First Lady Donates Sewing Machines to Petauke Groups

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema has donated sewing machines to women and youth groups from various churches in Petauke District to support income-generating activities.

The equipment was handed over on her behalf by Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Lewis Mwape and Petauke District Commissioner Martha Mulenga.

Dr Mwape said the donation would contribute significantly to poverty reduction efforts in the district.

Father Osric Banda, parish priest at St Oscar's Catholic Church, thanked the First Lady for the gesture and appealed for similar support to be extended to other communities in the area.

Ethel Chisenga, an elder at the United Church of Zambia's St Mathews Congregation, said the sewing machines would help transform the lives of many beneficiaries.

The initiative forms part of efforts to empower women and young people with practical skills and resources to establish small businesses and achieve economic independence.