Modern skills to break the cycle of poverty

Career-ready training for young adults in Zambia

SkillsHub

Hands-on training that gives teenagers who are out of school real, in-demand skills and the confidence to earn a living.

The problem it solves

Under-25s make up 60% of Zambia's population, and 43% are not in school, work or training. They have drive and talent, but no way to gain the skills today's jobs need. SkillsHub fixes that, regardless of the level of schooling the young people have. The result is reduced poverty and economic growth.

What the programme actually is

SkillsHub is our vocational training centre in Lusaka, Zambia. Young people learn real, useful skills like digital tech, hospitality, farming, food production and beauty. It starts by building self-belief, then teaches life skills, then job skills over 12 months.

How it works

Three key steps taking the disengaged to earning

A two-day Mindset Camp to build belief, a life-skills module, then catch-up learning set SkillsHub apart from traditional vocational programmes.

Mindset Camp

Trainees meet their coaches and group and take on fun, tough team challenges.

Outcome: they break through self-doubt and believe in themselves.

Life skills

They learn to communicate, work in a team, keep time and handle stress.

Outcome: they are ready for the world of work.

Catch-up learning

Extra help in reading, writing and maths to make up for the school they missed, alongside hands-on vocational training.

Outcome: the strong basics they need to take on a job.

What participants gain

The skills, confidence and chance to earn a living

In-demand job skills
Greater confidence and self-belief
Strong life and people skills
A real chance to earn a living and support their family

The impact of SkillsHub

694

young people enrolled in or graduated from remedial maths, English and in-demand vocational skills.

45%

more trainees report as confident or very confident by the end of the programme - with 100% recognising improvement.

95%

in employment, back in school or self-employed within six months of leaving SkillsHub.

Interim report

Year One: what we learned

Key results and voices from the SkillsHub 2024-25 interim report.

+2.44

Average grade-level jump

Trainees gained more than two school years of numeracy and literacy in the remedial module.

“SkillsHub takes a holistic approach to empowerment, addressing multiple barriers while instilling hope, confidence, and a desire to share learning with others.”

Sonia Omar

Director of Impact

80%

Parents reported transformative change

Families saw a marked shift in confidence and ambition in their children.

“My goal was to start a business. I started working to raise money to start my business. It was challenging, but at last I achieved my goal.”

Brenda Mumba

SkillsHub trainee

Partner employers

Local businesses providing placements and paid employment to graduates.

“My goal was that I would be able to speak in public properly - and I am now able to speak without fear. Having debates in class at SkillsHub motivated me.”

Rabbeca Tembo

SkillsHub trainee

Trainees returned to formal school

Mid-pilot, some chose to re-enter mainstream education with renewed confidence.

98%

Graduates feel ready to earn

Self-assessed as having the skills, confidence and knowledge to build a secure livelihood.

“I have gained going back to school, and being focused on what I want. I have also gained communication skills to help me deal with other people.”

Betty Miyayi

SkillsHub trainee

Year 1

An unexpected outcome

Many trainees reported reducing their reliance on alcohol and substances - a transformation the team had not designed for.

Who it is for

Reaching those most in need

Young adults who are not in education, employment or training, from the most disadvantaged communities, including informal settlements and refugee camps. We prioritise girls and refugees.

Where we run SkillsHub

Lusaka, Zambia - and why it matters here

A growing economy

Zambia has strong growth potential in agriculture, tourism and digital sectors.

Locked-out youth

Under-25s are 60% of the population, and unemployment among them is severe - especially for girls.

A skills mismatch

Vocational and technical training is underdeveloped. SkillsHub closes the gap.

“Zambia's growing economy demands skilled labour, but supply is lacking. Our graduates fill this gap or start businesses, creating success that lifts entire communities out of poverty.”

Brian Sitamulaho, Board Chair Zambia

SkillsHub case studies