Key points:
- A United Methodist high school’s uniform factory combines education and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for students, teachers and communities in Zimbabwe.
- Currently operating at 30% capacity, the factory generates profits of about $3,000 per month. Headmaster Sydney Mapisaunga projects that by 2027, the factory will be fully operational, with annual profits reaching up to $50,000.
- Bishop Gift K. Machinga, leader of the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi Episcopal Area, said the initiative translates faith into action.
The United Methodist Church’s Murewa High School has taken a bold step toward innovation and self‑sustainability with the launch of a uniform factory.
The fully mechanized factory produces school uniforms, work suits and other protective clothing. Profits are reinvested into infrastructure development under The United Methodist Church, while also supporting teacher retention, underprivileged learners and church programs. It reduces reliance on school fees and strengthens the school’s financial base.
Officially installed in April of last year, the factory marks a significant milestone in the school’s efforts to promote practical skills development and financial sustainability. The equipment, purchased at a cost of $25,000, was funded through proceeds generated from the school’s piggery and vegetable garden projects.
The project is closely aligned with Zimbabwe’s Heritage‑Based Curriculum, which emphasizes practical skills and entrepreneurship. Textile technology and design students gain hands‑on experience with industrial machines such as straight stitchers, heat presses, overlock machines, cutters and buttonhole attachments. This exposure prepares students for future careers.
Headmaster Sydney Mapisaunga explained the vision.
“Having realized the lucrative market for uniforms within my school of 1,115 boarders and 250 day scholars,” he said, “we decided to venture into garment manufacturing, including uniforms, work suits, bed sheets and more.”
Currently operating at 30% capacity, the factory generates profits of about $3,000 per month. Mapisaunga projects that by 2027, the factory will be fully operational, with annual profits reaching up to $50,000.
“Learners are gaining skills, quality uniforms are produced, uniformity is maintained, and out‑of‑school youth are employed,” he said. “Development at the school has improved, church support has become easier, and incentives for our 57 staff members are now more manageable.
“Previously, the school relied on external manufacturers, earning only $1-$2 profit per garment. With the new factory, profits have increased to $5-$7 per item. Demand from surrounding schools is rising, though current production capacity remains limited,” he said.
He said the factory stands as a model of faith‑driven innovation, combining education, entrepreneurship and community empowerment to create sustainable opportunities for learners, teachers and the wider community.
Bishop Gift K. Machinga, leader of the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi Episcopal Area, said the initiative translates faith into action.
“It demonstrates the church’s commitment to sustainable community transformation,” he said. “It also has renewed confidence that church institutions can contribute meaningfully to economic life and that learners themselves are capable of doing so.”
The Rev. Clement Masukume, education secretary for the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference, expressed pride in Murewa High School’s progress, commending the institution for its forward‑thinking vision.
“I am proud to be associated with the progress of Murewa High School,” he said. “I commend the school for being so innovative and seeing the school beyond our days.
“The move is in line with the ministry’s Education Vision 5.0, which emphasizes industrialization and innovation.”
He said it also complements Bishop Machinga’s vision, emphasizing renewal, infrastructure development and self‑sustainability in church institutions.
“I see Murewa High School becoming a school of choice in Zimbabwe. I encourage all heads of institutions to visit Murewa High School, witness the initiatives taking place, and draw lessons that can contribute to the development of their respective schools,” Masukume said.
The Rev. Maudy Marowa, mission chaplain at Murewa, also praised the initiative.
“The project aligns well with our mission of providing job opportunities and skills training, empowering community members economically,” she said.
She highlighted the rise in participation in church programs, noting that more young people are now actively involved in vocational training and outreach initiatives.
“The partnership between faith and entrepreneurship has brought hope and resources, fostering a sense of community ownership. We envision this partnership continuing to shape the community’s future by creating sustainable livelihoods and promoting social justice,” Marowa said.
Teacher-in-charge Memory Maibheka emphasized that the Heritage‑Based Curriculum requires students to exit secondary school with a skill that will benefit them in the future.
“The factory is thus allowing the students to have a rich exit profile,” she added.
The benefits extend beyond the classroom.
“The factory has brought significant benefits to the school, the church and the wider community,” Maibheka said. “It has helped fund workshops and provide retention allowances for the teachers, while also supporting church activities. In addition, the initiative has created employment opportunities for young people. So far three youth have been employed, and six interns from Almega Trust and Nhakiwa Vocational College are currently attached to the factory. One of them, who has a hearing and speech impairment, has demonstrated exceptional sewing skills.”
Students have embraced the opportunity to work with industrial machines, gaining confidence and envisioning future career paths in the industry.
“I learned a lot about the use and management of both basic and advanced equipment,” said Ruwarashe P. Chinya, a textile technology and design learner. “These machines make our work easier and more efficient.”
She added that participation provides a sense of belonging.
“Learners are actively involved in decision‑making processes, and we are encouraged to develop into successful entrepreneurs,” Chinya said. “We bring different ideas on trending designs, which promotes variety and creativity in garment production. Through this training, we obtain a National Foundation Certificate in garment construction, which equips us with the skills and qualifications to start businesses.”
Shalom Madeyi highlighted the efficiency of industrial machines.
“Using industrial machines has a lot of advantages,” Madeyi said. “They are fast and efficient, though they require a high level of skill, close attention and protective clothing. I am confident that the skills I have gained here will enable me to run my own textile business in the future. Even if I choose a different career path, I can still use the skills to earn an income, as the textile industry will always provide opportunities.”
Kupakwashe Chisonga, a Form 3 student, noted the technical aspects.
“I have learned that these machines are capable of over 3,000 to 5,000 stitches per minute, which is five to 10 times faster than domestic machines,” Chisonga said. “The buttonhole‑making machine has a knife, which can hurt if not well managed. In addition, all the machines are electrified, becoming dangerous if not well connected. One for embroidery is computerized, meaning you must be well skilled to operate it.
“I really appreciate my school’s innovativeness because the modern textile industry is constantly evolving with new technologies like smart textiles and sustainable textiles.”
Reflecting on the discipline required, Rapafadzo Chisimo said, “Industrial machines have taught me the importance of precision, speed and the ability to handle high‑volume production tasks while maintaining quality. With this skill, the persecution of being unemployed is fading by the day. I foresee running a big factory employing workers and designing fabrics because I have the passion and skills.”
Student Tinotenda Mutandwa expressed gratitude for the skills she is gaining through the mechanized uniform factory.
“I am proud and privileged to be a student at Murewa High School, a United Methodist Church institution,” she said. “When I graduate, I will be doubly equipped — academically and with practical skills. To God be the glory.”
Bishop Machinga said the factory can become a model for church mission.
“This project can create sustainable livelihoods rooted in Christian values such as integrity and service. It can help communities move from dependency to dignity and self‑reliance. That institution can also be self-sufficient and develop faster. It can become a model for mission that combines spiritual formation with economic empowerment.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digests.
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