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Amos Mpofu,[email protected]

THE Balmex organisation, a beacon of hope for youth empowerment, has announced the opening of its 2025 enrollment, with a goal to enrol 1 000 students for the year.
Established in 2017 by Mr Garry Goddard, a 29-year-old man from Bulawayo’s Sizinda high-density suburb, Balmex offers free life skills training in various fields, charging only an insignificant entrance fee of US$10.
Balmex provides a diverse range of courses, including hairdressing, baking, hotel and catering, tourism and hospitality, beauty therapy, till operating, merchandising, business management, and marketing.
Goddard’s mission is rooted in a deep-seated passion for uplifting disadvantaged youth—specifically school dropouts and those who have completed their O-Levels and A-Levels but face financial obstacles in pursuing further education.

“I was raised by a single mother, and that experience pushed me to start this organisation,” Goddard shared during a recent interview. “I saw firsthand how challenging it is for single mothers. Many are forced into desperate situations, including prostitution, just to provide for their children. Balmex aims to provide life skills that open doors to better opportunities,” he said.
With its offices located at Bellevue shops near Choppies, Balmex has already made significant strides in the community.
Many of its graduates have secured employment and others have launched their own initiatives, creating jobs around Matabeleland.

Speaking to the Chronicle News, Mr Goddard emphasized the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity, saying, “We provide the same opportunities for every youth regardless of their background. Our theme is ‘Empowering Young Men and Women for Greatness.’”
Balmex offers approximately 21 courses, and the organisation has seen impressive growth since its inception.
“From 2017 to 2020, we enrolled 3 000 students. In the past three years, we enrolled and taught 2 500 . Next year, we aim to enroll 1 000 new students. This is not just about numbers; it’s about changing lives,” he said.
He encouraged ordinary-level pupils to seize productive opportunities while waiting for their results.
“For those waiting for their Ordinary Level Results, there’s no need to sit idle; we have alternative courses that can lead to meaningful careers,” he said.
To boost its training programmes, Balmex partners with various businesspeople.

Garry Goddard the founder of Balmex organisation

Notably, in 2018, Mr Goddard collaborated with Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Cde Raj Modi, who was instrumental in sponsoring half of the required training fees. However, following recent changes, Modi stepped back from the partnership, and businessman Henry Success has since taken his place.
Mr Goddard emphasised the quality of education at Balmex, attributing the success of its students to the expertise of its qualified instructors.
He proudly said, “We have seen many students excel, and around 100 of our graduates are now employed at Deputy Minister Modi’s supermarkets. Our partnership with the business community is vital for providing attachments and job opportunities.”
Reflecting on the impact Balmex has had since its inception, Goddard shared, “When I started, we empowered 40 people. The numbers have steadily increased as word spread about what we offer.” To date, Balmex has empowered over 8 000 youths, a testament to its effectiveness and reach in the community.
As enrollment for 2025 opens, Balmex is poised to continue its mission of transforming lives through education.
The organisation stands as a vital resource for young people seeking skills and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.
“Empowerment is not just about giving skills; it’s about instilling hope and enabling individuals to achieve greatness. At Balmex, we believe that every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and we are there to provide that opportunity,” said Mr Goddard.