STARY Program 
(Skills Training for At-Risk Youth)

In 2006 Chikumbuso was presented with a small grant to be used uniquely for a new project.  Knowing that the AIDS virus was infecting young women between the ages of 15-25 Chikumbuso decided to reach out to them. Through this grant, the Center bought several sewing machines, hired a seamstress, and began a free year-long tailoring class for single moms. This enterprise has grown over the past 15 years and now includes young men who are also looking to acquire a trade. Each year the sewing room takes on a new class of 20-30 students, training them in a skill that lasts a lifetime. To date, this project has helped over 300 youth learn a skill and start their own business.

“The STARY workshop is a colorful place, for when you give a woman a skill it changes their lives.”

— Mary Mwala, Head of Production

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Meet the STARY Community

  • Rosemary Mayor Banda

    Head of Sewing Room

    Rosemary joined Chikumbuso at its start in 2005 and since then has primarily focused on the Skills Training for At-Risk-Youth (STARY) program, which involves purchasing fabric and supplies, quality control for all products, managing workflow for special orders or events, working with the design team to create new items. Rosemary also manages the STARY group, assuming responsibility for all incoming classes, welcoming tour groups and telling the Chikumbuso STARY story. She also supports local sales and fashion events. When she is not at work you can find her at home in Matero township with her husband and six children planning for her next STARY class.

  • Natasha Merle’s

    STARY Member

    Natascha came as a Kindergartener at Chikumbuso and is now 20 years old and part of the STARY program. Natascha has grown so much in the 8 years she has ben sewing. she is happy and loves everyone at Chikumbuso. Thanks to this program she is able to buy the items and clothes that she needs. Natascha is very thankful to Chikumbuso for all that it has done for her.

  • Royce Phiri

    STARY Member

    Royce joined Chikumbuso in 2013. Chikumbuso is not just a place to Royce but it is her home. Chikumbuso helps her family with school sponsorship and monthly groceries but most importantly it is her community and a place where she can earn her own money through the art of making baskets.

  • Anne Mwale

    STARY Member

    I am thankful for Chikumbuso as it has taught me how to sew and how to interact with other people.

  • Priscilla Kakulwa

    STARY Member

    Priscilla came to learn in the sewing room in 2008. She had come to do a workshop on gardening. saw the sewing class and decided to join. The sewing that she does at Chikumbuso has enabled her to buy her own sewing machine. Priscilla has four children that she supports through the STARY program and through the extra sewing work she does at home. She loves Chikumbuso for it has changed her life.

  • Mabel Jara

    STARY Member

    Mabel has been with the STARY program for seven years. During this time she married and now has 4 children. Before coming to Chikumbuso she was home with the babies but now she is earning money for her family. Mabel is proud to be a part of Chikumbuso being both productive and empowered in her life.

  • Alice Zulu

    STARY Member & Shop Manager

    Alice joined Chikumbuso in 2013. Alice loves Chikumbuso "because it is my life saver".

  • Brenda Banda

    STARY Member

    Brenda came to Chikumbuso in 2015. She is married with 5 children. The income she receives from sewing is important to the family. When she is at Chikumbuso she feels very free and happy in the community life here.

  • Memory Chayapo

    STARY Member

    Joined in 2009

  • Gertrude Chisowa

    STARY Member

    Joined in 2019

  • Mike Nyampalila

    STARY Member & Shop Manager

    I joined Chikumbuso in 2012. The reason why I love this place is because I have realized my dream of becoming a designer from this training ground.

  • Harriet Musende

    STARY Member

    I love Chikumbuso because it has helped me to learn things that I never knew like how to sew and how I am able to care for my family through working with my hands.

  • Samuel Banda

    STARY Member

    I came to Chikumbuso in 2017 and I love being her because it helps vulnerable people like myself to reach our goals.

  • Edah Musonda

    STARY Member

    Joined in 2016