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You are here : All About Us > Yakanaka Beading Ladies > Florence
Florence (28)
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Originally, I am Malawian but my family moved to Zimbabwe a long time ago and we have been here since. I can safely say I am Zimbabwean (until 2000 when I suddenly became an alien!!!!) I have 2 children, Samkeliso 9 and Odain 4. I am not married as my husband left me for another woman when I was pregnant with my son. I am not very educated but I am literate. I went up to my O levels, failed and could not afford to rewrite so opted for marriage, only I failed there too. I worked as a maid in 2003 – 4 and then was employed by a company that was trading African beads in Ballantyne Park Harare, but they have since closed and left the country.
I live with my parents and siblings. I think I am very happy doing beads and have become a better, more organised person since I joined the beading ladies. Not only is there financial stability and support, there is a lot of moral support too as we have become one family and confide in each other when “situations” arise and one feels hopeless alone. I find the older beading ladies are a lot of support and advice filled peopled. I still have no passport as the laws regarding renouncing your former citizenship have become harsher. I am making beads and they are earning me a better living for the whole family. These is no better feeling than putting some food on the table and my mother giving me a proud smile and a “thank you”. My mom is a maid and my dad is a guard, so they do not earn very much between them.
With the little time I have been in beads, I have made a difference as I am able to bring home a little something for both my siblings and my children. I hope our company gets bigger and better and we may be able to make more out of our efforts. Good luck to us.
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