More than 2,000 women have graduated from a mushroom production training programme run by Andby Makururu of the Johanne The Fifth of Africa International Church, in an initiative aimed at empowering women across southern Africa.
This week, Makururu, together with leadership from FRELIMO in Mozambique, handed certificates to 50 women from Manica Province who completed the mushroom production course.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Alimeda Shrine, where participants received certificates after completing the two-week training programme.
Speaking after the ceremony, trainer Simangaliso Sibanda said she was impressed by the commitment shown by women from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and other countries in the region.
“I have been in Mozambique for almost two weeks training women in mushroom farming. The programme was sponsored by Archbishop Andby Makururu,” she said.
Sibanda said language barriers initially posed challenges, but participants quickly adapted to the training.
Keep Reading
- Apostolic sect leader mobilises for ED
- Turnall to resuscitate fibre plant
- Truck driver jailed for stealing fuel
- Critical moments in history
“I explained that mushroom farming has no specific season and can be done throughout the year,” she said.
She added that the training covered mushroom cultivation, processing and value addition, including producing mushroom flour, soup and porridge, as well as their nutritional and medicinal benefits.
“Overall, we have trained more than 2,000 women in mushroom farming, with over 1,000 from Zimbabwe,” Sibanda said.
Makururu said the initiative was designed to economically empower women across the region.
“I am working to empower women in different ways, and this programme is benefiting many across the region,” he said.
“We also run other projects for women, including detergent-making and other income-generating initiatives.”