Taking the future into their own hands 

Dreams that become reality? Good prospects in life? Opportunities for further development? All this is possible in Chabota. 

The man in red smiles as he hands over a large brown envelope. This envelope contains an important document: one that could change the future to some extent. At least the future of David Chilonde and 72 other young people in Chibombo, a district in Zambia’s Central Province. With a shy smile, David accepts the envelope from Godfrey Chitambala, the province’s deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts. David is home free, so to speak: he is holding his final diploma for General Agriculture Level 3 in his hands. 

Nathaniel Lowa, our nac.today correspondent, reports on the graduation ceremony and the Chabota Vocational Skills Training Centre. 

Graduation at the Chabota Vocational Training Centre 

On 4 July, 73 young people received their diplomas after completing a one-year course in general agriculture at the Chabota Vocational Skills Training Centre, which is run by the New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation (NACRO). The programme aims to equip vulnerable young people with practical skills for a sustainable livelihood and improved food security. 

Mr Godfrey Chitambala, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts, commended NACRO and its partner NAK-karitativ for their efforts in empowering vulnerable people through skills development. He urged the graduates to apply their training to help reduce poverty and inequality in line with the government’s development agenda. 

NACRO and government hand in hand 

Representing District Apostle Kububa Soko, Bishop Martin Mutondo of the Lusaka West-Mumbwa Apostle area emphasised the Church’s commitment to improving community welfare through NACRO. He explained that Chabota was founded to empower vulnerable young people. The training centre’s programme is now being expanded to offer additional trades such as carpentry, metal fabrication, bricklaying, and food processing. He appealed to the government for support through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to provide infrastructure, tools, and teaching resources. 

Established in 2018 with support from NAK-karitativ and Zambia’s Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Chabota Skills Training Centre continues to play a vital role in equipping young people with life-changing vocational skills.