USACF’s successful efforts to bring vocational skills training to underserved African communities are growing. Working with our wonderful in-country colleagues, we begin by listening to stakeholders and people in the communities to target the best approach. Our programs are in high demand and we’re expanding to reach more young people eager to learn and get to work.
In Zimbabwe, in partnership with our friends at the Community Action to Achieve Prosperity Trust (“CAAP”), our training programs are up and running in five rural communities. The trainees are making a significant, positive difference – and getting jobs as welders, carpenters, and machinists, earning wages that mean everything to them and their families.
An especially impactful element is work building latrines at schools across the area. Unsanitary and dangerous “facilities” at schools are a huge problem across the region. Now, more schools are offering their students dignified and safe toilet blocks, sending a very powerful message. This significantly raises attendance and boosts the likelihood that students (especially girls) will keep wanting to come to school.
In Sierra Leone, at our flagship We Yone (“Our Own”) Learning Centre our tailoring skills program launched in early 2024. Spirits are high as our first cohort of trainees is making excellent progress through their year-long course. The cohort has fulfilled its first paid order – 40 school uniforms for one of our partner schools – a milestone. The 25 sewing machines are buzzing and the women are excited, eager, and focused. After they finish their training early next year we will support them as they seek employment or decide to launch their own businesses. Interest in the community is sky high so we are taking applications for a second cohort in the coming weeks. Click here to see more about the excitement at our We Yone Learning Centre.