Candle-Making Business & Workshop - Zimbabwe Humanists

Ropafadzo Moyo, Tatenda Chigumira and Chiedza Ndlovu are three humanist (ex-Christian) girls from rural Zimbabwe, who are concerned with the frequent blackouts in their nation, when electricity is shut off. They met at a humanist meeting. Together, they discussed the impact of blackouts on their communities. They realized finding sustainable, practical solutions could significantly improve the quality of life.

They brainstormed ways to create eco-friendly candles using locally sourced materials, to provide a clean alternative to traditional candles, which were contributing to indoor air pollution and climate change. The project also offered a way to generate income and support their families. They began experimenting with making eco-friendly candles, and developed a product that works well. They want to sell the candles at market and also teach workshops to other humanist women.

 Candle-Making Budget 

• Printed manuals and guides: $20

• Gloves, masks, aprons: $15

• Notebooks, pens): $15

• Soy wax (10 kg): $40

• Beeswax (5 kg): $30

• Wicks (100 pieces): $20

• Essential oils and fragrances: $30

• Natural dyes and colorants: $15

• Glass jars, silicone molds): $15

• Community hall rental (2 sessions): $20

• Flyers and posters: $15

• Social media advertising: $10

• Snacks and beverages: $5

• Eco-friendly packaging (boxes, labels): $20

• Website hosting and domain (6 months): $15

• Stall rental and setup (2 market days): $15

Total Budget: $300