Printing Press

Group Name: Makuku ya Mbadu (Youth of Reason)

Location: Huíla Province, Angola

Members: Helena Chimbili, Rosa Kavungo, Jéssica Sambeny, Leila Duden, Domingos Vilinga, Elias Nambambi, Mateus Kavimbi, Fernando Tchissola, Armando Kafundanga, Paulo Kandala, Salvador Chikoti, Adriano Chilombo

Email: dudenleila@gmail.com
Phone: +244 997 641 220

What Does Humanism Mean to You?

My name is Lélia Duden, and humanism is the path that helped me understand myself beyond the beliefs I was raised with. I grew up in a religious environment, following traditions that did not always answer my questions about life and meaning. Over time, I came to value reason, compassion, and evidence as guides for understanding the world. Choosing humanism was not a rejection of my culture, but a commitment to honesty and critical thinking.

Humanism teaches that people have the responsibility to improve their communities through practical action. It promotes empathy, cooperation, and equal respect for all. As a young Angolan, I am inspired by humanism to create solutions that empower people economically and socially. This project reflects those values by providing a sustainable, community-centered source of income and service.

Project Description

Huíla Province has a continuing need for accessible and affordable printing services. Students, teachers, small businesses, community organizations, and individuals regularly need printed documents, educational materials, flyers, posters, forms, and other basic printed materials. However, access to affordable local printing services can be limited, particularly for people who need small quantities or quick turnaround.

The Makuku ya Mbadu humanist group proposes setting up a small community-based printing press to provide affordable and reliable printing, photocopying, document preparation, and basic promotional printing services. The shop will serve students, small businesses, community organizations, and residents who require accessible printing services.

The project will provide a sustainable source of income for the humanist group while creating opportunities for members to develop practical skills in printing, computer use, graphic design, customer service, business management, and financial administration. The income generated will contribute to the economic sustainability of participating humanist members and enable the group to reinvest in equipment, printing materials, and other community initiatives.

By establishing a community printing press, the project will provide a practical response to a local need while demonstrating the humanist values of self-reliance, cooperation, education, practical problem-solving, and community development.

Budget

● Multifunction Printer/Photocopier — $220
● Laptop/Computer for Printing and Document Preparation — $100
● Initial Stock of Printing Paper — $50
● Initial Stock of Printer Ink/Toner — $45
● Binding and Laminating Materials — $25
● Paper Cutter and Basic Printing Tools — $15
● Extension Cables and Electrical Accessories — $10
● Shop Signage and Marketing Materials — $20
● Initial Operating and Maintenance Reserve — $15

Total: $500

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The printing press is expected to become operational within 1 month after purchasing the equipment and securing a suitable workspace. Once operational, the shop is expected to serve approximately 10–20 customers per day, depending on demand and the type and quantity of printing services requested.

● Estimated Profit per Customer: $1 – $4
● Daily Revenue: $15 – $30
● Monthly Revenue (approx.): $350 – $600

The main operating costs will include paper, ink or toner, electricity, binding materials, laminating materials, and routine equipment maintenance. The service-based nature of the project is expected to provide a sustainable profit margin while keeping prices affordable for community members.

Estimated Financial Projection

● Initial Investment: $500
● Estimated Monthly Revenue: $350 – $600
● Estimated Monthly Profit: $150 – $300
● Estimated Break-even Period: 2–4 months

After recovering the initial investment, the project is expected to generate consistent income that can be reinvested into purchasing additional printing materials, upgrading equipment, expanding printing services, and supporting other group initiatives.

Project Timeline

● Month 1 — Purchase the printer/photocopier, computer, paper, ink/toner, binding and laminating materials, basic tools, signage, and other essential materials; organize the workspace.

● Month 2 — Begin offering printing and related services to the public and launch local advertising and community outreach.

● Ongoing — Daily printing operations, customer service, document preparation, inventory management, financial administration, equipment maintenance, and skills development for group members.

Benefits to the Community

● Provides affordable, reliable, and accessible printing and document services to community members.

● Creates a sustainable source of income for the Makuku ya Mbadu humanist group.

● Provides practical employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for group members, particularly young people.

● Equips members with valuable skills in computer use, printing, customer service, graphic design, financial management, and business administration.

● Supports students and educational activities by making printing and learning materials more accessible.

● Supports small businesses and community organizations by providing affordable flyers, posters, forms, and other promotional materials.

● Strengthens the economic independence and sustainability of the humanist group.

● Encourages practical, community-based solutions aligned with humanist values of progress, education, cooperation, and self-reliance.

● Creates an opportunity for the group to reinvest profits into expanding the printing business and supporting other community initiatives.

● Contributes to the local economy by providing services and creating demand for paper, ink, binding, laminating, and other locally sourced materials.