Goromonzi youths find path out of poverty
WHEN Obadiah Matiyenga dropped out of school a few years ago after failing to raise school fees, he thought his life was over. His single mother always toiled to provide for the family.
Although she tried her best, she could only do so much under incredibly difficult circumstances.
Fortunately for him, the Government brought Mavambo Orphan Care — a local non-governmental organisation — to his village in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province, to offer training in empowerment programmes to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Matiyenga saw an opportunity to change his life. He jumped at the chance to learn welding.
“After two years of hard work, I graduated from the training programme and was given a welding machine, a grinder and capital to buy materials to use,” said Matiyenga.
He began making door and window frames, which he sold to fellow villagers and surrounding communities.
His business began to grow.
“I can now get a steady income every month. I am now able to help my mother on household expenses and put food on the table for my younger siblings,” he said.
Matiyenga has ultimately become the family’s breadwinner.
“I wanted to make a lasting impact on my community. As a farming community, I knew that one of the biggest needs were tools. So, I began to make hoes, offering them at an affordable price to farmers in my village,” he continued.
Over time, his reputation grew, becoming the only reliable manufacturer and supplier of hoes, hand axes and other small implements in the area.
Similarly, Linda Chigondo (20) from Chibvuti
village, Domboshava, Mashonaland East province, has become the true definition of inspiration and determination.
Her family of subsistence farmers used to struggle financially.
They barely had enough money to feed themselves, let alone send their daughter to school.
Despite welding being generally regarded as an undertaking for males only, she decided to pursue it regardless of this view.
After completing the programme, she joined Mativenga in his welding business and together they have become a formidable team.
“Although I am still operating on a small scale, my dream is to become a successful owner of a big workshop. I would like to employ and empower my age-mates,” she said.
During a media tour in Goromonzi recently, the district development coordinator for the area, Ms Prisca Dube, said the Mavambo Orphan Care programme is unique and has significantly transformed the community.
“It is wise to teach a man how to fish than to give him fish. These are the programmes we want from our partners as the Government.
We do not want to have youths who are donor-dependent but youths who can shape their future,” said Ms Dube.
Orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV or who are under the care of HIV-positive parents, she added, had been sidelined for a long time.
“We appreciate the help extended to a total of 46 365 OVCs living with HIV or who are under the care of HIV-positive parents,” she said.
Mavambo Orphan Care technical director Ms Beaula Ruparanganda said: “We are not here to promote laziness; we are here to empower and create well-oriented youths who have foresight. These two youths are a clear testimony that despite coming from humble backgrounds, one can become a role model in their community, demonstrating that anyone can make a difference, regardless of their circumstances.
“Their success is a source of inspiration for young people in their villages, showing them that it is possible to overcome adversity and create a better future for themselves and their families.”
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