Before I came to you I had no hope...

This is what one of our job training students said as we took marks for those continuing another year. Although with little formal education (most finished after elementary school) they are doing extremely well at carpentry, tailoring, secretarial skills and motor mechanics. The two women doing motor mechanics are ready for 'internship' (practicum).   We have felt for a while that these people are a neglected segment of society. In the West we can grasp the needs for clean water, for scholarships for needy girls, for specialist medical care. What we don't see as easily are the hundreds (thousands) of capable, intelligent people who have no hope of meaningful employment because they could not continue to learn even at the small cost of trade school.

We have a number of young men and women who take short courses  and require fees for only one year or less.

Here are our latest 'stars' who are continuing for another year:

Bernard is learning carpentry and is first in his class. He left school after gr 8.Already he is getting small jobs. His course costs $100 per year

Jackline, a single mother who went to Form 2, is studying motor mechanics and is looking for internshop. She is in the first half of her class. Her two year course costs $300 per year.

Keister has an extraordinary talent for garment making. She is married with children and is finding some contract jobs already. Her course costs $300 per year

Lucy is proud of her achievements in secretarial and computer studies. She wanted us to notice the big change in her appearance since she was selling second hand clothes in the market. 'I am professional' she says.

Phylis was left with two children when her husband was murdered five years ago. She has no high school education. She is in the top part of her class and going for internship in motor mechanics. Her two year course costs $300 per year.

 

In talking to them we also realise what courage and determination it takes to tackle the working world with few skills and little experience. Tembo pays fees and course expenses, but they are responsible for their living costs. We salute them and wish them success in their final year.