“Before joining the DAPP Youth in Action Project, I lacked confidence and did not know how to plan for my future. Today, I am able to run my own business, support my family and encourage other young people to believe in themselves,” said 18-year-old Winny Nankonje.

Winny is one of the young people benefiting from the DAPP Youth in Action Project in Ndola’s Kawama community, where many teenagers face poverty, limited opportunities and lack of information.

Before joining the project, Winny depended entirely on her parents and had little knowledge about entrepreneurship, financial management, health or environmental protection. Although she dreamed of becoming independent and helping others, she did not know where to begin.

Through the DAPP Youth in Action Project, Winny participated in life skills training sessions where she learnt communication, leadership, decision-making and self-esteem. The training helped her gain confidence and believe in her ability to shape her own future.

With support from the project, Winny received a starter pack which enabled her to start a small vegetable-growing business. Using the entrepreneurship skills, she acquired, she successfully managed the business and began generating income to meet her personal needs while also contributing to family expenses.

“The project taught me how to save money and manage my business well. Through the saving group, I learnt teamwork, responsibility and how to plan for the future,” she explained.

Winny joined a saving group formed through the project where she learnt financial management, savings and borrowing skills. Over time, she accumulated enough savings to expand her business by investing in small farming equipment and agricultural inputs.

Apart from entrepreneurship, Winny also benefited from adolescent health education sessions which covered personal hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health and disease prevention. She now shares health information with fellow teenagers and encourages them to make healthy decisions.

Winny also became actively involved in environmental conservation activities such as tree planting, community clean-up campaigns and environmental awareness meetings organised through the project.

“I have learnt that young people can make a difference in their communities if they are given the right support and opportunities,” she said.

Today, Winny is recognised in her community as a hardworking and confident young woman who is successfully running her business, saving regularly and promoting health and environmental awareness among other youths.

Community members have praised her leadership, determination and commitment to helping others improve their lives.

“DAPP Youth in Action Project has empowered me. Through its training, starter pack, village bank, health education and environmental activities, I have learnt to take care of myself, support my family and inspire other young people to believe in their dreams,” she added.