Verena's Clipper: From Dream to Barbering Reality
By Verena Makingika of Lupila Secondary School in Njombe
My name is Verena Rocky Makingika. I’m 19 years old and currently a form five student at Lupila Secondary School. Ever since I was in primary school, growing up in Morogoro region, I was inspired by how some of my peers could barber others with quality haircuts, and aspired me to master the craft. I wanted to become a barber too.
I remember one day in form one, I decided to try shaving my friend’s hair using a simple hair combo and a razor. To my surprise, I did a good job. Inside, I felt incredibly proud. That first success gave me the confidence to say to myself, “Yes, I can do this. One day, my dream will come true.” I kept encouraging myself. I imagined the day I would hold an electric clipper in my hands.
In 2024, I joined form five at Lupila Secondary School in Njombe. A week after my arrival, I joined the Fema Club because I believed it could help me develop my barbering skills. When I discovered the club had a salon project, I felt a rush of excitement. I said to myself, “Hayawi hayawi, leo yamekuwa” my dream was finally becoming reality.
One day after joining the Fema Club, I visited the Fema salon and met a male barber. Without hesitation, I approached him and asked, “Excuse me, brother, can I borrow a clipper and try shaving?” He looked at me and asked, “Can you?” I replied confidently, “Yes, I can.” He handed me a clipper and told me to try shaving one of my friends.
With courage, I switched on the machine and started shaving. When I finished, everyone saw that I had done a great job. My colleagues cheered, saying we had found a new barber! The male barber later informed the Fema Club mentor about me. The club mentor acknowledged my skills, allowing me to continue offering barbering services to anyone who came my way.
Through this experience, I have gained skills, trust and recognition at school. Being in Fema Club has brought even more growth in me. I have learned about other projects like vegetable and avocado farming, but becoming a barber remains the highlight of my journey.
After graduating, my biggest ambition is to open my own salon. I love this craft, and I will not give up on it. With the experience I have gained and the passion I carry, I truly believe that one day, I will proudly run my own salon.