Using his limited resources, Biriwasha purchased some basic tools and started the Youth Carpentry Association to provide carpentry training courses for young people at Chitakatira Business Centre. He set the course entry fee at $20 and charged tuition fees of $5 per month for the six-month training course. Currently, 14 youths are enrolled on the course.
In a recent interview with The Zimbabwean, Biriwasha said youths in Chitakatira Village were challenged by a lack of job opportunities as there is little available farm land in the area and the government was not supporting any income generating projects.
“I approached local councillor David Desha (MDC-T) and put to him my idea of setting up carpentry training courses for young people, my aim being to empower unemployed youths and promote economic development,” said Biriwasha. Desha helped him to acquire donations of equipment from individuals, and a local NGO provided tabletop saws, hammers and other tools. Biriwasha constructed a suitable workshop and a storeroom for equipment and put in lines of electricity, necessary for the operation of power tools.
“To date, I have trained many formerly unemployed youths who are now able to make furniture and other wooden products. Many have started their own businesses. I teach them the basic skills of carpentry, and give them the technical knowledge they need to make it on their own. I also teach them business techniques and marketing strategies, enabling them to start businesses of their own,” explained Biriwasha. He also produces his own range of furniture for sale, which includes lounge suites, tables, chairs, wardrobes, bed bases and other items.
Big change
Caleb Ndamuka, one of the youths who completed the carpentry course said: “Seeking employment in the City (Mutare) appeared to be the only option open to me, because I did not have land to farm. The training in carpentry has brought about the biggest change in my life, enabling me to earn a sustainable income using the skills I have learned.” Ndamuka now operates his own small carpentry business from his homestead.
Obert Pindepinde, a student currently undergoing training said: “I am pleased to be a member of the Youth Carpentry Association, because I am learning a trade. I am deeply grateful to Mr Biriwasha for providing many of us in this area with the opportunity to have a decent job.” Biriwasha hopes to grow the Association’s membership. “My goal is to bring in more young members and train them to produce high quality furniture,” he said.
The future looks brighter for the young trainees and those who have qualified and are now able to practise a skilled trade that provides a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.
Post published in: News