In October, the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre established the Zawadi Youth Enterprise Project. The Z-YEP is essentially a youth cooperative which will support the development of various enterprises in the business incubator and entrepreneurship program. Initial enterprises are beekeeping, tailoring/handcrafts, livestock (starting with rabbits and goats) and horticulture. The Z-YEP will help youth develop business and leadership skills and launch their own businesses as part of the exit strategy.
Beekeeping Four youth have learned how to manage hives, harvest honey and construct hives. They're starting to collect and sell honey locally.
Tailoring Recent graduates of the tailoring program are making shoulder bags for sale domestically and in the US. Profits from these bags are split among income for the girls, support for the CYEC and reinvestment in the Z-YEP.
Rabbits Rabbits are the most cost-effective source of protein available! CYEC youth have constructed hutches and will soon learn rabbit management to provide meat for the centre and income for themselves.
Horticulture The youth are growing tomatoes in the greenhouse to sell and generate income. They’re learning valuable agricultural production and business skills, while creating value for themselves and the CYEC!
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