141 people trained to turn skills into income
Training, savings groups and mentoring that help women and men in Bidibidi build stoves, make briquettes and earn a steady income.
Why this programme exists
Many households in Bidibidi have relied on aid for years. WCI helps women and men learn practical skills and run small businesses together, so they can earn their own income and depend less on aid.
The learning is hands-on and community-led. Savings groups of up to 30 members train together, WCI staff visit every month to mentor and check quality, and group members now teach newcomers without outside help.
What the programme does
Hands-on skills training
Practical training in building energy-saving stoves and making carbonised briquettes.
Who it serves: Women and men in savings groups
Where: Production sites in Zone III
Learn more
Practical training in building energy-saving stoves and making carbonised briquettes.
What this looks like: Members learn by doing, then produce at their own sites. 141 people have been trained, 100 women and 41 men, and the groups have built 348 stoves and produced 4,504 kg of briquettes.
What people learn:
- How to build an energy-saving stove
- How to make and dry carbonised briquettes
- How to keep quality high
- How to train others
Get involved: Want to join a training or hire a group? Contact us.
Savings groups and small enterprise
Weekly savings, matched equipment loans and shared businesses that give members a reliable income.
Who it serves: Refugee and host community members
Where: Bidibidi Settlement
Learn more
Weekly savings, matched equipment loans and shared businesses that give members a reliable income.
What this looks like: 5 mixed groups with 150 members, 70% of them women, save together every week. The groups produce, WCI handles marketing, and the loans are repaid over time.
What people learn:
- How to save and lend as a group
- How to run a shared business
- How repayment keeps the model going for other groups
- How refugees and host community neighbours can work together
Get involved: Interested in how the groups work? Contact us.
Mentoring and quality support
Monthly visits that help groups improve their products, solve problems and train others.
Who it serves: Savings group producers
Where: Production sites in Bidibidi
Learn more
Monthly visits that help groups improve their products, solve problems and train others.
What this looks like: WCI staff visit each group every month for mentoring and quality checks. Stove quality has improved and customer complaints have dropped.
What groups get:
- Regular mentoring and quality checks
- Cooking demonstrations that bring in customers
- Help finding buyers
- Confidence to solve problems themselves
Get involved: Want support for your own group? Contact us.
