Umoyo Training Centre, Zambia

For this three-year project, the Umoyo Training Centre will undertake four main components:

(a) Residential Programme

Umoyo will continue to run its residential programme operated outside of Lusaka. The residential programmes will identify female youth between the ages of 14 to 18 who have been orphaned (mainly due to HIV/AIDS), or come from a family background where they have been abused, neglected or are at risk. The one-year programme trains participants in life and business skills, with the goal of returning to their communities to find employment or start their own businesses after graduation. In 2007, 60 girls will be enrolled in this programme.

(b)Younger Female Orphans and Girls School Support Programme

The Project will support the creation and operation of a school support programme for younger female orphans and younger vulnerable girls. This component was conceived after a team of external consultants reported a gap in services for young girls aged 10 to 13. The Umoyo Training Centre will assign guardians, when needed, and provide for school fees as well as other basic necessities, while making necessary referrals for services such as counselling, victim support, and HIV testing. 80 girls between the ages of 10 to 13 will benefit from this programme in 2007.

(c) Graduate Follow up Programme

This programme offers support to recent graduates of the Umoyo Training Centre through job placement assistance, support and encouragement in efforts to start up businesses, and through the facilitation of further career development.

(d) Community Outreach and Youth Empowerment Programme

The Project will support the graduates of the Umoyo Training Centre to lead peer education workshops, support groups, and for training in lobbying and advocacy on issues concerning women and children, and the dissemination of information on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).