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Melissa Makoto Herald Reporter
OVER 300 women and youths from Hopley in Harare graduated in different courses that included knitting, sewing and welding courtesy of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development, American Friends Service Committee and Silveira House.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Secretary Mrs Abigail Shonhiwa said the project targetted women and youths.

“This partnership on livelihoods restoration project in Hopley targeting mainly youths and women bears testimony to importance of a collaborative approach in supporting SME development.”

“The SMEs were able to start implementing their projects soon after the training since they were all given start up kits,” she said.

“I am reliably informed that the majority of them are still running their projects, some have relocated to other areas and others got employed elsewhere.”

Graduands testified on how the project had changed their lives.

Mr Kudzanai Zvenyika said: “As I grew up I never knew how to repair anything that is electrical. I was one of those boys who would just sit at home waiting for my parents to take care of me. When this project came in this community something pushed me to join.

“I decided to do electronics. I can now repair cell phones, televisions, all the things to do with electronics and I have created a good name for myself as people in this community rely on me through my hard work.”