Manufacturers at 18 . . .
TRADITIONALLY, primary or secondary school learners would often declare that they aspired to be pilots, physicians, nurses or educators. Although these are decent professions, few learners harboured the idea of being their own employers one day.
However, owing to its transformative policies, the Second Republic has brought about a shift in mindset as it is progressively encouraging educational institutions to not only produce learners who will look for jobs, but also mould employers.
Teenagers at Zengeza 1 High School have caught this wave as they recently initiated a project that produces healthy drinks.
Dubbed Prompt Beverages (PB), the budding company has 15 learners who are manufacturing two natural fruit juices, Nutrimo Natural Drink and Nutrimo Gold, which they say are good for people’s health.
The 15 include A-Level learners and others in Form One and Form Three.
Using resources mobilised by the school, the learners are holding their own and have even established a decent market base.
PB production manager Nicola Musuruvari (18), an A-Level learner, claimed their natural fruit juices have several health benefits.
“The consumption of carbonated drinks is cause for concern regarding one’s health. These soft drinks have been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, fatty liver disease and increased risk of heart disease and cancer, according to health experts. In that case, we decided to go on a drive to provide a good alternative that will not only taste good but also promotes healthy living.”
She said the project has inspired them to be their own employers at a young age.
“Above all, our aim in starting this project was to join other young entrepreneurs. We have been taught to start our own businesses rather than learning to get employed,” she said.
Their vision, she added, is to grow this business to become one of the biggest beverage companies in Zimbabwe.
“Currently, we are using our school’s Food and Nutrition building facilities and equipment, but we are aiming higher to expand and build our own. Even after completing our studies here, we want to continue manufacturing and diversify into other healthy products. We want to boost our income while creating jobs for our peers as well,” she added.
PB’s public relations manager Beulah Gelemu (18), who is also an A-Level learner, said the project has exceeded their expectations so far.
“We have been in this business for a year and nine months, and the response we are getting from our customers is overwhelming. When the idea was first suggested by one of our own friends, Kudakwashe Matombazane, we never thought it would reach this far,” said Gelemu.
Currently, the company is producing at least 500 units per week, but due to limited resources, it is failing to meet demand.
The learners’ patron and teacher at the school, Mr Clemence Chamunorwa, thanked the Government for revolutionising the education sector by encouraging young people to be innovative.
“Previously, we would focus on theories only, but things have changed. Learners are now engaged in real-life practical experiences through initiatives such as CALA (continuous assessment learning activity) and Education 5.0,” he said.
He appealed for support from investors, saying if the learners get assistance in acquiring modern equipment, the company would grow.
“We are finalising company registration and coming up with coding to protect the brands. We hope these resourceful minds will get enough exposure so that the company may attract investment,” said Mr Chamunorwa.
Recently, the learners took part at the inaugural Summer Business Expo for micro, small and medium enterprises in Southlea Park, Harare.
At the expo, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, through her representative, Mr Mamvura Mabika, saluted the learners for their ingenuity.
She urged them to participate at national expos like the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to broaden their market and mix, and mingle with captains of industry.