Ipusukilo Street Women Rehabilitation Project, Ndola, Copperbelt Province

At the time the grant was given, ten young women had been "rescued" and they were running a canteen for the Mission Press at the Franciscan Centre. But they wished to branch out into other business areas, to increase their monthly earnings. With ZOA's support, the club was able to purchase two sewing machines to help the girls diversify their sources of income. Four girls were sent for training in tie and dye to help raise the club's standards. Some of the money received went into purchase of materials and other necessary accessories.

The group appreciated the benefits of their new way of life in a very interesting way and beyond financial gains only. In October, 2003, they initiated a project of going out themselves (as opposed to the sisters who had recruited them). in order to attract others away from the streets. By the end of the month, thirty girls had been attracted away from the streets. These newly recruited young women met once every week "to learn tie and dye, to meet as a supportive group and consolidate their willingness to change their lives. The old group decided to help them further by directing them to a counseling centre and by assisting them on a monthly basis with some food and payment of rent". In 2004, ZOA provided funds to support this new group with training and to enable them rent a shop to sell their finished products.

On a visit to the projects in Ndola, ZOA's chairperson was introduced to two projects the trained young women are running, providing catering services, one to a Catholic Hospice and another to a skills school for orphaned and other vulnerable children. A graduate from the first group and who was one of the first care givers at St Anthony Children's Village remained at the helm of the fourteen care givers.



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