The Centre for Environment Justice’s (CEJ) approach to economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods through the Village Savings and Investment Banking model is making a significant impact in Sinazongwe District. This initiative targets women and youths and is proving to be a game-changer amid the community’s economic hardships, unfair displacements, inadequate compensation by mining companies, and food insecurity caused by the devastating drought affecting the district.
The activities are implemented under the Resilient Initiative for Sustainable Environment (RISE) project, which includes a social and economic livelihoods component targeting women and youths. This project is supported by Bread for the World (BftW) Germany and operates in both Sinazongwe and Serenje districts.
Bulamachacha Youth Group
Formed just a year ago, the Bulamachacha Youth Group has demonstrated remarkable resilience and energy. Through weekly savings and gardening activities, the group is working to improve the socioeconomic livelihoods of its members and their households.
Comprising 16 school-going youths, the group has been industrious in its fundraising efforts. In December 2024, they raised K3,200 through gardening (maize, okra, and tomatoes) and an additional K1,900 through “piece work” activities, such as loading building sand and locally made bricks onto trucks. The group is well-organized, works collaboratively, and is supervised by a community social auditor.
Sharing Ceremony
The group recently held a colorful sharing ceremony to mark the end of its first savings cycle. The event was officiated by CEJ District Coordinator Jeff Kayamba, Community Social Auditor Ms. Getrude Syapwaya, and Nkandabbwe Ward Development Committee (WDC) Secretary Mr. Syabwanta.
During the ceremony, the 16 group members shared a total of K33,660. The highest saver received K3,600, while the lowest saver received K820, based on their individual contributions. Parents and WDC representatives present at the event expressed their appreciation for CEJ’s self-led village banking model, which is transforming lives in the community.
Each group member pledged to reinvest their savings into business ventures to sustain their household livelihoods. CEJ’s District Coordinator commended the group for their commitment and resilience. He assured them of CEJ’s continued support in building their capacity to improve their income while emphasizing the importance of education for the younger generation. He also announced that the group had qualified for the CEJ Investment Grant for 2025.
Distribution of School Materials
The group also took a significant step in supporting education by distributing school materials to six members who had qualified for Grade 8 at Nkandabwe Secondary School. At an event held at the CEJ Office in Sinazeze, the group provided each of the six members with a school bag, 10 hardcover notebooks, a mathematical set, and 10 pens.
This initiative, funded through the group’s social funds, cost a total of K3,300. Both the youths and their parents appreciated this gesture, recognizing it as a positive step toward improving educational outcomes.
Present and Future Plans
Currently, the group has planted maize in their garden, which they hope to harvest and sell, thanks to the favorable rainfall in the area.
For the future, the group plans to open a shop to sell groceries and further enhance their capital base
By Jeff Kayamba – District Coordinator, Sinazongwe