Belinda Kulatau
Rundu - A resident of Makane village in the Ndiyona constituency, Innocentia Mandjoro, makes dishwashing liquid, and hopes to share the skill with others in the region.
The single mother of one’s life changed after attending a workshop which was carried out by the Achieve Dreams Project last year. It was aimed at providing skills and guidance to girls between the ages of 10 and 24.
During the workshop, Mandjoro learnt how to make the everyday essential household liquid. After the training, participants were given a starter kit, which consisted of some ingredients needed to make the liquid as well as 10 storage bottles.
“I struggled, but managed to get N$3 000 to buy more ingredients, because the 10 bottles sold out fast.
My parents raised seven of us without a stable income, but they made sure we never went to bed hungry. So, I strongly believe that we are all able to create opportunities which can better ourselves as long as we are willing to put in the effort”, said Mandjoro.
The 28-year-old has big dreams for her products, noting that seeing her parents doing odd jobs while the children were growing up motivated her to always look for ways to make sure that she does not go to bed hungry.
On a monthly basis, she makes a minimum of N$500, selling her product at a cost of N$25 per 750ml bottle.” I’m grateful for the little income I make from my business, because it allows me to take care of my child, and help my parents as well as siblings where possible”.
Mandjoro is in the process of registering her business with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (Bipa), with hopes of attracting investors. Her dream is to partner with local shops to distribute her product.
Client Josef Rumwagaro beamed that the product is of good quality. “It lasted me for almost two months, so I’m definitely going to continue buying from her,” he said.
Mandjoro thus calls on the youth in Ndiyona and surrounding areas who would like to join or start the dishwashing liquid business to contact her, as she is willing to train those who are interested.
*Belinda Kulatau is an information officer at MICT, Kavango East.
(Dishwashing)
Caption: Wash up… Innocentia Mandjoro makes dishwashing liquid in the Kavango East region.
Photo: MICT