Thomas Harunavamwe, known in his community simply as Mr T, is transforming the lives of youth in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, through an innovative upholstery project that is steering many away from drugs and substance abuse.
And so thriving has been the business over the 10-year period since establishment that they have been able to woo a clientele that includes established companies such as Mr T35 and the commuter omnibus community from within and outside the dormitory town. Apart from car seats, he is also into sofas and bed covers.
A trainee graduate of the Humana to Humana DPP Project in Shamva, Mr T has become a beacon of hope, creativity, and opportunity in an area often plagued by social challenges.
“I saw too many young people in St Mary’s falling into the trap of drug addiction, with nothing positive to hold onto,” says Harunavamwe. “I knew something had to change, and I believed that giving these youths a skill, and a reason to believe in themselves, would be the best path forward.”
Mr T’s upholstery project is more than a business; it is a lifeline. By recruiting local youths, many of whom had dropped out of school or were vulnerable to destructive influences, he offers hands-on training in upholstering furniture—a valuable skill that empowers them to earn a sustainable income while rebuilding self-respect.
“To work with your hands, to create something beautiful out of worn-out furniture, gives you pride. It’s a form of therapy, a sense of purpose,” Thomas explains. “We don’t just teach them a trade; we teach discipline, teamwork, and the belief that they can change their futures.”
Related Stories
Since its start, the project has directly benefited over 40 families in St Mary’s. Through the income earned, young trainees have contributed to their homes, supporting their siblings, and reducing dependence on harmful substances that once threatened to engulf their lives.
“The smiles on their faces when they finish a piece, when a family can sit on chairs they helped restore—that’s what drives me,” says Mr T with palpable passion. “This community has so much potential, and I’m just proud to be a part of unlocking it.”
More than just a technical skill, Mr T’s upholstery project is helping reshape the social fabric of St Mary’s, making it a place where youth feel valued and hopeful. He credits the Humana to Humana DPP training for equipping him with the tools and confidence to lead this transformative initiative.
“I am grateful for the knowledge and mentorship I received in Shamva. It wasn’t just about upholstery techniques; it was about leadership and community development. Now, I am passing that on.”
Thomas Harunavamwe’s story is a powerful testament to how one committed individual can inspire change and breathe new life into a struggling community by providing skills, purpose, and a compelling alternative to the dangers of drugs and substance abuse.
He reckons with good partnerships and a bigger working environment, he has the capability to transform more lives for a community most of whose youths yearn for a better livelihood that can stir them away from vice.
Through Mr T’s upholstery project, St Mary’s is stitching together a brighter, drug-free future—one chair at a time.
Leave Comments