Kampambe

On a previous trip to Malawi, I briefly met Innocent Magambe, who was starting a ministry in Dzalek Refugee camp, where he had lived for several years. He had been a refugee from Burundi and the Congo for most of his life from a small child. Innocent had a vision for a vocational training center, where both refugees and Malawians in the nearby communities could get training in a skill that they could use to earn a living and regain dignity and hope. Sixteen years later, they have a beautiful campus and training in seven skilled occupations, as well as a Bible school and a dining hall, that also gets rented out for events. There is a hostel that houses 64 girls, so they can live safely on campus for the 6 month training.
The trainings include sewing/tailoring, woodworking/carpentry, welding, bricklayer, plumbing, welding, and electrician, with a focus on solar power. They also have academic classes in courses like how to run a business, communication, interpersonal skills, and English. The trainings include apprenticeships and actual work in the refugee camp with skilled workmen. Tailoring is the most popular class. They had more than 25 machines going in there. The plumbing class was outside working on plumbing in flush toilets for a restroom on campus. About 50% of the plumbing class is girls, and the plumbing instructor was also female💪! The tailoring class is also about half girls and half boys. Welding had one girl and 17 guys. There was also an artisan craft shop that makes some really cute, quality items. Check out kibebe.com.
The other big program at There Is Hope is a secondary(high school) and university scholarship program. We didn't get much info on that. It was a very impressive campus, and it is amazing to see one man's vision come to pass with great success. Further info and brief video can be found at thereishopemalawi.orgLäs mer