Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Masvingo-born entrepreneur and filmmaker who rose from a difficult childhood marked by orphanhood to international recognition is transforming the lives of vulnerable children by dedicating half of her company’s profits to community development initiatives.
China based Ms Violet Avoid, founder of Avylet Studios and Avylet Logistics, has launched a programme that is already paying school fees for 150 orphans while also providing winter clothing and other forms of support to disadvantaged children.
The initiative, which is rooted in her own life experiences, seeks to ensure that vulnerable children receive educational opportunities and support that can help them build better futures.
Speaking to Zimpapers, Ms Avoid said the programme was inspired by a promise she made after losing both her parents at a young age.
“I grew up as an orphan. My father passed away when I was six, and my mother died when I was 12,” she said.
“I made a covenant with God that if I was ever able to put food on my table, I would share what I have with less privileged children.”
The programme initially supported 50 orphans in Masvingo Province through the payment of school fees before expanding to accommodate another 100 beneficiaries.
“We started with 50 orphans from Masvingo Province and covered all their school fees,” said Ms Avoid.
“Despite limited resources, we stretched our budget and are now enrolling another 100 orphans.”
Beyond educational support, she plans to use her media company to equip young people with practical skills in the creative sector, particularly filmmaking and digital content creation.
“I am proud of this programme. Through Avylet Studios, I want to teach orphans skills such as acting, directing and scriptwriting,” she said.
“These skills can help them generate income and build sustainable careers through social media and the film industry,” she said.
Ms Avoid credited her mentor and godmother, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, for encouraging her to use the knowledge and experience she gained abroad to contribute to national development.
“I give credit to my godmother and mentor, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri,” she said.
“She helped me understand that even when we acquire skills outside the country, we have a responsibility to return home and use them to benefit our communities.”
Ms Avoid is now calling on orphanages and community leaders across Masvingo Province to register with her organisation so that more vulnerable children can benefit from the programme.
“I encourage people across Masvingo Province to reach out through my Facebook page and share the challenges facing children in their communities,” she said.
“We are already working with a number of orphanages in the province and, as the organisation grows, we hope to extend the programme to other parts of the country.”
