By Bongiwe Dube
FIVE youths from Marula in Plumtree have ventured into poultry farming after receiving start-up capital from CYDT in June 2026.
The group, known as Rise and Shine, approached CYDT earlier this year seeking financial support to start a poultry project to create a source of income and build sustainable livelihoods.
CYDT carefully considered the group’s project request, including its potential to improve the youths’ economic well-being. The request met CYDT’s development criteria and it was approved under the livelihoods pillar.
The youths initially planned to use the money to buy broiler chickens. However, after discussing the project with CYDT and considering the weather conditions at the time, they decided to take a different approach. The cold temperatures raised concerns about broiler production and the possibility of losses, particularly for a new project starting with limited resources. As a result, the group, instead, bought 80 road runner chickens, which they felt were better suited to the prevailing conditions and carried less risk. This decision gave the youths a chance to start small while learning more about poultry production and running a business.
The group is hopeful about what lies ahead and believes the project can grow into a reliable source of income if properly managed. The youths also said the support from CYDT had given them confidence to pursue their plans and encouraged other organisations and companies to consider supporting young people with opportunities to start their own businesses.
They believe more organisations can take a leaf from CYDT’s gesture to young people, especially young women, to access the resources they need to take up entrepreneurship and building their own sources of income.
For Rise and Shine, the 80 road runner chickens are more than just a poultry project. They represent an opportunity to earn an income, gain experience and build towards a more secure future.
ENDS///