Mavis is 33 years old and lives with her parents and children in Thobola Village, rural Ntchue district. She has a club foot. Mavis used to earn 5000mk per month from doing piece work – her families’ only income. She took part in the tailoring training at Ntcheu run by MACOHA and graduated in September 2019. As well as tailoring training, she received training in business skills, reproductive health, gender awareness, HIV/AIDS prevention and organic manure production. When Mavis graduated she was provided with a sewing machine, some materials, a solar panel and support to help her start a business. She now runs a tailoring business at home and earns 15000mk per month from her business. She has also been able to invest in a fish selling business which brings in further income. Her and her family now have an income of 26,000mk per month, an increase of 420%. Mavis is saving money and feels she has achieved economic independence. With her increased income she has been able to pay for school fees, food and furniture. Mavis is passing on her tailoring skills to her son and is trying to grow her business.
Mavis Kachinga
