Age: 23
Location: Hopley, Harare
Title: Fashion Designer

In the heart of Hopley, a 23-year-old fashion designer named Tinshe Raurai is breaking barriers and inspiring his community. Tinshe grew up in poverty, using a manual sewing machine at home to help his mother mend clothes. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, he saw an opportunity to produce reusable face masks. However, the market was saturated, and the profits were minimal. Tinshe’s dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur seemed out of reach.

His life took a transformative turn when he joined the Safe and Inclusive Cities Project, implemented by Youth Ensemble in partnership with Plan International. At the Tariro Youth Center, Tinshe received advanced training in sewing, business management, and digital marketing. The program also provided him with access to a revolving fund, which allowed him to purchase heavy-duty, solar-powered sewing machines. With these resources, Tinshe expanded his business to include high-demand items such as school uniforms and work suits. His creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the skills he gained, enabled him to increase his income from $30 to $400 per month.

Today, Tinshe is a role model in his community, challenging societal stereotypes about sewing being a “woman’s job.” He uses digital platforms to market his designs, which have gained widespread recognition. “The support I received turned a small sewing corner into a thriving business,” says Tinshe. “I am not rising alone; I am lifting my whole community.”