Margaret Steveliyo who is a Standard Eight primary school dropout and originally from Molere in Thyolo District has implored youthful population in the country to embrace the potential of entrepreneurship for a brighter self-sufficient future.
The 32-year-old, who has got multiple streams of income in Limbe market in Blantyre has bemoaned that unemployment is taking its toll on many young people in the country because they depend on government to employ them.
The Blantyre-based told ProjectM that globally, entrepreneurship services are in high demand and generate significant income.
However, there is a stigma to those who venture into business as many prefer white-collar jobs.
She adds: “I can tell you from personal experience that I was living in a helpless life after dropping out from school due to high poverty levels in our family. Entrepreneurship has been a game-changer for my financial stability and growth.”
This has literally kept her life improve. She used to plait her neighbour’s hair for free and with the skills that she had, she started her own saloon business which has turned her skill into a source of income.
Apart from running a saloon, she sells second hand clothes, earning her at least K1 million monthly salary.
Stevelivo has urged the youth in the country to seize the opportunity in acquiring skills that will make them self-sufficient, employable and even entrepreneurial.
She said: “We know for sure that many of us come from socially and deprived environment thereby creating unequal conditions for development.
“We, therefore, call upon both the government and the private sector to provide individuals and groups with the knowledge and skills they need and turn to entrepreneurship as a means of creating employment opportunities for themselves and others.”
Above all this, the primary school dropout is a dynamic blend of entrepreneur and a devoted woman who has also been attending training in liquid and tablet soap production, shampoo making.
She said despite the challenges of access to funding and market competition, she has made an impact on her community in driving economic growth through creating employment opportunities to idle youths.
Today, Stevelivo has employed two people to provide continuity in operations.
She remains a testament to the power of dedication, hard work and vision in driving change and fostering growth in our communities.
For more information, Magret can be contacted on: +265 888 23 18 08.
