WELL-WISHERS have been touched by the plight of a girl who funded her own way through secondary education by selling snacks, raising goats and poultry.When Sibongile’s parents could not afford to pay her school fees, the determined girl took it upon herself to make sure she continue with her education. She borrowed money and bought some popular corn snacks called “jiggies” for resale.Sibongile raised some money and managed to raise chicks. From chicks she, later on expanded her business and bought goats.
Now, Sibongile has 21 goats and a thriving poultry project which, apart from just paying her school fees, is now even catering for her parents’ needs.Last week Thursday, Sibongile spoke at the 5th edition of Women Entrepreneurship Day (WED) held at the Public Service Training Centre in Chinhoyi. It was running under the theme “Empower, Celebrate, Support Women in Business.”
Among the women leaders who graced the event include Minister of State for Mashonaland West Province Honorable Mary Mliswa, Mashonaland West Provincial Mining Director Sibongubuhle Mpindiwa, prominent farmer and business woman Commissioner Dr. Audrey Hativagone, Pan African Chamber of Commerce Mr Langton Mabhanga and other stakeholders from various sectors.
Sibongile’s story has touched hearts of well-wishers who are keen to assist her through her studies and career. Among those is veteran broadcaster Eric Knight.“The story of Sibongile should teach many that an excuse is just a reason to remain where you are. Never blame anyone for your failure in life. You are the master of your own destiny. She has inspired many and through Women Entrepreneurship Day in Zimbabwe she got the financial support to boost her business.
“These are the people who should be given The Women Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO) and international campaign #ChooseWOMEN is a non-governmental voluntary organization.WED Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Angeline Mikiri, said: “Our movement accelerates and educates the world on the importance of why it’s pivotal to empower women in business globally. WEDO convenes Business Leaders, Change Makers, Government and Civil Society to collaborate and find solutions in critical areas of entrepreneurship eco-systems, education and policy creation to empower women in business.
“WEDO is celebrated at the United Nations and in 144 countries and 65 universities/colleges internationally. When women are elevated financially, communities, states, and countries prosper, this builds a global blueprint to alleviate and eradicate poverty.” She added: “Our achievements this past year include funding 500 Syrian refugee girls to attend high school in Jordan. In New York at the United Nations, the WED Summit sponsored 75 students from Black Girls Code, Girls Who Code, Lalela, Rethink Academy, The Young Women’s Leadership School in Astoria, Yale, George Washington University, and Northeastern University.
“Their presence represents WED’s commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation of young women to become strong global leaders. The WED Summit granted 500 microloans to impoverished women to start their own business.“In Oman, our WED ambassador announced an initiative to empower women and girls to use their vote against arranged marriages. “In Zimbabwe 150 women partnered Homelink Finance and Great Zimbabwe in training women.”
