Administrative | 20,000 | |
| Classroom | 20,000 | |
| Equipment | Training equipment | 100,000 |
| Vehicles | Vehicles x2 | 100,000 |
| Bus for participant transport | 35,000 | |
| Contingency | 125,000 |
These costs are indicative only, based on working knowledge of a similar project completed in Mozambique, and subject to approval of planning.
