Back in school and building her future: Zainabo learns a trade in Palma

At 19, Zainabo Amisse returned to school this year after almost three years away from her studies.

When armed violence forced her family to leave Palma in 2020, Zainabo moved to Montepuez and dropped out of school. Today, she is back in Palma and studying in Grade 5. While catching up with her education, she has also learned a trade that she hopes will open new opportunities for her future.

“I heard from other young people in my community that there were registrations to participate in MAZA. I went to register and I was selected,” says Zainabo.

For one month, she took part in MAZA sessions. At first, she says, it was not easy.

“It was very difficult at the beginning, but with the support of the facilitators, I managed. What I liked most about the MAZA sessions was learning how to identify business opportunities in our community and how to manage a business.”

When Zainabo later had the opportunity to take part in vocational training, she chose construction, a field connected to her ambitions for the future.

“I like this field. One day I dream of building houses and buildings.”

After completing the training, Zainabo received a kit with tools that will allow her to put her new skills into practice and begin working independently.

“In my community, many people build block houses, block bathrooms and even plaster houses. So, now that I have the knowledge and the equipment, I can start there.”

For Zainabo, having the tools means she can begin looking for work close to home and use the skills she has gained to earn an income.

At the same time, she remains determined to continue her education. She has a message for other girls whose schooling has been interrupted:

“Do not give up on your studies. No matter what makes you leave school, if you get an opportunity to go back, go back.”

Zainabo is one of 967 adolescents and young people in Palma District who received employment kits after completing vocational training in construction, fish preservation and drying, cooking, motorcycle repair, carpentry, and solar panel installation and repair.

Back in school and equipped with new skills, Zainabo is beginning to build a path towards greater independence. By choosing construction, she is also entering a field traditionally dominated by men and showing other girls in her community that they too can learn new skills and pursue the work they choose.

UNICEF supported the vocational training and distribution of employment kits through Fundação Azul, with generous support from Sweden.