My name is Tichawanda. I was born in 1991. I am the father of three children, one girl and two boys. I live in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. All my children are in primary school.
Life was difficult. I lacked money to pay school fees, feed my family, and meet other needs. As I desperately sought livelihood options, I met a local farmer who practiced apiculture (beekeeping) using traditional beehives made of tree bark. Since I was looking for a way to survive, I wanted to start a beekeeping project.
Luckily, in the same month, Christian Care (a relief and development partner of Global Mission Partners) held a meeting on climate change, and I had an opportunity to learn about their livelihood training options.
Christian Care changed my story.
I am grateful to Christian Care for empowering me with the knowledge of how to do beekeeping and teaching me about small livestock and conservation farming. It was through their project that I received support to start income-generating projects.
On my first harvest, I harvested 8 20-litre buckets of honey and earned US$200.00. I used the money to buy seed for my conservation farming plot and pay the school fees for two children. Then, I harvested more honey and used the money to purchase solar power and a water pump. I then bought a heifer.
I am growing big in business! Currently, I have 20 traditional beehives and one Kenyan beehive. My customers are medical doctors and people who no longer want to use sugar because of the risk of diabetes. I sell waste products, which are used to make candle wax. My livelihood has improved.
Beekeeping is my life-changer!
Thank you for your support of Global Mission Partners. You’re helping our partners like Christian Care change the lives of people like Tichawanda!