Vongai is one of 38 people who in 2023 graduated from the sewing skills programme run by Streams of Hope Zimbabwe, with support from Blythswood Care.

Growing up in rural Mashonaland, north of Harare, she was just four when she lost her father. She attended school but lack of income prevented her from sitting O levels.

Now 19, she was struggling to survive as a street vendor when your gifts gave her the opportunity to learn new skills and earn a living.

Now Vongai aims to get herself a heavy-duty sewing machine and establish her own business. “I want to thank Blythswood for changing my life,” she said. “Now I am able to support my mother.”