Nashville High students in economic empowerment drive

GWERU — A group of innovative Nashville High School students in Gweru are engaging in an
economic empowerment drive to bridge the gap between classroom education and world of work,
by learning financial literacy, skills training, work readiness culminating in the creation and running
of their own company.
The industrious young learners have created and are in the process of registering their own,
company, Nolis Investments, thus creating potential self-employment opportunities for themselves
and others, in this era where formal jobs are in short supply.
Nolis Investments was created this year by learners at the school with the executive being Upper
Sixth students while the others are in lower Levels such as Form 3.
The company was formed through an initiative of Junior Achievement Zimbabwe, (JAZ), Company
Programme for High Schools in partnership with Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
(MPSE).
Through the partnership between JAZ and MPSE, an annual competition between schools is held in
the country. The overall winner competes with their peers on the International arena, thus affording
them exposure to national, international market and business trends.
Nolis Investments however came in fifth at the national competition, a commendable position for a
Company that is still in its infancy, while gaining more knowledge of different aspects of the business
industry for the advancement of their business prospects.
“Our company produces fertilizer from rabbit excreta (urine), that being our main thrust. We also
produce auxiliary products, namely mosquito repellent, jewellery, shoes and belts from the rabbit
fur and of course the meat. This ensures that nothing is wasted, hence our motto, “Revolutionise the
rabbit,” said the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Vimbai Nyavanhu (19).
The company’s executive is appreciative of the role played by the school Headmaster Gandidzanwa
Manenji, for availing the initial capital for the company.
The company produces fertilizer which is environmentally friendly and also has various other
advantages such as affordability and higher absorption rates compared to chemical fertilizers which
tend to have adverse effects on the environment.
“Our aim is to be the leading producer of an environmentally friendly and economically affordable
fertilizer. Our mission is to produce a locally sourced fertilizer, therefore reducing the import bill, to
create employment for the youth – thus providing opportunities for self-sustenance and economic
growth,” said Nyavanhu.