Nsanshi Art Empowers Zambian Women with Jewellery-Making Skills

Since early 2020, First Quantum Minerals, through its Kansanshi Foundation, has funded Nsanshi Art, a training centre providing women with jewellery-making skills and promoting self-reliance. The project also aims to add value to copper from Kansanshi’s Solwezi-based mine.

Nsanshi Art, which started as an idea, has grown into a fully-fledged workshop, producing highly-skilled graduates employed by jewellery retailers. The training centre focuses on teaching skills applicable to various metals, including gold and silver. Two graduates have become full-time jewellery designers and manufacturers at Nsanshi Art, helping to train new apprentices.

An apprentice’s journey begins with learning to use a jeweller’s saw, a foundational skill in jewellery-making. Michele Scholtz, a skilled goldsmith and jewellery designer, leads the training. “A jeweller’s saw is only about 1mm thick; it’s not about strength, it’s about technique,” she explained.

Perthister Mulambisha, a member of Nsanshi Art’s first cohort, highlighted the importance of having a patient and understanding trainer. “Michele taught me things that I never imagined I’d be able to make,” she said. Gracious Kazhila, another apprentice, shared how her confidence grew through the training, enabling her to create intricate pieces like spoons.

Confidence is essential, especially when working with high temperatures. Lucy Kashipo, a graduate now working at Nsanshi Art, initially felt intimidated by equipment like blowtorches and melting pots. “Michele advised us to keep on trying, and now I’m also able to teach the new ladies,” she said.

All copper used in the workshop comes from Kansanshi’s smelter. Apprentices learn to convert offcuts into copper bars, which are then worked into various shapes. Each project builds on previously learned skills, such as filing and handling pliers.

Nsanshi Art’s students also gain financial and computer literacy through the Kansanshi Foundation, aiming to empower them with money management skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. This holistic approach prepares students for potential business ownership and financial independence.

The quality of work from Nsanshi Art’s apprentices is impressive. With state-of-the-art equipment, including a laser cutter, the centre provides competitive skills training. One student, Lucy Kashipo, dreams of starting her own jewellery business after gaining experience at Nsanshi Art.

Nsanshi Art continues to make significant strides in empowering Zambian women, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.