IFS project bolsters women in Zambia

Sr. Ruth Kuyumba, right, engages Memory Musonda and her son Joshua in a conversation during a home visit. Sr. Agnes Kateule, left, uses sign language to communicate with Joshua. Memory and Joshua were beneficiaries of the recently defunded Inclusive Family Strengthening project, formerly managed by the Sisters of Mercy with support from Catholic Relief Services. (Derrick Silimina)

By Derrick Silimina

In the town of Mansa, a cool breeze from Lake Bangweulu moves through picturesque landmarks like the Mumbuluma waterfalls. Despite the scenic beauty of the Luapula province, many women face significant challenges related to social exclusion.

Memory Musonda, 31, recalls the emotional impact of her son's health crisis when he suddenly experienced language regression, often associated with autism. 

Musonda shared with Global Sisters Report how cultural perceptions of certain illnesses and disabilities influenced her family's stability and social relationships.

"My husband believed that our child's condition was a result of witchcraft, which led to his departure from home," she said.

Musonda, 31, said her traumatic abandonment is an example of the gender inequality and discrimination faced by vulnerable women in the southern African country, compounded by high poverty, entrenched cultural norms, illiteracy, insufficient social support systems and limited access to health care.

She said that in Mansa town, about 760 km north of Lusaka, Zambia's capital, there is a prevalent cultural belief linking certain illnesses to witchcraft. These beliefs often result in stigma, social exclusion and family separation.

"I was heartbroken seeing my son's loss of speech at the age of 1 year and 3 months after suffering chronic malaria, particularly because it reversed a developmental milestone I had proudly celebrated," she said.

Despite efforts toward gender equality, women in Zambia continue to face significant challenges in accessing opportunities and achieving social inclusion, reflecting ongoing societal disparities across southern Africa.

Catherine Chama, a 54-year-old resident of Makasa village in Mansa District, is also experiencing significant hardships in supporting her extended family following her husband's abandonment.

"As a single mother, I often face difficulties, and my survival over the years has largely depended on the support of well-wishers, particularly from religious sisters of the Diocese of Mansa," Chama told GSR.

Chama's situation has worsened, as she is now also responsible for caring for her 15-year-old grandson, who has epilepsy. 

Despite challenges, Chama and Musonda found hope and support in the recently defunded Inclusive Family Strengthening (IFS) project, formerly managed by the Sisters of Mercy with support from the U.S. bishops' humanitarian agency, Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

"The IFS project helped me come to terms with my situation and overcome societal stigma related to my disabled child, who is now 7 years old," Musonda said. She added that the sisters' efforts played a crucial role in family reintegration, as evidenced by her husband's return home.

The project, which commenced in 2021 and concluded in 2024 due to donor limitations, served almost 1,000 women and 3,000 indirect beneficiaries, according to project records. This included families with children living in extreme poverty, child-headed households, grandparent-headed households, households with children in violent environments, and children living with disabilities. Indirect beneficiaries included caregivers, community leaders and other stakeholders, emphasizing a community-wide approach to family strengthening and social inclusion. 

The project encompassed a wide range of interventions aimed at supporting children and strengthening families, including taking children to rehabilitation, providing mental health support, conducting household visits, community sensitization, stakeholder engagement, social cohesion training, and radio programs focused on changing social behavior.

Chama echoed Musonda's praise, saying, "The IFS was a game changer as the project enabled my access to essential services with ease, and my family never lacked support."

 Mercy Sr. Ruth Kayumba shares a light moment with Catherine Chama, a beneficiary of the recently defunded Inclusive Family Strengthening project. (Derrick Silimina)

However, Chama voiced concern about the project ending, particularly regarding its ability to continue supporting her grandson, who was about to be enrolled in a special school by the sisters. Many vulnerable families are on waiting lists and without the necessary financial means to sustain their loved ones.

According to a 2025 CRS performance evaluation report, the Inclusive Family Strengthening project successfully enhanced caregiver resilience, social support and access to essential services. It highlighted an increase in positive parenting behaviors, including showing affection and rewarding good behavior, and noted better stress management among caregivers.

Chama said the project was known for creating a more supportive community environment, promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities in community activities, and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and advocating for disability rights. 

Sr. Ruth Kuyumba, the project's former coordinator, spoke to GSR about its many achievements.

"We recorded over 200 success stories, as the project covered a lot of people, especially in rural areas where the initiative also promoted fathers' participation in parenting and ensured every child has a home to grow up in," she said.

Kuyumba, a member of the Sisters of Mercy under the Mansa Diocese, shared how the project's efforts stood out due to positive feedback, behavioral changes, disability inclusion, rehabilitation successes, nutritional support, and access to education and health facilities for children.

"As Sisters of Mercy, we are called to witness God's sympathy to his people, and we were privileged to deepen our charism of compassion through the IFS project. Our support, care and love made an impact on the lives of vulnerable families in Luapula Province, particularly Mansa, Lubwe and Kasaba," she said.

She emphasized that the smooth implementation of the project depended on the dedicated efforts of six sisters from her congregation, who actively collaborated with caregivers and with community, government and church leaders.

Kuyumba said that local, church and community leaders were enthusiastic about the project and fully involved in fighting stigma and reporting abuse, while stakeholders and caregivers were empowered with knowledge through capacity building.

"We are proud that the project made significant positive impacts. Previously, beneficiaries and their families faced societal discrimination, with women struggling to access education for their children and children with disabilities hidden at home due to fear of stigma. We hope to attract more funders to continue and scale the project, ensuring lasting positive change in the community."

Bridging the gap in Malagasy

A student operates equipment at the Luban Workshop in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on 26 April 2024 (XINHUA)

By Derrick Silimina

In the heart of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s sundrenched capital, Joseph Andrinirina flashes a nervous smile as he inspects a faulty car engine at the start of another day of work at his garage.  

“Since I started this business six months ago, I enjoy being my own boss. I now earn a steady income, support my family, and provide jobs for others,” he told ChinAfrica. 

Andrinirina’s confidence and optimism come from a recent qualification in mechanical engineering he gained through the Luban Workshop, a Chinese-backed vocational initiative aimed at transferring technical know-how and fostering economic empowerment.  

Andrinirina, 30, completed a skills training programme at the Luban Workshop in Antananarivo and earned a diploma in automotive maintenance. After that he opened his own car repair workshop in Madagascar’s cultural and commercial hub of over 2 million people, specialising in engine repair.  

“The Luban Workshop training has been a game changer for youth in Madagascar, because it offers vocational programmes that are essential for driving local industrialisation.” 

  

Valuable training 

The Luban Workshop in Madagascar was jointly established by Chinese institutions including the Tianjin Vocational College of Mechanics and Electricity, Tianjin Technician Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Technology and the University of Antananarivo in February 2022.  

The first phase of cooperation established international majors in electrical and automotive engineering. It also developed a training centre for automotive repair and eight specialised laboratories equipped with cutting-edge systems, including hydraulic and pneumatic technology, modern electrical control, and automated production lines.  

Over 100 students have received training at the Luban Workshop in areas such as industrial electricity, mechanical engineering, information technology, and automotive maintenance. 

Supported by the broader China-Africa vocational education cooperation, the workshop has established a state-of-the-art automotive training centre and classrooms fitted with modern teaching tools. After three years of intensive study, most of the first cohort of 29 graduates have either secured jobs with major companies, started their own businesses or opted to continue their studies. 

Natalie Rameliniaina, one of the graduates of Madagascar’s Luban Workshop with a degree in Information Technology, is working as an intern to further hone her skills before formally joining the workforce. 

“After two months of hands-on experience, I feel confident and prepared to enter the workforce,” she shared, adding that her training at the Luban Workshop was practical and aligned with the needs of the industry.

 

Students attend a class at the Luban Workshop in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on 10 February (XINHUA) 

Fruits of cooperation 

The Luban Workshops, part of eight major initiatives unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, have filled the gap in vocational education cooperation between China and Africa. 

Since the launch of the first Luban Workshop in Djibouti in March 2019, a total of 14 such workshops have been established in African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, and Ethiopia, according to the China International Cooperation Development Agency. 

Built upon Chinese experience and technologies, the initiative aims to provide African youth with modern professional knowledge and skills, thus facilitating Africa’s economic and social development and accelerating its industrialisation. The Luban Workshop at the University of Antananarivo plays a critical role in addressing skill gaps in various sectors that are crucial for Madagascar’s economic development, experts say.  

Through national initiatives such as “One District, One Factory,” Madagascar is pursuing widespread industrial growth. The Luban Workshop complements this goal by equipping local talent with the practical skills and technical exposure required to meet industry demands. 

The workshop boasts advanced equipment and resources tailored for technical education. Specialised classrooms have been set up, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with the tools and systems they will encounter in the workplace.  

Faniry Rakotondrainibe, head of the Mechanical Engineering Programme at Luban Workshop, highlighted the capabilities of the workshop’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines.  

“Our students can now manufacture precision components efficiently. This type of teaching equipment is unique in Madagascar,” Rakotondrainibe said, adding that by leveraging Chinese expertise and resources, Madagascar is enhancing its educational infrastructure and capacity to produce skilled technicians and engineers.  

CNC machines offer superior precision and speed, but most manufacturing companies in the country still rely on manual machine tools. 

“In the realm of precision manufacturing, CNC machine tools have revolutionised industries with their ability to create intricate and accurate components. Mastering this technology is essential for the country’s industrialisation.” 

According to Edmond Randriamora, head of the Electrical Engineering Department of Madagascar’s Luban Workshop, graduates are highly sought after due to the programme’s emphasis on real-world skills that have made its students valuable assets in the job market. 

“Even students in their second and third years are receiving job offers from top companies,” he stated. 

The Luban Workshop initiative is part of a broader China-Africa cooperation framework aimed at improving vocational education across the African continent. 

The establishment of the Luban Workshop is aligned with Madagascar’s national development strategy, which emphasises industrialisation and the enhancement of human capital. Equipping young professionals with the skills needed for industrial and technological advancement is crucial to achieve development. 

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Loulla Chaminah said that Madagascar’s close collaboration with China in vocational education is a game changer as it aligns with the nation’s broader development strategy. 

In the meantime, Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping noted that China-Madagascar relations have moved forward steadily. Political mutual trust has deepened and pragmatic cooperation has brought substantial benefits to both peoples. 

China hopes to broaden the path of win-win cooperation and common development, and jointly write a new and better chapter in bilateral relations, he said. 

“Meeting people’s aspirations for a better life is our common goal. For over 50 years, our two countries have applied the spirit of cooperation marked by sincere friendship and equality, mutual benefit and common development,” Ji said.