20/07/2026
COMMUNITY ORGANISERS TRAINED TO BOOST LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNDER WEMSES PROJECT
LUSAKA, July 20, 2026 – Eight community-based Study Circle Organisers have completed an intensive four-day training programme aimed at equipping them with the skills needed to drive inclusive economic growth and community development across Lusaka communities.
The training, held under the Women Empowerment Small Micro Enterprise Support (WEMSES) Project, was organised by We Effect in partnership with the Civic Forum on Housing and Habitat Zambia (CFHHZ) and ChildFund, with financial support from the European Union (EU) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Participants received practical training in village savings and loans, business management, financial inclusion, community mobilisation, leadership engagement and group formation. The organisers were also equipped with skills to establish and manage sustainable village savings groups that will strengthen household incomes and improve financial resilience in their respective communities.
A major highlight of the workshop was the Study Circle methodology, which prepares organisers to facilitate participatory learning sessions where community members identify challenges, share knowledge and work together to develop practical solutions for improving livelihoods. During the training, participants also delivered presentations on the key components of a Study Circle, enhancing their facilitation, communication and leadership skills.
The trainees represented Mandevu, Ngwerere, Kamanga, John Howard, Garden House, Mtendere East, Chainda and Chawama. They also gained valuable insights into the role of cooperatives in promoting sustainable livelihoods, drawing lessons from successful local cooperative models.
The WEMSES Project continues to invest in community capacity building as part of its broader mission to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and sustainable community-led development through knowledge sharing and collective action.
Issued by:
Dyson Bubala
Communications Officer - Civic Forum on Housing and Habitat Zambia (CFHHZ)