Importance
Though BAOBAB STRONG sees education as the best way to escape poverty, it alone may not be enough for everyone, nor is it possible for every person. This is why we are also helping to generate business and job opportunities for those that are less educated, or for those wanting to put their education to best use. We are seeking sustainable solutions to boost incomes, lifting families out of poverty.
Goals & Current Projects
- Job training. As our education program matures, vocational training will be provided to improve opportunities for employment and business development.
- Mentoring for women. Besides job training, a mentoring program is being established specifically to encourage and empower female entrepreneurs.
Skills Training
BAOBAB STRONG provides workshops to teach community members income generating skills. The workshops include training for skills such as baking, sewing, farming, and ranching. These workshops often focus on training women and girls and will improve the lives of trainees and those the skills may serve.
Baking:
Most villagers are accustomed to preparing meals over a fire, but don’t typically bake or have the means to do so. Some wood burning ovens can be found in village homes, but they are underutilized as the cost of flour, sugar, cooking oil and other baking ingredients is prohibitive for most families. Leaning to bake is a valuable skill providing financial opportunities.
At baking workshops, participants are taught how to make bread and sweet buns. BAOBAB STRONG provides all the necessary ingredients and instruction. Bread and buns baked by the participants can be sold to local villagers and students.
Participants are trained on using both wood burning ovens and cheap pit ovens easily dug into the ground.
Past participants have created small baking businesses. Profits generated from the sale of baked goods are used to purchase additional baking ingredients, further generating income and building the business.
One resourceful workshop participant learned to create soft buns which she colorfully decorated. This attracted customers and generated profits which enabled her to purchase two goats to help sustain her family.
Sewing:
BAOBAB STRONG supports sewing groups that teach this important skill. We have provided manually operated sewing machines, fabric and other sewing supplies.
These sewing groups have learned how to produce and repair clothing as a source of income. They have produced uniforms needed in local schools and hospitals (see nurse uniform photo). The trainees have also created clothing for themselves when store bought clothing is unaffordable.
Carpentry:
We support a carpentry skills project which familiarizes students with woodworking tools and basic hardware. Using tools and timber supplied by Baobab Strong, participants learn to safely organize a work area and complete basic carpentry tasks. They learn to operate manual and power tools to make wood products to meet community needs. Their training includes installation of fasteners and construction of joints. Local and reclaimed wood are used for these projects to maximize economy and minimize environmental impact . The hands-on training also improves the participant’s self-confidence, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.
Horticulture:
In these workshops, participants are taught how to grow various trees and plants, such as mango trees, banana plants, and grapes . An agricultural expert leads the group and provides details such as how to dig holes of the appropriate dimensions, the importance of adding manure, appropriate soil depth, and the amount of water needed. Participants learn about ongoing care for the plants.
The skills learned allow the trainees to grow food crops, such as fruit and nut trees, as well as trees used for shade, erosion control, improved wildlife habitat, and for lumber and firewood.
Farming:
Baobab Strong supports women’s education and livelihood. A recent women’s educational field trip provided learning opportunities for ladies from the rural areas of Jibajiba, St.Paul and Zamani, Zimbabwe. A major goal of the field trip was to provide training in livestock management. The program emphasized growing and preparing feed for goats and cattle, as well as disease prevention. Ladies toured facilities to learn best practices in poultry farming, rabbit keeping, and fish hatcheries.
The women also met for a business lesson and a hands-on training in income generating skills of making dishwashing liquid, toilet bowl cleaner and antiperspirant.
Each woman received seed samples of velvet beans and Rhodes grass, which are grown for livestock feed.
Ranching:
In order to help impoverished families, BAOBAB STRONG created the Give a Goat program. In this program, participants were trained how to properly raise goats. A goat is a prized possession in the villages, since it can produce offspring, provide much needed protein sources in the form of milk and eventually meat. Goats can handle the harsh African conditions, and survive on the local vegetation.
The Give a Goat program began when 10 impoverished families each received a female goat. The recipient families were selected by the community leaders, based on need. After a year, the families who initially received a goat will pass their goat’s offspring to the next family, with the goal of creating a sustainable project. This is a well-received program in the community. Our intent is to expand this valuable program.
COVID Mask Workshop:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a critical need for face masks. A workshop was held to teach participants how to cut and hand sew face masks that could be sold in schools, hospitals, and other businesses in the local community.
The training was especially helpful to participants working in healthcare. These trainees were able to make masks of their own that could be worn while caring for patients.
Hand Sanitizer Workshop:
It is reported that only 15% of sub-Saharan Africans have access to basic hand washing facilities with soap and water. And hand sanitizer is not readily available in these areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increased need for sanitation practices.
Training was held where participants were given specific instruction on how to mix appropriate chemicals to produce hand sanitizer, which could be sold to generate income.
Nurses Aide Training:
Baobab Strong brought together a rural mission and an accredited training school to facilitate nurse’s aide training. The training provided by Bulawayo Nursing Care took place in St. Paul’s Mission.
Participants eager to improve their income earning ability received training in patient care that included basics such as hygiene and nutrition. Graduation certificates were awarded to students who successfully completed the program. Graduates were placed at various clinics and hospitals for further practical training. This program has positive impacts on the livelihood and healthcare needs of community members.
Statements
Hi! I was one of the first students who attended the Jibajiba Secondary School. Having graduated, I wanted to put my education to good use helping my community. The Jibajiba community has very few businesses. It is a long distance by donkey cart to the next town that sells supplies. It was time our local community had better access to much needed supplies. So I’ve helped open a small store in Jibajiba. This experience has been helpful to improve the lives of our local residents. With support from BAOBAB STRONG, our community has become stronger, and more graduating students will find income producing opportunities.
Collet N.