Skills for Life Centre in rural Zambia

Exciting progress is underway at the newly renamed Climate Resilience Centre (formerly the Skills for Life Centre) in rural Sinazongwe. We are thrilled to share that the centre’s very first building—the tailoring room—is nearly complete. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve fenced the property, established a thriving regenerative agriculture demonstration garden and nursery, and are now preparing to paint and finish the exterior of the tailoring room. This space, equipped with tailoring machines donated by Tools with a Mission, will serve as the heart of our upcoming skills training programs.

The transformation of our centre is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about empowering the next generation. In June, we will welcome our first group of volunteers from a UK school, with a second group arriving in July, to help us launch our inaugural training sessions. This year marks a significant shift as we move from producing reusable pads—an initiative we’ve run for the past decade—to creating new reusable underwear designed to better meet the needs of local girls. By the end of the year, we expect the training to reach at least 300 girls, equipping them with both practical skills and much-needed products.

The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. In Sinazongwe, UNICEF estimates that fewer than 5% of girls complete their schooling, with almost all girls at our partner schools reporting that they miss school every month because they lack menstrual products. The new centre stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. As one participant shared, “When I have my period, I have to stay home because I have nothing to use and I feel embarrassed. Missing school means I fall behind, and sometimes I just want to give up. Knowing I can learn to make my own underwear at the new centre, and help other girls too, makes me feel proud and hopeful for my future.”

With the continued support of you our community and partners, we look forward to opening doors, changing lives, and making sure that every girl has the chance to thrive. Please keep following us on our fundraising journey as we are still raising money for the weaving room that will be attached to the tailoring room.