Stories from EQWIP HUBs Mwanza - An update with Vaileth

EQWIP HUBs offers the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) to those who distinguish themselves with exceptionally strong and/or innovative ideas in our entrepreneurship training. These young women and men who are recipients of the fund are role models for their community and their peers, and those who received the first disbursement of funding in October, 2017 have gone to distinguish themselves and build strong livelihoods for themselves.

One such example, is Vaileth Cleophace, who runs a tailoring shop in Pasiasi where she makes clothing and teaches other young women how to sew. Prior to opening her own tailoring shop, she ran her business from her home and her mother’s shop. Access to capital is a major barrier towards opening a business in Mwanza, and the Youth Innovation Fund was able to solve this challenge for Vaileth. As she said “Before I had nothing, instead, I was saving my own money. My dreams came true after joining with EQWIP HUBs.”.

She was attempting to save money from her small business and was offered a loan by her brother, however, she wanted to find a way to do it herself. This came in the form of joining EQWIP HUBs training and undergoing the arduous process of applying to the Youth Innovation Fund. “I heard people say there is an Innovation Fund for those with innovative ideas. That is why I was very serious and comfortable taking the opportunity to get some extra money.” she said, identifying one of the motivating factors for her to join.

She credits her success to a variety of factors including, the trust that EQWIP HUBs placed in her, the coaching she received from Lydia Klemensowicz, Youth Participation Officer, , assistance in setting up her Facebook page from Shruchi Bhargava, former Environmental Sustainability Officer, the mentoring she received from the mentorship program at EQWIP HUBs, and the overall training help and she received from everyone at EQWIP HUBs Mwanza.

Vaileth’s success is partially due to the above factors, but it is also her internal fortitude and strength that contribute to her success. She says “People, they say, no sweet without sweat”, identifying the need for hard work and pushing herself to her limits and beyond to grow her business and ensure a successful future. This success is evident as she is now a mentor for the new round of YIF recipients, and has shown dedication to that role and has always been ready to support EQWIP HUBs whether it be appearing on a TV program to discuss the project, or mentioning EQWIP HUBs to someone who comes into her shop.