Sandal making day at Chipua

As we strolled through Kariakoo market we arrived at a shoe maker's stall and began speaking about his craftsmanship. We discussed the Chipua Centre and how the girls were learning vocational skills to then be able to start a small business to earn an income. 

The shoemaker's interest was sparked and he offered to come and host a sandal making class for the girls to learn his professional trade. 

The following week the shoemaker came with all his tools to Chipua. He spoke passionately about his work explaining what materials were needed and step by step instructions of how to make the delicate sandals. 
The excitement and determination coming from the girls could be sensed by the number of questions they were asking as well as their eagerness to try making the sandals. 

This practical element was combined with the theory of starting a small sandal making business. We explored business strategies including the material costs, selling price and profit margins. 

The seminar was concluded successfully as the shoemaker felt he had provided a service to some of the girls in his community and the girls left inspired with their newly learned skills, an enthusiasm to keep practising and for some a desire to start selling sandals.