For almost a decade, Douglas, 22, has shouldered the responsibility of familial caretaker. At just thirteen years old, his father passed away leaving him at the helm of the household as the oldest of five siblings, including caring for his chronically ill mother.
Douglas dropped out of school and searched for day labor in the community. He took any work offered to him, even if it required treacherous travel over nearby mountains. Most often, he engaged in difficult work including hauling manure for farmers and laboring in fields.
The work was excruciating and employers often took advantage of Douglas because they knew he was a vulnerable youth with no other options. At times, Douglas became frustrated and desperate enough to beg or steal, regardless of the consequences. Survival for that day was his only goal.
For more than five years, Douglas grappled with the cycle of extreme poverty. His hope dwindled along with his faith. “I felt unseen by God,” Douglas reflected during a recent interview with Zoe Empowers staff. There was never enough food to eat, and as he watched his siblings suffer, he believed he was cursed. That he would never again be happy.
Cultivating a New Life
In October 2021, Douglas joined Zoe Empowers Zimbabwe. He was welcomed into the Much Power Empowerment Group and started his first business shortly after group formation: a small shop selling clothing and plastic goods such as dishes, cups, and bowls.
Douglas’s father had left behind a piece of land, so with newfound hope and support from Zoe Empowers, Douglas began to dream of developing the land into an orchard.
He purchased fencing materials and enclosed the property using profits from his shop.
Creating a vegetable garden was Douglas’s first objective. He applied the agricultural training provided by Zoe Empowers to plant rows of maize, peas, pumpkins, tomatoes, and onions. The crops secured his family’s food supply, and selling the excess provided capital for Douglas to expand his farming venture to include a fruit orchard and tree nursery.
Zoe Empowers arranged for Douglas to receive additional training from a local agricultural government officer, who taught Douglas how to grow several varieties of trees. One major hurdle was establishing a reliable water source, so Douglas dug a well on his property with help from his groupmates.
The combined income from his shop and nursery allowed Douglas to send his siblings back to school, build a home, and secure medical care for his very ill mother.
The family’s health improved as they gained access to three nutritious meals a day, including eggs and meat—an achievement of which Douglas was especially proud.
A Network of Mutual Benefit
To meet the growing demand for his crops and tree saplings, Douglas needed to hire help. Reflecting on his own experiences as a vulnerable and hopeless young person, he was determined to be a fair and compassionate employer while creating opportunities for others. He chose to hire Leonard, another struggling young man from the community, giving him the chance to work toward a brighter future.
Previously homeless and battling a street drug addiction, Leonard connected with Douglas and found joy and meaning in the daily tasks at the orchard. When Douglas needed to expand his team, he hired Nigel, another vulnerable young man in the community who had faced stigma due to his mental health challenges.
Under Douglas’s mentorship, Nigel found acceptance and safety. Over time, the shared respect and admiration grew so strong that Douglas welcomed both Leonard and Nigel into his family through adoption.
Douglas has positively impacted many lives across his community. Beyond hiring another vulnerable youth to be his primary shopkeeper, Douglas encourages children to bring plastic bottles to his tree nursery which he uses as growing pots in exchange for school supplies. Adults who collect and deliver manure receive food or financial compensation. Douglas even arranges transportation to ensure they can work efficiently and safely.
‘A Big Businessman’
In October 2024, Douglas graduated from Zoe Empowers. In just three years, he transformed from a vulnerable young person desperate enough to steal and beg for food, to being known in his community as “a big businessman.” Douglas’s success not only altered the trajectory of his life, and the lives of his siblings and ill mother, but his hard work and compassion has lifted his whole community.
When he gets the opportunity to speak with other Zoe empowerment groups, especially those who are in the early stages of Zoe’s empowerment program, he encourages them to work hard and pray consistently. He reminds them that everyone needs help at some point, so once they are in a stable position, they should strive to lift up others.
Looking Ahead
As of August 2024, Douglas’s nursery operation includes over 3,000 tree seedlings. Douglas dreams of larger success and achieving more for himself, his community, and the planet.
Two of his goals include registering his business with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to secure larger contracts and helping his siblings start their own nurseries in neighboring communities. These goals align with Douglas’s passion for supporting his family and improving the health of the planet.
In his spare time, when he is not playing handball with friends, Douglas can often be found educating others about sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation. He has become a passionate community leader and role model, cultivating change in everyone around him.
