14 Oct 2015

The Youth Development Fund (YDF) has changed the lives of many youngsters who would otherwise be roaming the streets. One such youth is 33-year-old Ms Keamogetse Dipalo of Sekondomboro in the Okavango Sub-district. She is living her dream through a YDF funded catering business.

After graduating with a certificate in food production from Carrier Dreams, she decided to start her business. She applied for YDF in 2013 and was funded in 2014 to the tune of P95 000. With the funds, she procured a trailer, cooking materials and stock, among other things.

She opened a mobile catering service in September 2014.  She calls the business Water Lily Restaurant, which means tswii in Hambukushu. Water Lily is located along the road opposite the newly constructed Shakawe Primary Hospital.  

Ms Dipalo’s past experience as a worker in a number of fast food outlets came in handy for her. She said she provided delicious and hygienic food thanks to the experience.

She employed one youth, and she wants to grow the business so that she could employ more people.

“Since I started the business, life is much easier. I cannot go to bed on an empty stomach, and I’m taking care of my family,” says the ever smiling youth.

She is however concerned about shortage of gas in Shakawe. She is sometimes forced to go as far as Gumare and Maun to look for gas at a much steeper cost.

That the village is experiencing shortage of vegetables is also a setback for her. She however applauds government for implementing YDF and advises fellow beneficiaries of the fund to grow their businesses and employ others. Ends