Luwiza's Journey: From Life Skills to Thriving Entrepreneurship

Seventeen-year-old Luwiza Mthethiwa, a Form 1 student at Thunga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Thyolo, is demonstrating how the right skills, mentorship, and inspiration can empower girls to create lasting change in their lives and communities.

Originally a shy girl living with her grandmother, Luwiza’s journey took a remarkable turn when she became part of CRECCOM’s She Creates Change (SCC) project, implemented with support from Room to Read.

Through the project’s film series—featuring real-life stories of young women overcoming challenges such as discrimination, financial hardship, and gender-based barriers— Luwiza participated in structured group discussions on decision-making, self- awareness, assertiveness, and entrepreneurship and was specifically drawn to the story of Trang.

Inspired by what she learned, she shared with her grandmother her idea of starting a small business: selling doughnuts at school. With encouragement and guidance, she began baking and selling her products, quickly turning the idea into a thriving business.

“From 4 kilograms of flour costing K12,000 and cooking oil costing K8,000, I make about K70,000 from sales. I bake three times per week, and the profit helps me pay my school fees and meet needs such as school uniforms and sanitary pads,” says Luwiza with pride.