Yohane Kholowa

Yohane Kholowa is 31 years old, and lives in Chikango Village, rural Nkhotakota. He is married and has 2 children. Yohanne has leg length deficiency. He used to help his family with farming and would do some piece work, from which he would earn about 8000mk per month.

Yohanne took part in the carpentry training in Nkhotakota, graduating in March 2022. He did 12 months vocational training in carpentry and received business, reproductive health, gender awareness, HIV/AIDS prevention and organic manure training. When he finished his training, Yohanne was provided with a start-up kit of carpentry tools, some materials and a solar panel.

Yohanne started his carpentry business at home, having constructed a very nice workshop. He makes and sells doors, chairs, stools, coffins and easy chairs. Yohanne is proud of his tools and the quality of his produce. He says that whilst there are other carpenters in the area, customers come to him because the quality of his produce is better than his competitors. Yohanne also makes some money charging mobile phones. He is able to earn 120,000mk per month from his carpentry business and from charging mobile phones, an increase of income of 1400%. Yohanne is now able to support all family needs, financially supporting his parents, two children and three nieces and nephews. Yohanne has been able to buy a bicycle, chickens, fertilizer and a sewing machine. Yohanne has also taught his brother and nephew carpentry and has plans to expand his business. He has saved 100,000mk which he intends to use to expand his business.

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