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Miriam Madiye
Features Writer
The youth constitute an integral component of any country’s development matrix.
Empowering this demographic is critical as they fully realise their potential and achieve set goals.
In Zimbabwe, a number of initiatives have been and continue to be undertaken to capacitate youths at grassroots level by engaging them in income-generating projects.
This has been done by the Government and development partners like Self Help Development Foundation (SHDF).
Such projects include horticulture, baking, animal husbandry and bee keeping among others.
Youths who have had the opportunity to partake in these projects have stories to tell, experiences to share and above all more knowledge to gain.
Recently, youths drawn from Buhera, Seke, Murehwa, Goromonzi and Bindura took part in an exchange programme organised by SHDF where they interacted during a tour of Hopely Livelihood Centre.
During the tour, the young people shared knowledge and experiences in carpentry, leather works, welding, electronics (cellphone repairing, television, radio) and printing.
A young farmer who is into organic farming and bee-keeping also shared his experiences.
The youths interacted with young entrepreneurs like Sympathy Mazuruse, the owner of Amandla brands who is into peanut butter making.
They also spent time with Tanaka Masocha and Brian Kachidza who own Techno Planet which is into electronics.
In an interview, the director of SHDF, Mrs Wadzanayi Vere, said the exchange programme was a platform for the youths from the different areas to learn and share ideas so that they can be equipped with many skills and be self sufficient.
“The youths constitute 70 percent of the country’s population and they are the key players and actors in the country’s development.
“There is need for them to be well versed with all aspects of constitutional literacy, business and entrepreneurship.
“Transformation and development can be achieved through the young people as they still have the energy to run around doing business projects,” said Mrs Vere.
The Herald caught up with some of the youths after the exchange tour programme to learn more about income-generating projects that they are doing.
For Gail Tambara (20) of Domboshava, engaging in leather work has particularly been a life changing experience.
“I started sewing handbags and shoes during the lockdown period. This was after l saw a lady selling handbags.
“I wanted to buy the handbag but when l discovered that it was hand sewn, I developed an interest on how this was done. At first the lady was reluctant to teach me, but she later agreed,” said Tambara.
She narrated that the woman taught her to sew handbags only, but now she can sew ladies sandals and satchels.
“I download some of the patterns l use from the internet while some come from imagination,” she said.
Starting the business was not easy as she did not have the capital to buy materials.
“Through SHDF, I managed to boost my confidence and gain knowledge from other youths who are into other projects and here l am today.
“I have taught other youths in my community and family members to sew the items.”
She highlighted that she does not have a proper market hence she sells the wares in the local community and wherever she travels to.
She also requires heavy machines to do her job
“I would like to urge other youths to venture into different income generating projects. Empower yourselves and be independent.
“Make use of your hands as there is money in them. My wish is to see all other youths being self-sufficient,” she said.
Tafadzwa Tapfumaneyi (33) from Bindura is into poultry, pig and rabbit keeping.
“We are five in our group and we started the project last year.
“Wadzanayi Community Development gave us a pig to kick start with. We got skills from a workshop held by Wadzanayi in conjunction with SHDF. The pig gave birth to 15 piglets.
“We returned the pig and two piglets to Wadzanai Community Development and sold the remainder and we were left with four,” he said.
Tapfumaneyi highlighted that using the money from the sale of the piglets, they bought 65 boscher chickens, incubator and stock feeds.
“Our business is growing every day. Nowadays we can even prepare our own feeds from the knowledge we got from other youths at Wadzanayi during a similar exchange programme.
“The exchange programme was an eye opener as l have learnt so many things.
For example, no matter how small you start the business, you need to put all your effort and definitely something will come out from there.
“The young entrepreneurs made a challenge to me.”
He added: “The challenge is the issue of markets. We are still focusing on the local market.
“We wish our business to grow so that we can supply our products to big companies around the country and impart the knowledge and skills l have to other youths.”
He added that they have mentored a group of people with disabilities in their area.
Tapfumaneyi urged other youths to have a positive mind and never look down upon themselves.
Martha Musenga (35) owns a bakery and makes cream doughnuts, buns and bread.
She is from Murehwa and is also into herb growing.
“Starting the bakery and herb growing projects in 2012 was not easy, but through perseverance and mentoring by other people, I am strong and here I am. Currently, I am able to supply cream doughnuts , buns and bread to most shops at Murehwa Centre and surrounding areas,” said Musenga .
Musenga added that her husband helps with the project and so far they have mentored two people in their community.
These mentees are now doing their own bakery project.
“The Covid-19 pandemic did not spare us, business was affected.
“We used up the profits and this affected the quantity of production as we had to scale down.
“I urge other youth, especially women to work for themselves and never depend on men always. Be strong no matter the trials. Do not be afraid to venture into avenues that bring a living and an income to you,” she said.
Online Reporter