01/06/2026
“I told Dorien, ‘I do not know how to answer a phone.’
And she said, ‘No, I will teach you how.”
In 2002, Mitchelle Chitsinde came to Young Africa as a shy young woman trying to build a small dressmaking business after life at home became difficult following her parents’ divorce.
“There was no electricity at home. It affected my business.”
After attending a Young Africa and ILO entrepreneurship training, Mitchelle received a small loan and started sewing school uniforms.
Then Raj and Dorien, the founders of Young Africa, welcomed her into their home and later offered her a job as a receptionist during the early days of Young Africa Chitungwiza.
“I was too shy to even answer when Raj tried to speak to me.”
But with support, encouragement and opportunity, Mitchelle slowly found her confidence. Today, more than 20 years later, she serves as an Administration Assistant at Young Africa Epworth Skills Centre. And why has she stayed all these years?
“Because I want every young person who comes to Young Africa to feel valued and seen, just like I was.”
As we celebrate 25 years of youth empowerment, we celebrate stories like Mitchelle’s. 💛