admin
Valerie Mpundu
A 21-YEAR-OLD Gwanda-bred visual artist, Isabel Ndlovu, has vowed to empower the girl-child through bead-making.
In an interview, Ndlovu who started in 2019, has also pledged to change the lives of vulnerable women in her community.
“We are our sister’s keeper and as such, we should be in a position to empower each other.
“We should be able to build entrepreneurs through this initiative that will help keep the girl child-focused.
“At first, people thought I was cursed when I ventured into this but it took them quite some time to understand the whole concept,” she said.
Ndlovu, a first-year student at Gwanda State University, said she uses beading as a coping mechanism when the going gets tough.
“Studying can be frustrating at times, so when I need comfort from all the pressures that come with books, I find refuge in beads,” she said.
Working under Magis Unique Designs founded by her mother, Ndlovu applauded the strides they have taken in improving the livelihoods of women and children in Gwanda through beadwork.
“We offer training sessions to the community and we cater for children as young as seven years.
“The feedback has been amazing from those that have taken an interest,” she said.
To date, Ndlovu has exhibited at major events including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2019.
She has also honoured invitations at various events to Ntepe High School and Guyu Vocational Training Centre.
Her dream is to open a bead shop in Gwanda accessible for people travelling as far as Bulawayo, Harare and South Africa.
Online Reporter