Nalucha Mubita recently made the decision to take charge of her future. After struggling to find work post-graduating high school, she developed an alcohol addiction which led her to spend days at a time at local bars. “I was suffering, I used to go to bars (often) to drink beer with my friends”, she shares. This was until she met Samuel, a member of a group of young people in Sioma who dedicate their time and talents to educating people throughout Sioma about climate change adaptation and alternative livelihoods. “He told me about this group – in the group, they are rearing chickens, and welding. I was interested in welding... instead of me going to the bar, I can show other ladies that they can also do this kind of work”.

Prior to meeting Samuel and learning about the Sioma Youth Group, Nalucha’s experience was not unlike many other young people in Sioma, who feel stuck with very little opportunities to invest in themselves and their future. There are not many career options for fresh school leavers or graduates in the area, outside of engaging in the male-dominated timber trade. However, the industry is clouded by concerns over its negative impact on the environmental and rampant labour exploitation. According to the Sioma District Administrative Officer, Dr. Mubitelela Sillio, young people in the timber trade are at an increased risk of sustaining life-threatening injuries and/or inheriting disabilities in the timber production value-chain. Moreover, they receive very little pay with no medical or disability cover from employers.

As a community of performers and entertainers, the Kandodo-Sioma Youth Group uses cultural storytelling to convey messages on difficult topics and educational content to communities in Western Province. The group specifically educates people on the dangers of indiscriminate cutting of forest trees for timber trading – informing communities on alternative methods to generate income that could enhance livelihoods and decrease deforestation. With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grant Programme (SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the group has not only been travelling to some of the most remote areas of Sioma and throughout the Western Province to educate and entertain, but they have also started a training programme that provides skills to talented and eager young people looking for a means to build a livelihood.

Read the full story by Vanessa Wematu Akibate (UNDP Zambia) here.