“I developed valuable skills with an exceptional team”
Musanse Kaunga has one ambition – a successful career in marketing.
Musanse first came to our attention when she joined a work placement through our Futuremakers by Standard Chartered employability programme, Youth to Work, which is delivered by the NGO Challenges Worldwide.
Keen to find a permanent position that matched her career ambitions, Musanse didn’t have the connections to apply a role in the field she is so passionate about.
“When the Futuremakers employability project came along it felt like the perfect way for me to improve myself and skills,” she said.
More than 29 per cent of young people in Zambia are not in education, employment or training, according to the World Bank. Underemployability – where people work below their potential or preference in terms of skills they use in their jobs – is also a challenge. Our Youth to Work programme aims to empower young people with practical skills and connections, opening doors to opportunities they want to pursue.
Through the programme, Musanse received valuable experience and contacts, equipping her with the skills for her personal development, ultimately helping her find decent work.
A life-changing experience
Musanse’s placement was with the pioneering company Wuchi Wami. Located in Mwinilunga, Zambia, it’s dedicated to empowering farmers with sustainable beekeeping practices.
Musanse helped the company with their reporting systems, orders and production efficiency, business plan and social media engagement.
She also learned several new skills including report and proposal writing, time management, goal setting, and graphic design, which she used to create visuals for Wuchi Wami’s social media.
“I enjoyed working with their exceptional team. During my time at Wuchi Wami I achieved significant milestones, developed valuable skills, and overcame several challenges. The company’s strong culture emphasises effective communication and teamwork,” Musanse said.
The experience came at the right time for Musanse.
Sharpening her marketing skills set her on a path to getting a job as a marketing manager at Clover Zambia, a local food and beverages company.
Talking about what she enjoyed most about the programme, Musanse explained: “Futuremakers is different because it made learning a very fun experience. It’s also very practical and challenges you to think beyond the theoretical possibilities that we’ve been taught throughout our lives.”
What is Futuremakers?
Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is our economic empowerment initiative to support disadvantaged young people, especially young women and people with disabilities, to learn, earn and grow. Our employability and entrepreneurship programmes help jobseekers like Musanse find decent work and help micro-entrepreneurs to build businesses that create more jobs. Between 2024-2030 we’ve committed to help create and sustain 140,000 jobs.
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