In Chirundu District, 24-year-old Precious Kagodola gently gathers freshly laid eggs into a tray. Standing proudly at the chicken centre supported by the YILWASH project, she pauses for a moment, smiling, a quiet but powerful reflection of how far she has come.
Just a year ago, life looked very different for Precious. Opportunities were scarce, and like many young women in her community, she faced daily uncertainty about how to earn a stable income. “There were days I didn’t know what tomorrow would look like,” she recalls. “I wanted to do something meaningful, but I didn’t have the resources or support.”
Everything began to change when she joined the YILWASH project, an initiative focused on improving livelihoods through integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions alongside economic empowerment activities. Through the project, Precious received training in poultry production, basic business management, and group savings. More importantly, she gained confidence.
Today, as she carefully inspects each egg before placing it into the trays. Precious is not just collecting produce she is harvesting the results of resilience, learning, and opportunity. The chicken centre has become more than just a workplace, it is a symbol of transformation.
“With the chickens, I now have a steady source of income,” she explains. “I sell eggs in the community, and people trust the quality. I can now contribute to my household and even save for the future.”
Her involvement has also inspired others around her. Fellow youths in Chirundu have begun to see poultry farming not just as a subsistence activity, but as a viable business. Precious often shares her knowledge informally, encouraging others especially young women to take initiative and believe in their potential.
There are still challenges. Feed costs can fluctuate, and maintaining consistent production requires discipline and care. But Precious approaches these hurdles with determination. “It’s not always easy,” she admits, “but now I know that I can overcome challenges. I’ve learned how to plan and adapt.”
As she stands for a photograph with a tray of eggs in hand, her smile tells a deeper story one of dignity restored and hope renewed. The eggs she holds are small, but the impact they represent is immense. For Precious Kagodola, the YILWASH project has not just improved her livelihood; it has reshaped her future.
The YILWASH (Youth Integrated Livelihoods and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project is designed to strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of vulnerable youths and communities in Chirundu District by integrating sustainable livelihood initiatives with improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services. By combining skills training, enterprise development such as poultry production and community-based WASH interventions, the project addresses both economic and public health challenges. Implemented by ADRA Zambia with support from the German Cooperation and Stiftung Kinderzukunft the project is building to drive long-term, sustainable impact.
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