Mwandakwisano Integrated Rural Development Program (MIRDP)
Funded by the APO BANK FOUNDATION of Germany.
In Mwandakwisano community, Mfuwe, Zambia we are in the course of forming a community multi-purpose co-operative society that will be like an umbrella body for all the group IGAs. This is to ensure success and sustainability of the School and community IGAs that will lead to the financial independence of the school and community members. The Goal Plan is to help the school and community coordinate their businesses properly and professionally. After developing and sharing with them the project’s 5 years strategic plan and the new operating structure and how each Group’s IGA is expected to contribute some funds to the school, the community, their group activities and the members’ families from their businesses.
Empowerment for Poverty Reduction & Wealth Creation
- Skills Training and Capacity Building
Vocational Training: Offering courses in tailoring, carpentry, and other trades to equip community members with marketable skills.
Entrepreneurship Workshops: Providing training in business management, financial literacy, and marketing to foster entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge. - Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)
Microfinance Support: Establishing VSLAs to facilitate savings, provide access to small loans, and support local economic activities.
Financial Literacy: Educating members on effective saving practices, investment opportunities, and financial planning. - Agricultural Development
Sustainable Farming Techniques: Teaching modern and sustainable agricultural practices to improve crop yields and ensure food security.
Agribusiness Training: Supporting farmers with business skills to market their produce, access larger markets, and increase their income. - Women’s Empowerment Programs
Leadership Training: Empowering women with leadership skills and confidence to take on community leadership roles.
Support Groups: Creating safe spaces for women to share experiences, support each other, and collaborate on community projects. - Community Health and Well-being
Health Education: Conducting workshops on nutrition, hygiene, and preventive health care to improve overall community health.
Access to Health Services: Facilitating access to health services through partnerships with local health providers and organizing health camps. - Educational Support
Scholarships and Bursaries: Providing financial assistance to children and young adults to continue their education.
Adult Literacy Programs: Offering literacy and numeracy classes for adults to enhance their educational background and employability. - Environmental Conservation
Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable environmental practices such as tree planting and waste management to protect the local ecosystem.
Awareness Campaigns: Educating the community about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living. - Cooperative Development
Economic Cooperatives: Establishing cooperatives like the one in Mwandakwisano to support collective economic activities and provide shared resources.
Market Access: Assisting cooperatives in accessing larger markets and fair trade opportunities to maximize profits.
Future Dreams
The groups in the future are expected to adopt some school grades/classes and sponsor them with uniforms, shoes and other school requirements to help achieve the school sustainability plan. Each IGA will be required to register a legal enterprise which will be a shareholder of the Mwandakwisano Community Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited. The Cooperative will be the coordinating enterprise for all the agreed percentage contributions to the school by the individual IGAs and will ensure that the groups receive their respective dividends accordingly.
Realizing the Dream
VWI will coordinate and facilitate the registration of the cooperative with the relevant GRZ departments. It will also facilitate the implementation of different business ideas and activities that will take place in the cooperative ensuring that the community’s needs and aspirations are taken into account. In addition, the cooperative will own land that will house infrastructure for all the group IGAs that will need business housing.
Community Voices: A Journey of Success Since 2018
In the heart of Mfuwe, Visionary Women Initiative has been a beacon of hope and transformation since 2018. Our journey is filled with countless success stories that reflect the resilience, dedication, and growth of the community we serve.
One such story is that of Mary, a single mother of three who joined our community development programs in 2019. When she first came to us, Mary was struggling to provide for her family, relying on irregular and meager earnings from casual labor. Through the Visionary Women Initiative, Mary enrolled in our skills training workshops and learned tailoring and entrepreneurial skills.
With her newfound knowledge, Mary started a small tailoring business. She began with just one sewing machine provided by our cooperative in Mwandakwisano. Her determination and hard work paid off as she gradually expanded her business, gaining a loyal customer base in the local market. Today, Mary not only supports her family but also employs two other women from the community, sharing her skills and providing them with a source of income.
Mary’s story is just one of many. Since 2018, we have empowered over 5,000 individuals, including women, men, girls, and boys, to achieve economic independence and social equality. Our Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have enabled community members to save money, access loans, and invest in their futures. The cooperative established in Mwandakwisano stands as a testament to our collective effort to create sustainable livelihoods.
Through initiatives like these, we have witnessed a ripple effect of positive change, fostering a community where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Our success stories are a reflection of the collective strength and unwavering spirit of the people of Mfuwe.
As we continue our mission, we remain committed to listening to and amplifying the voices of our community, ensuring that every success story inspires and motivates others to achieve their dreams. Together, we are building a brighter and more equitable future for all.