By Jimmy Ezra Okello | Innovator and Project Leader
“After finishing my senior four, I didn’t have the money to continue with my advanced level of education. I decided to branch for a technical school and did a certificate course in welding, but I had a lot of challenges paying my school fees. So, I requested to work in a school’s piggery project as a cleaner while feeding the pigs at the same time. From the work I was doing in the school, I was being paid some little money that helped me to pay some expenses tied to my academics.
I also saved some money and bought with some few welding requirements from which I managed to start up with the business after completing my course. So, at the moment I am doing the welding business and training a few youths in my workshop though am lacking some of the machines in my plant. Meanwhile when my business stabilises, I plan to upgrade to a diploma in welding, however I need financial support to me to fulfil my dreams.”
Testimonies such as these of young people in our region, greater Northern Uganda, are more common than it is reported. There are hundreds of young people wanting to earn an honest living and to better their lot, if only they can get the right technical and equipment support. This is the reason why I am hopeful that our project will be successful in its fundraising so that at least we are able to buy the major machines that we need in order for us to offer young people apprenticeships in welding.
My welding teacher with whom I apprenticed with told me of how the welding business had made it possible for him to progress in life. Just within two years of operating the business, he testified to me, that it had generated income which enabled him to buy a plot of land within his ancestral village; and to build a house on it, a family home. So, welding is a very good business to do, emphasized my teacher. Thank you all who have already made a donation already, you have given us hope that this is a good project. We continue to ask for your support in spreading the word and encouraging others in your networks to donate.
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