How One Young Mother is Rewriting Her Future in Zimbabwe's Auto Repair Industry

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Naume, 22, worked to place a tyre on a truck. Pauline Hurungudo/CARE

Naume's life had been a series of shattered dreams and mounting challenges. At 22, she found herself forced to abandon her education just before her Form 4 Ordinary level examinations in 2017. Her mother, a street vendor struggling to make ends meet, couldn't afford the exam fees, leaving Naume's academic aspirations in ruins.

Five years later, Naume's world spiraled further as she faced an unexpected pregnancy, abandoned by the child's father. The weight of her circumstances seemed insurmountable. "After being forced to drop out of school, I had lost all hope," Naume said. "I couldn't even sit my Form 4 exams. I was just hoping that selling vegetables with my mother would somehow help me raise my son and survive."

In 2023, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of CARE Zimbabwe's START4Girls project. This Youth Skills Development/Mentorship Programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada, aimed to provide equitable access to vocational training for young women like Naume. "A community cadre approached us while I was selling vegetables," Naume recalled. "They invited young mothers to gather for an opportunity from donors. Despite my pregnancy, they welcomed me warmly, offering me a chance to learn motor mechanics."

Naume with her spanner. Pauline Hurungudo/CARE

In a society where mechanics was considered a man's domain, Naume found herself in a group of five other young mothers, guided by a supportive mentor who encouraged them to defy societal norms. "Our mentor has been incredible, pushing us to break barriers," Naume said, her voice filled with gratitude. As she spoke about her newfound skills, Naume's face beamed with pride. "Now, I can service a car, change brake pads, even do an engine overhaul - there's nothing I can't handle!" Her confidence was palpable, a testament to her mastery of the trade.

Suddenly, a baby's cry pierced the air. Without missing a beat, Naume made her way to a nearby workstation where a bed had been set up for the young mothers and their children. She scooped up her son, gently rocking him, her soft smile a perfect blend of maternal love and professional determination.

As she laid her son back to sleep, Naume's eyes gleamed with ambition. "My dream now is to open my own auto repair garage," she declared. "And I want to employ other girls and young women like myself." Her words carried the weight of someone who had not only found a new path but was determined to pave the way for others. Naume's journey from a school dropout to an aspiring entrepreneur in a male-dominated field exemplified the transformative power of opportunity and perseverance. Her story stands as a beacon of hope for countless young women facing similar challenges.

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