When 24-year-old Themba Dlamini walked through the gates of Qadash 4 Dominion Multi-Skills Training Centre in January 2025, he had no job, no income, and little hope for his future. Six months later, he’s running a profitable poultry farm that feeds his family and employs three people from his community.
This is his story—and it could be yours too.
The Struggle: A Reality for Too Many Young Emaswati
Themba’s story will sound familiar to many young people in Eswatini. After completing his secondary education, he spent two years searching for employment, sending out countless applications, and facing rejection after rejection. Like 50% of Eswatini’s population, Themba was trapped in the cycle of unemployment.
“I felt useless,” Themba admits. “I was educated, I was willing to work, but there were no jobs. I was becoming a burden to my family, and I could see the disappointment in my mother’s eyes every day.”
His turning point came when his cousin told him about Qadash 4 Dominion’s 6-month multi-skills training program.
The Journey: Discovering Hidden Talents
Themba enrolled in the program with low expectations. “I thought I’d learn one skill and maybe get a certificate,” he says. “I had no idea my life was about to completely transform.”
The first three months at Qadash 4 Dominion opened Themba’s eyes to possibilities he’d never considered. Through the exploration phase, he rotated through:
- Crop farming – where he learned about soil management and seasonal planting
- Livestock management – discovering his natural affinity for animal care
- Poultry farming – where everything clicked into place
- Computer skills – learning to track finances and market his products online
- Woodwork – gaining skills to build his own chicken coops
“I never knew I had a talent for working with animals,” Themba reflects. “Growing up in town, I’d never even thought about farming as a real career. But when I started working with the chickens at the training centre, something just felt right.”
The Breakthrough: From Student to Business Owner
By month four, Themba had identified poultry farming as his specialization. The instructors at Qadash 4 Dominion taught him everything he needed to know:
✓ How to construct affordable, effective chicken houses using local materials
✓ Proper feeding schedules and nutrition for maximum egg production
✓ Disease prevention and biosecurity measures
✓ Record-keeping and business financial management
✓ Marketing strategies using social media and local networks
✓ How to start small and scale gradually
But the training went beyond technical skills. The centre helped Themba identify and overcome his barriers to success.
“I was afraid of failing,” he admits. “The trainers helped me see that starting small wasn’t a weakness—it was smart business. They also connected me with other graduates who’d started their own farms, so I could learn from their experiences.”
The Transformation: Building a Self-Sustaining Enterprise
Armed with knowledge, confidence, and a small loan from a family member, Themba started with just 50 chickens in his backyard. Within three months, he was producing 40 eggs per day and had expanded to 150 chickens.
Today, his operation includes:
- 300 laying hens producing 250+ eggs daily
- A regular customer base including local shops, restaurants, and households
- Three part-time employees from his community
- Plans to add broiler production next quarter
Monthly Revenue: E15,000-E18,000
Monthly Profit: E8,000-E10,000
Households Fed: His farm supplies fresh eggs to over 50 families weekly
“I’m not just earning money,” Themba says with pride. “I’m creating jobs, feeding my community, and showing other young people that there’s a way forward. My mother cries now, but they’re tears of joy.”
The Ripple Effect: Transforming Communities
Themba’s success is having a broader impact on his community:
- Food Security: Local families now have reliable access to affordable, fresh protein
- Job Creation: Three unemployed youth now have steady income
- Inspiration: Five young people from his community have enrolled at Qadash 4 Dominion after seeing his success
- Knowledge Sharing: Themba returns to the training centre monthly to mentor new students
The Lessons: What Made the Difference
When asked what made his transformation possible, Themba identifies several key factors:
1. The 6-Month Exploration Model
“If I’d been forced to choose a skill on day one, I would have chosen computer repair because that’s what I thought I wanted. I never would have discovered my passion for poultry farming.”
2. Practical, Hands-On Training
“We weren’t just sitting in a classroom. I was building coops, feeding chickens, collecting eggs, and learning by doing. When I started my own farm, I already knew exactly what to do.”
3. Business Skills, Not Just Technical Skills
“Knowing how to raise chickens is only half the battle. They taught me how to price my products, manage cash flow, market on social media, and deal with customers. Those business skills made the difference between a hobby and a real enterprise.”
4. Community and Support
“I’m part of a network now. When I have a problem, I can call my instructors or connect with other graduates. We share tips, support each other, and celebrate our wins together.”
Your Turn: Write Your Own Success Story
Themba’s transformation from unemployed youth to successful entrepreneur happened in just six months. But his story isn’t unique at Qadash 4 Dominion—it’s becoming the norm.
Are you ready to write your own success story?
Our next 6-month intake is enrolling now. In just half a year, you could discover your hidden talents, develop marketable skills, and build a self-sustaining future for yourself and your family.
Qadash 4 Dominion Multi-Skills Training Centre is transforming lives and building self-sustaining communities across Eswatini. Join us in reducing unemployment from 50% to 0%.