The Apprenticeship Program opens new possibilities for students!
Isaya N. has been supported by Project Zawadi since 2016 when he was in the second grade and performed well in his national exams in 2021, joining Mihingo Secondary School for Form 1 in 2022. But he decided to take a break from the standard school system and pursue job opportunities.

In 2023, Isaya found himself struggling with inconsistent work opportunities to support himself and his family. Without 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨-𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 and expert knowledge, he was unable to build a steady livelihood. Yet Isaya was determined to succeed. After PZ visited him and introduced him to the possibility of becoming a motorcycle mechanic, his interest was sparked! Isaya began to consider a new roadmap to guide him toward his goals. Only six months ago, he joined the Apprenticeship Program to help generate more income through motorcycle 🏍 mechanics and develop his skills.

Over the past six months, he has made remarkable progress under the guidance of an apprenticeship coordinator and an experienced instructor. He’s now able to diagnose mechanical problems, repair engines, replace parts, and maintain motorcycles efficiently. Initially intimidated by the technical aspects of the program, Isaya now confidently handles tools and equipment. His ability to learn quickly is impressive!

When Isaya completes the two-year training, he’d like to become a fully independent motorcycle mechanic. With a vision of opening his own workshop in his hometown, he hopes to offer reasonably priced repair services and employ young people – like himself – who are looking for great opportunities! He has transformed from a novice into a confident apprentice with a bright future in only six months.

“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚,” says Isaya. “𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙.”

Isaya’s story is just one of many examples of how the Apprenticeship Program equips youth with the needed skills to build sustainable and impactful lives.