My name is Katendi Sengevu and in August this year I will be 50 years old. I have 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. I live and work in Mufulira, Zambia, under the Ministry of Health as a maid. Ten years from now, I will be retiring.
I have a lot of friends who have worked in various ministries of government and have retired. A few of them have settled very well, but the majority are struggling in life due to lack of adequate preparation while they were still working, and others are struggling as a result of late payments of their retirement package from the government. In Zambia, when you retire you may not get your retirement package until 5 or 6 years later. This has led to some of my friends becoming stressed while others have gone into depression to an extent of loss of life because they just depended on their job and did not have any extra income while waiting for their retirement package.
I have learnt quite a lot from the mistakes these friends and many of my family members have made and what they went through while in employment, and I don’t want to take the same route.
Arising from that, I have decided to use my remaining ten years in employment to fully prepare myself for a better life after formal employment. Apart from working for the government of Zambia, I also do part-time business where I sell knitting projects.
In grade 5 at Chiwepala Primary School we used to have homecraft lessons where they taught us how to make sweaters, hats, and stockings using knitting needles. At the same time, we learned how to hand sew skirts and dresses using chitenge material. At home, my mom also used to hand sew hot pads and decorations to put in the house. When I would walk into the house I would see the decorations my mom had made and I would feel happy and at home. Sometimes, she would make some for selling so she could have extra income for the house. Instead of my dad providing everything for the home, my mom provided as well. I remember seeing my father smiling when my mom had bought something for the house using the money from selling her projects. This showed me that it is valuable not to just depend on one thing, but to have an extra source of income for my family. I am inspired by my mother to use my love for sewing and knitting to grow my own business.
At first, I handknit and sold hats, sweaters, and socks for babies. In 2009, once I had earned enough money from working for the Zags, I bought a small knitting machine. I use my knitting machine to make various garments like scarfs, gloves for babies, trousers for babies, school sweaters, and women’s tops. I supply mainly to selected customers like parents that have school-going children.
Now that I have a sewing machine, I hope to expand my business by making school uniforms, nurse uniforms, work suits for miners, and other projects.
My main interest in making school uniforms is that the government has made education free, so the government is building more schools and attracting more students. Because there are more students who need uniforms, I have a good market of customers to make school uniforms for and expand my business.
In North-Western province, they are also building more mines, but the work suits for the miners are not made in North-Western province. They are made in Lusaka. Right now, businessmen who sell the work suits to the mines travel very far to Lusaka to buy the work suits. So, my interest is to make work suits in Mufulira so the businessmen can travel less far to buy from me instead of going all the way to Lusaka.
However, I intend to do more than what I am currently doing, and I am planning to buy an industrial computerized embroidery machine that can enable me to customize products like work suits, overalls for the mines, and uniforms for nurses and students that I make with my new sewing machine. This will help me to attract more customers, since right now there is only one spot in Mufulira that can embroider products.
The resources that I will generate from this venture will go towards putting up a big shop for my works as well as to display my various products for easy access to my future customers.
Right now, I have experience sewing with my hands, but I do not have experience with my sewing machine. I will use my machine to make school uniforms, nurse uniforms, and work suits for the mines. I hope to get ideas for other types of projects that will help to expand my business and fulfill my dreams.
The love that I have for knitting and sewing comes from my heart. I have grown with this feeling because I watched my dad smiling at my mother when she contributed through her sewing. When I was a child, it wasn’t normal for a woman to contribute financially because they were expected to depend on their husband to provide everything, but for my dad to see my mother contribute something it made him proud that he married a women who not only took care of the house, but also provided financially.
I also learned that my children appreciate more when I make something apart from getting my salary for work. Right now, I go door-to-door to sell. When I use the profit I make from my business and come home with clothes for my children or pay for the fees for my children’s school they always say “Mom, you are the best. We are lucky to have you.”
I work hard to bring extra money to the house so I can meet their needs. In some families, both the husband and their wife work but cannot pay the fees for the school. However, my children always appreciate that I provide for school and the house even though I am a single mother. My children feel good and happy the same way I felt when I was a child and saw my dad smile at my mom.
I have learned from the example of my parents. I am trying to carry on the legacy of my mother’s hard work. I always feel good when I do something and I see the smiles on the faces of my children despite not having their father. I remember that the smile I see in my children when I provide for them is the same smile that I saw on my father’s face when my mother contributed something.
Tunasakilili mwani,
Katendi Sengevu
Mama Katendi–Mwakola mwani? Thank you for this post and your reminder of the importance of planning ahead and hard work. After reading Morgan’s post yesterday, I am thinking that it’s really all about balance. Staying present but also being practical and remembering that you do have to plan for the future. You have seen what happens when the future is not planned for and you have taken that and learned from it. I loved the story about your parents and your mom’s hard work-she passed that along to you! Your kids are so lucky to call you ‘mama’.
Thank you for being a ‘mama’ to our “kids’ while in Zambia especially when you are a single mama caring for your own. You are clearly a strong, driven and entreprenuerial woman.
I’m grateful that you and many others have been directing and guiding our ‘kids’ on this journey. Tunasakilili mwani (thank you) for teaching them about connection, accompaniment and what it means to be human. It is obvious they are learning so much from their time there and will be forever changed by their experience. Thank you for accepting them into your homes and hearts, cooking for them and teaching them about your culture. I am so grateful you have given them (and their parents by extension) this opportunity. Reading this blog is the highlight of my day. Utwame kanawa (stay well).
Sean-a couple of things. I love Mama Katendi’s purses and I know Caroline would too. Could you please buy one for each of us? Insert heart and thank you emojis. Also, Jack replied to your blog so thought I’d let you know in case you don’t go back and look at them later. Love you.
Hello Mama Katendi – You are an inspiration! Thank you for being a dedicated mama, student and teacher. Clearly you are a resourceful, strong and intelligent woman and I am thrilled that Samantha, and all the Zags, have had the opportunity to learn from you- such a wonderful role model! We appreciate all you have done, and continue to do for your community and our Zags. Tunasakilili mwani from Samantha’s family in Olympia, WA, USA.
Samantha- we miss you like crazy and can’t wait to see you in a week. We hope you are happy, healthy and continue to appreciate all Zambezi continues to offers. ( Please buy a beautiful bag for me from Mama Katendi if you have the opportunity/space.) No Wolfie visits, neighborhood Pickleball is soon up and running, one week left in OSD and 90 degree heat arrives here over the weekend- A/C will be on baby! All our love to the ZamZags 26 and all of those that support them while they learn and grow in Zambia.
Hi Mama Katendi! Thank you so much for this post and letting us in to a glimpse of your life. I appreciate all that you do, and how hard you are working in so many different ways. You are such an inspiration taking such amazing care of your kids, while also balancing the work with ours AND your own business. So talented in so many ways. To say we are grateful is an understatement as you are making such a big impact. Working with Zags since 2009 is also incredible. Thank you for all you do and who you are!
Hi Liv! I love the picture of you here and the bags are so so beautiful. Can’t wait to see you and give you a great big hug. Odie too. He’s going to give you great big cuddles! We all miss you and love you! Not too much to report today and we’re just working away and tomorrow I’m taking the 8th graders to run through a dress rehearsal for promotion and speeches tomorrow. This weekend we are watching Ocean and Andy’s dog…BO!! Oh my gosh…that’s going to be an adventure. After reading this post, I just felt so grateful you are with such inspirational and strong people. So much to learn while you’re there. Love you Liv!! XOXO
Mama Katendi, thank you for this inspirational post! I loved hearing about the passion and heart behind your knitting and the impact your hard work has on your children. You sound like a wonderful role model to your own children and this group of Zags!
Reading this made me think of Hannah – your artistic abilities have always been an incredible gift to others and have always come from a place of true enjoyment and pride. I am so excited for you that you had this opportunity to connect with Mama Katendi art and creating.
My Vard!! I am sorry I have slacked commenting on the blog, but I have been reading it and thinking of you so often. Being here with you so far away makes my realize my life here in Boulder really isn’t complete without you, and I can’t imagine not having you by my side growing up. Gma and Gpa were here last week, I’m sure you can picture the scene. It was really good to see them, but incomplete not having you around. Keep soaking everything in and meeting all the amazing people you can – I can’t wait to hear every detail soon. I love you so so much!! xoxo, your Vardaman
Sarah – feel free to purchase extra bags for the gift closet. I know your Grammie would love one.
Mama Katendi – thank you for taking care of our kids. It makes us feel good to know you are watching out for them.
Mama Katendi, Thank you for being a great role model for all of the students staying with you. Thank you for cooking for them and care for them and being a mama to them when their mama’s are so far away. I am very glad that they have such a wonderful support system around them. Noah wanted to make sure that he was ready to help out in the kitchen there, so I hope that everything has worked out well. I haven’t heard of any mishaps, so all must be good. The bags that you make are beautiful. I am glad that you are able to do something that you love and support your family at the same time.
Noah, You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Not much exciting news. I finished the puzzle Teresa gave me for Christmas. It was a nice distraction. We are getting a few days of rain, then a warm weekend. I am looking forward to seeing you next week. Enjoy your last week abroad. Love you!
Mama Katendi – Thank you for sharing your story. The human touch is alive and well in every corner of the world. Family is a connection we all have and that connects us, even thousands of miles away. Your bags represent a little piece of you, strong, creative and beautifully crafted to give much joy to those who have one. Thank you for taking care of our children with your kindness and for sharing your passion for your family with our family.
Lily – Love and miss you. Excited for you to be home but want you to enjoy this week. Mama Katendi has some beautiful looking bags. I hope you see the love and care put into each one. They remind me of Nonnie Ida’s bags and crocheted vests and blankets that we were gifted.
Love you always and forever. Be safe.
Mom and Dad
Mama Katendi!!! I am so so glad you wrote a blog again — it was special last year, and somehow, being on this end is even more special. You are a gift and the purest example of God’s love and kindness. Not only do you do all these amazing feats and keep yourself busy throughout the year, helping support all 7 of your kiddos, but then, every May you put your life on hold to help support the Zags. I know when I say this program would not be the same without you, that every zag who has ever visited Zambezi would say the same. You were God-sent and somehow the timing was perfect for you to be in Zambezi and meet Josh. I am so grateful to have had you during my time and now have you in my life — your hugs and giant smiles counteract every sarcastic comment of Jeff’s (I loved the comments don’t fret). You are an example of not letting life’s circumstances control your life; instead, you are an example of how to take ahold of the circumstances you are given and make the most of it all. I hope the sewing machine brings you even more success! We use the pad you made for hot dishes all the time! Hugging you all the way from California, and hopefully one day, in-person again. Tunasakilili!
Zags, I cannot believe your journey is coming to an end. The physical one at least. The mental journey continues far past leaving Zambezi. Your emotional journey is just beginning. Lean on each other more than ever as emotions get bigger these last couple days. Those reflections are sacred!
Joe, very random, but Quinn (I know her from Setons) posted you on her Instagram story for national best friends day! Just thought it would bring a smile to your face to know 🙂
Mama Christine, I LOOOOVE your new glasses! Very cute. Miss you lots and sending you love.
Love,
Weenie
6:15pm in California, 3:15am in Zambia
Mama Katendi- Thank you so much for writing. It is really important for us to hear about your story directly from you. And what strength you’ve shown us! Thank you for your care and patience in working with the Zags. I know they find inspiration in your hard work and creativity. I know I do.
Sarah-missing you as always. Summer has officially begun here, with swim meets and wild children driving those golf carts (grrrrrr). Dobby and Bean are loving their new room (formerly yours– sorry, you’re going to have to share). Love you to the moon and back. Momma.
MEG FEATURE!! Miss you and love you. I’ve got some fun stories for when I see you in not too long!!!!
Mama Katendi- Thank you so much for the love, care and guidance you give the zigs of Zags year after year. We are blessed that you are part of their lives, briefly in person and longer in memory and spirit. I LOVE your bags! I also sew and knit and your entrepreneurial spirit and plans to grow your business are an inspiration!
Ems- Not being able to talk or text you is getting a little old, although I completely appreciate how important it is to unplug and immerse yourself. A whole month + without my unsolicited advice. Miss you lots and can’t wait to hear your voice when you arrive back and see you a couple days later after your Spokane to Denver road trip. I rearranged my sewing room so I have a more flat table space for big projects so that’s exciting- maybe I’ll finally stop bouncing from idea to idea and finish something. Love you so much- hugs from me and face licks from the doggos. Mums
Dear Mama Katendi, thank you so much for contributing to the blog! Thank you for helping us understand the hardships you face – like trying to plan for retirement but not being able to count on the government to start the payments. It is inspiring to hear how you are planning ways to overcome that challenge. I also love hearing about how you have build your knitting and sewing business, and your ambitious ideas for for the future! Embroidery coming soon! Your bags are fantastic! It’s all so impressive. The Zags are lucky to have you contributing to this program and helping them to learn many aspects of Zambezi culture. Thank you for all that you do to make their stay possible, and all the ways that you contribute to their learning. Your own kids are very fortunate to have you, setting a wonderful example of hard work, planning and sharing love with those around you through your craft and your smile!!
Mary Pearl – hard to believe this is your last week! I know you have been soaking everything in. We are missing you lots and as always will be ready to have you home, even though you might not be ready to leave!! It’s been raining here – so cold and wet that we are wearing winter coats in June! The flowers are happy though.
Love you so much!
Mom
Mama Katendi! I’m so happy to see a blog post about you and hear about your life. Thank you for being open about what retirement looks like in Zambia, and for sharing your passion as well. I love that you use your sewing skills to help other people as well, that is so kind and you seem to have a heart of gold. Lastly, your bag designs are lovely!
The Knicks lost today, but it is so cute seeing NY unite over basketball.
LOVE YA
How wonderful it is to hear from you, Mama Katendi. I am so glad we are continuing this tradition. A blog post from you is truly something special. And that picture of you, Mama Christine, and Taylor — you are radiant! I miss your hugs, your smile, your laughter, your cooking, and your unending wisdom and insight. You are such a hardworking, determined woman, and that is evident in this post. Your kids are so lucky to have you, and I am thankful you feel so loved and appreciated by them. And likewise, your Zag kids too are so lucky. To have you join us for this experience each year is truly remarkable. I love seeing this year’s Zags stylin’ with your exquisite handiwork — my roommates and I use your pot holders almost every day. And I’m even more excited to hear about your upcoming prospects with the new sewing machine; any student, nurse, miner, or anyone else would be lucky to wear something of yours. I so admire your passion and dedication, and I can’t wait to see how you continue to grow and succeed. Sending so many hugs — ZamFam, you know what to do, please make sure Mama feels even more loved than I’m sure you’re already helping her feel. And soak up as many conversations together as you can! Tunasakiliki mwani and kisu mwani, Mama, we love you!
Mama Katendi, thank you for taking great care of my sister Hannah and all the Zags. They are so lucky to have you. I’m so impressed by your drive and determination and your bags are beautiful!
Hi hab,
I hope you are having the best time going into your last week of your trip. I miss you a lot and I can’t wait for you to get home, because then we’ll have one more vote to let Teddy on the new couch. He’s already been begging to get up on it every night, and I’m sure he misses you too. We had the first swim meet this weekend, and it went really well. My kids swam great, and so I took them all to bagels today. We’ve been playing a lot of stinkle, and the knickerbockers really need you back. I feel like I’ve been so busy with work and med school apps I’ve barely had time to think, and I’m jealous that you get to experience something that is probably so centering while also new and exciting. By the way, Madi nibbled Timmy’s ear at one of the grad parties to become lemer king. Might have been the funniest moment of the weekend, abe and Timmy were beside themselves. Love you, bear
Hi Mama Katendi! I was so happy to see your post and hear a little more of your story. Thank you for sharing it with us. It was such an inspiration to hear how you have used your gifts and talents to provide for your family and improve life for the community around you. Our Zags are so lucky to learn from your example. Thank you for bringing a smile to their faces. The legacy of your family continues!!!
Taylor- Best selfie (or .5??? Ever!!!!)
Mama Katendi,
I’ve missed you so much!! I’m so happy to hear about your business and dreams for the future. You are the hardest working person I know and customers are so lucky to receive your clothes. I still have my hot pads that I use for dinners in the winters and my grandma uses her hot pads every day! I remember hearing about your life story and some of the hardships of your job. You deserve the world and a lot of relaxation as part of your years contributing to the government. I love seeing your passion for sewing and you can feel the love when you are wearing clothes or using the hot pads. I tell my students at work about you and show pictures of our time together and they love learning about you! I’m excited to hear about your business in the future and hope you and your children are doing well. I loved seeing you and Mama Christine in the photos above! Miss you so much!!
Kisu Mwane,
Ellie Powers, ZamFam ‘24
P.S. I still dream about your cooking!!
Mama Katendi, I am so so SO happy you wrote a blog again this year! You really are a superhero. One of my favorite experiences last year was getting to meet two of your sons, Teddy and Goodson, when we flew back to Lusaka. They were so kind and spoke about you with so much pride and love. You have raised the most kind, hardworking, compassionate children through your example. Thank you for everything you have done for the Zags throughout the years. We would not be able to come to Zambezi without you! You make us feel loved, cared for, and at home. You help us find belonging in the community by taking us to the market and teaching us how to cook. My mom has the hot pad that you made on display in our kitchen. Every time I see it I think about you and the way you accompany everyone you meet. So much love to you, Mama!
MP: what would you say if I told you I am on my first business trip right now? I almost laughed when I told the guy at hotel check in. That’s right, I am in a hotel room in Seattle right now. It’s honestly a miracle I made it here because it was pouring the entire drive. At least Peter is safe and dry in his court room. I have training here the next three days and boy does KPMG make travel bougie. I get an allowance for meals so you better believe I will be walking my butt over to Pike Place to get some Beecher’s Mac and Cheese. Also, challenge 3 will be complete on Thursday! I am getting coffee with an associate after training. Should I ask her what annoys her most about the English language? Or perhaps which inanimate objects she gets mad at? Love and miss you lots! Wait is this officially a one week count down??
Taylor: I forgot my running shoes (well actually all my shoes) in Portland and am so disappointed because I wanted to go for a run along the waterfront. Any suggestions?
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ’25
Mama Katendi,
Thank you for sharing your story and for teaching our kids more about your culture. As a fellow small business owner, I really connected with your journey. I especially admire how you have identified needs in your community and are building a business around solving those problems. I’m also drawn by giving back to our community.
I smiled when you talked about buying new equipment. It seems all of us have the same habit of taking the profits and putting them into another machine or piece of equipment instead of taking a vacation!
Most of all, I admire how you are planning for your future while providing for your family today. Your , hard work, determination and vision are inspiring. I wish you all the strength and success as your business continues to grow to support you and your family when you decide to retire.
Thank you.
Kathryn’s Dad, (Pete)
Kathryn,
I think that Steve knew I was writing to you. He just came up to the living room door and wouldn’t stop meow / yelling until I let him in. Then he stood there and kept yelling at me before storming off to the kitchen. Both dogs weren’t even fazed by his little tirade. They just ignored his whole little out burst.
I sent to you some money. If you are able to buy some of Mama Katendi’s products, I would love to support her and her family. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing about your life Mama Katendi with everyone back home and with the Zags visiting your community. It means so much to hear from you directly after having heard so many wonderful stories of you and Mama Christine from the students in this past month. I too am planning to retire in about ten years as well and am inspired by how you are actively preparing for the future life you want. You are clearly an artist and also a business woman with great ideas. I love the photo of Zags with bags! Great marketing!
Graley, yes please add some bag purchases to your suitcase if they are available. We will cherish them back at home as a reminder of this experience. I just looked at the calendar on the fridge and am mindful of your time in Zambezi ending soon. I will pray for each of you around this upcoming transition – coming home can be confusing after such a meaningful trip and I encourage you to keep finding your own center and treating yourself and each other gently.
Mama Katendi, Greetings from Oregon. Thanks you for sharing part of your story with us. I feel privileged to learn more about your life and to better understand your journey and the dreams you have for the future. I am inspired by your creativity, patience, persistence and hard work. Thank you!
Graley, It’s Raining!!! Lot’s actually, but it’s going to be 93 this weekend. The weather is nuts. I am excited to have you back soon, but also wondering if you are ready, or if you wished you had more time there. I remember wanting more time , while simultaneously wanting nothing more than to snuggle into my bed and watch a movie. It can be confusing. Anyhow, all is well. Finn cooked dinner, and mom watched Billie eat.
Luv ya
Pops