On Thursday, 5 February, ICS volunteers held an orientation session on the advantages of using clay cook stoves and how to make clay cook stoves at Kamilaphete CBCC in the community of village headman Jamu Mtete, in Mathambo Village.

The aim of the meeting was to discourage the use of charcoal in the community and promote the use of clay cook stoves and briquettes as a way of conserving the environment.

The whole team got involved in learning how to make the clay cook stoves in Silota. The training ranged from making the clay material more malleable, to placing them in the mould, and smoothing out any cracks that formed.

After being trained on how to make clay cook stoves from the Umoza group of Silota community in week two, the ICS volunteers were able to share knowledge on clay cook stoves.

The first of two clay cook stove training sessions at Mathambo Village. The first session highlighted the traditional methods of cooking used within the community currently, and the benefits of using clay cook stoves instead.

Shammah Chidambe, Nancy Phiri and Stephen Irvine were the volunteers on duty, with Nancy as the lead facilitator and Shammah co-facilitator. Seventeen community members, including the village headman, were in attendance.

The volunteers will return to the community to deliver practical training, with the community having sourced the materials required for making clay cook stoves.

Written by ICS volunteer Zamiwe Chisi
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