JANUARY 14, 2022: The only female student in a carpentry class of 42 students, “When we write tests, most people want to sit next to me so that they copy me because they know I am good,” Vanessa shared. Oripah, her mother, added, “We want her to go to a technical vocational school to study joinery and perfect her craft.” © Charmaine Chitate/ CARE

JANUARY 13, 2022: Coffins and caskets are Vanessa’s most reliable source of income and each holiday she mass produces enough stock for her mother to sell during the school term, “At first, we didn’t have electricity and had to use manual machines and torches. Later, profits from the carpentry business helped us install plumbing and electricity at our house. Now we use electrical equipment”. © Charmaine Chitate/ CARE

JANUARY 14, 2022: One day after school, Vanessa found herself at her father’s workstation and given tasks in the workshop, “Sometimes, he would tell be to reproduce a stool from sight or take down measurements from a clients.” Vanessa’s story is an example of how local artisans may be placed as mentors in communities. © Charmaine Chitate/ CARE

JANUARY 14, 2022: At just 16 years-old, Vanessa Chingwende can boast about her profitable carpentry business in Mutare Rural. Mentored by her father and uncle, Vanessa carpentry skills are constantly sharpened each school holiday. © Charmaine Chitate/ CARE

JANUARY 14, 2022: Learning from her father, Vanessa has been cascading the same skills to her three younger siblings (L to R: Brighton, Victoria & Billy) with support from their parents. “I discuss prices with them and taught them how to negotiate with clients. I taught them how to sell additional services like fitting when someone buys a door, so that they get extra income,” says Oripah Mwagureshena-Chingwende, Vanessa’s mother. © Charmaine Chitate/ CARE