Transforming lives!
The CITW Zambezi team is ecstatic to share the incredible success of our income-generating projects in 2023. These initiatives have not only empowered communities, but have also had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals.
1. CITW Earth to Plate Initiative: Our Earth to Plate Initiative has truly flourished, equipping community members with the knowledge and skills to thrive through organic farming. From classroom sessions on sustainable farming practices to getting our hands dirty in the gardens, CITW has left no stone unturned in preparing these individuals for success. And boy, have they delivered!
In the heart of Tsholotsho, a group of awe-inspiring women has sold an astounding USD1,112.00 of produce over the past six months, supplying our Wilderness camps. Their determination and green thumbs have served as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets opportunity.
2. CITW Ladies’ Basket-Making Project: Our CITW Ladies’ Basket-Making Project takes centre stage when it comes to innovation and community upliftment. By blending traditional basket-making techniques with a modern twist, our talented ladies have created a range of beautiful products. Soft plastic and thatch grass intertwine, with old rice bags threading the narrative of sustainability.
But the impact doesn’t stop there! Joining the basket-making group comes with a noble responsibility – using the income earned to prioritise their children’s education. And the results have been astounding. In 2023 alone, these talented ladies collectively earned a staggering USD6,500. Talk about weaving dreams into reality.
3. CITW Mopane Snare Wire Project: In collaboration with the Jafuta Foundation, CITW initiated the Mopane Snare Wire Project in 2023, focusing on women and youth empowerment. The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit and the Wilderness-supported Scorpion Anti-Poaching Unit remove over 200kg of snare wire annually in and around Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. These snares are often set by individuals living below the poverty line, resorting to poaching for sustenance and income.
Our mission is to transform this snare wire into beautiful jewellery products, providing an opportunity for these individuals to earn a sustainable income and appreciate the value of our country’s wildlife resources. In collaboration with the Batoka Creatives, a group of young men and women from the vulnerable rural community of Dibutibu have been trained to rework the wire into stunning pieces of jewellery.
The women of the Batoka Creatives then add their artistic touch by creating beaded adornments for these pieces. The sale of every single piece of jewellery to date has directly supported our talented craftspeople, enabling them to support their families and villages. This project has not only brought in significant income but has also reduced the need for subsistence poaching through environmental education and training.
We hope you are as inspired and amazed as we are by the achievements of these income-generating projects throughout 2023. They have transformed lives, empowered communities, and made a significant impact within their areas. We cannot wait to see what the year ahead brings for the individuals in all of our income-generating groups!
