Catherine’s Journey: Empowering Women and Catalyzing Community-Led Development
JJulie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza
Co-founder & Executive Director
African Education Program
When I read, “Catherine Lives Her Dream,” the latest Letters Blog from our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, I told myself that this is why I love this work.
Today, Catherine is a driven and resilient entrepreneur who has not only realized her long-cherished dream of opening her own school, but has also become a symbol of empowerment for women in her community. Her story amplifies the African Education Program’s mission of community-led change and how the Women’s Business Training at the Center goes beyond mere income generation to cultivate sustainable transformation.
The training provided Catherine with practical insights on starting and managing a successful business. Through an intensive four-month program, she learned crucial strategies and techniques to find capital and start small, emphasizing the significance of assets, skills, money, and, most importantly, self-belief. Armed with this knowledge, Catherine explored various avenues, leveraging her teaching abilities and selling household items to raise funds for her dream project.
Catherine’s entrepreneurial journey not only boosted her income, but also addressed a critical need in her community. Located in a relatively isolated part of Kafue, Kalundu View lacked quality preschools for children. Recognizing this gap, Catherine established her own school, catering to children aged two to eight, providing preschool education and classes from one to three. By doing so, she not only forged a path for her own success but also became a catalyst for accessible education, nurturing the next generation of learners.
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Catherine faced her fair share of challenges. Limited resources meant she had to teach all her students in a single room, leading to distractions among different grade levels. However, she remains undeterred, determined to generate enough funds to construct an additional classroom. Her unwavering commitment showcases the resilience and determination that embodies the spirit of our program and underscores the transformative impact education can have on individuals and communities.
Catherine’s entrepreneurial journey embodies the African Education Program’s mission and vision, which strives to be a catalyst for community-led development. Through the Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy Program, women like Catherine are empowered to not only increase their income but also create sustainable transformation within their communities. Catherine’s story teaches us the power of tenacity, determination, and education in amplifying the potential of individuals and nurturing resilient communities. As we celebrate Catherine’s achievement, let us be inspired to support more women like her and continue to catalyze community-led development across Africa.
