In Mtendere township, where opportunities are often as scarce as rain in the dry season, a quiet revolution is taking place powered by sewing machines. The Noah Mapalo Community-Based Organization (CBO), once just a grassroots initiative, is now the beating heart of a small but growing skills-training hub.
In August 2024, the Noah Mapalo Skills Training Centre opened its doors to the youth of Mtendere. The centre, began with just ten participants. The aim was simple yet profound, to teach tailoring skills that could lead to self-sufficiency. For a minimal fee of K200 per month, young people gained access to hands-on training, mentorship, and a chance to change their lives.
Mrs Shika Chanda explains that the fee, though small, helps keep the centre running. It covers maintenance costs for the machines and small allowances for the trainers. “We want the youth to feel invested in their learning while ensuring the centre remains sustainable.”
As for the future, Noah Mapalo has big dreams. “We hope to expand, bring in more machines, and train even more youth,” says Febby with a smile on her face. “Eventually, we want to include other skills, like carpentry, nutrition and baking, so the centre becomes a comprehensive hub for empowerment.”
One of the youths Paul Sakala, a sixteen (16) year old grade nine pupil narrates the joy he finds in tailoring. “My parent never believed me when I first told them that I was learning how to sew until they visited the place and saw the materials I was making. Now that I have their full support, when I complete school I want to specialise in design. Am happy that this activity helps me keep away from bad vices and I would like to encourage other youths to find a skill that will benefit them, “ Paul said with a smile.
From the materials Paul makes and sales he uses the money for his small needs like barbing, school books and sometimes gives his mother to get some vegetables for the family.
Tailoring is often perceived as a female-dominated skill, but Paul Sakala, a young male participant, actively engages in the trade. His involvement challenges traditional gender roles and encourages boys to pursue skills regardless of societal expectations.
English