Flora Joaquim

Background

Flora Joaquim, a 23-year-old from Beira, Mozambique, is a shining example of resilience and ambition. Living in the Inhamizua neighbourhood with her family of five, Flora is not only a student of Communication Sciences at Zambezi University but also a thriving young entrepreneur.

Before her transformation, Flora’s life was full of challenges. She spent her days taking small cake orders and working in her grandfather’s fields, struggling without any steady income. Her attempts at hair braiding were unsuccessful due to a lack of skills and financial resources. However, everything changed when a neighbour encouraged her to join the Beauty and Hairdressing course offered by Young Africa Mozambique, funded by the Dutch Embassy through the SKILL2LIVE Programme.

Transformation

Determined to change her circumstances, Flora followed the advice of her grandmother and neighbour. She successfully completed the selection process and began her training in May 2022. Recognised as the top student in her class, she received a shared start-up kit from Young Africa, which included essential tools like a washbasin, hairdryer, and beauty products.

“My life has improved a lot after taking this training, and I am very grateful to Young Africa for making this opportunity possible”, Flora thankfully says.