The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Save the Children, Young Africa and Chisomo Community Programme delivered vocational skills training and graduated over 160 beneficiaries of IOM's SRHR - HIV Knows No Borders (KNB) Phase II program in Zambia funded by the Embassy of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The graduation ceremony took place at Uncle Chipeta’s Lodge in Chipata District of Eastern Province, where Ms. Keisha Livermore, IOM Zambia Chief of Mission, emphasized the importance of vocational skills training in empowering individuals, particularly women. She highlighted how the program aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge across various trades, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting economic independence, and breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

Ms. Livermore further noted that the vocational skills training initiative served as a crucial step in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and combating HIV prevalence within the community.

“This graduation is particularly special as we also recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme: “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress.” I am delighted to see how the theme coincides with this graduation which has approximately 62 young women who have passed their exams and completed their internship obligations,” added Ms. Livermore.

Dr. Tasanya Chinsamy, IOM Migration Health Policy Officer, representing Dr. Mabuza, the KNB Regional Manager, reiterated the project's goal to reduce economic vulnerability and consequently decrease SRHR risks among affected individuals. The aim was to empower participants to make safer and informed SRHR choices, thereby improving SRHR outcomes on both individual and public health levels.

Mr. Clement Chilembo, Assistant Secretary, conveyed appreciation to IOM Zambia and its partners for implementing the KNB project in Chipata. He extended special gratitude to the government and people of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands for their generous financial support to Zambia through the KNB Project.

Selina Njobvu, Food Production graduate, thanked IOM Zambia, Young Africa, and their partners for funding her studies. She said, "This program didn't just teach me Food Production skills, but also gave me knowledge about SRHR, which helps me make better decisions about my sexual and reproductive health."

On March 15, 2024, a total of 166 individuals graduated from IOM Zambia SRHR – HIV KNB Vocational Training and Skills Program. Among them were 46 female sex workers, 57 male Youth Vulnerable People (YVP), and 63 female YVP. The graduates specialized in various trades including Food Production, General Agriculture, Fashion Design and Textile Technology, Electrical Technology, and Automotive Engineering.