Lift 300+ Zambian Women Out Of Extreme Poverty

Since launching this fundraiser nearly two years ago, we have learned a lot, thanks to YOU, our donors! We have learned that no matter how many tools, seed or solar panels or drip irrigation systems, you can give some subsistence farmers, the most important thing behind their success is mindset. But this is true of all humans, right? Somebody can give you a free book or a free subscription to an online learning course but if you don't actually want to change, do the free books matter?

We've had an inkling for many years that changing the lives of subsistence farmers is more than good seed, fertilizer, and agricultural practices but we are putting this directly to the test. Thus, we've launched a "soft skills training program." This program goes beyond the typical agricultural technical skills training. It addresses farmer mindsets directly, unpacking what holds them in their poverty and prevents them from thriving. Thus, our soft skills training program focuses on content that helps marginalized, impoverished female farmers envision a life that they could only dream about living.

The training program encapsulates the following sessions:

1. BUDGETING - Prepares them to save some of their newfound tomato earnings into items that will generate even more revenue, for example, a chicken to lay eggs.
2. BUSINESS IDEA DEVELOPMENT - Guides them in creating a business with their reinvestment, for example, selling the newly laid eggs.
3. BRANDING - Illustrates the importance of creating a simple grand that differentiates their products from others.
4. MARKETING - Enables them to understand how to access customers
5. PROBLEM SOLVING - Supports them in proactively identifying problems and coming up with solutions on their own.
6. PERSONAL LEADERSHIP - Provides them with tools to build their self-worth.
7. NUTRITION - Helps them budget healthy foods for their families to support their cognitive development
8. TEAMWORK - Highlights methods to directly address issues and delegate work among cooperative members.

Poverty is a multifaceted issue with no single solution. However, with your help, we've been able to tackle several aspects of it. Brighter days are ahead!

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• In this video, we proudly present the remarkable story of Salome