Helping young Kenyans survive and thrive in Kisumu

I was met at the airport in Kisumu by Paul and Lucy, with Ouma (a friend now living in Nairobi who I had encouraged to offer to help Paul with his book keeping). It was great to see them all again!

We had a look round Paluoc on Sunday afternoon and talked about vocational training and many other matters:

• How to attract and retain more students.

• Whether to diversify and in which direction.

• How to provide outside work experience.

I was told that at some other project centres in the town they no longer have carpentry training, but masonry, hairdressing, food and beverage and hairdressing are popular. Many Kisumu teenagers are tempted to become boda-boda (motorbike taxi) riders where they can make a little cash in hand. It tempts them away from training programmes, but they are not keen to learn mechanics. IT is also of interest, and we all agreed that dangling some carrots whilst introducing a small tuition fee is a desirable way forward, although it will be hard to sell in the short term.

The following morning I met the students who mostly were soon relaxed and quite chatty, although some obviously have much baggage in their lives. They work happily together and the whole place has a supportive-family feel, the huge importance of which was emphasised by Paul at a graduation ceremony he had arranged. All received certificates, both from Paluoc (all) and those who had passed government exams.

Some had brought along a family member for support, which was very encouraging to see. Jacqueline the star carpentry student had brought her 2 young children. And Josephine, one of the board members, brought a cake (which didn't last long!)

I was then asked to plant a tree to join a line of saplings growing well. We visited past-student Evans at the small home he shares with his mother. He had a home-made work bench attached to a tree for stability, and an impressive tool kit he was keen to demonstrate.

So, what of the future for Paluoc?

The workshop looks a bit in need of a coat of paint and hopefully we can send some volunteers to help next year. The equipment looks well cared for and used, and the outdoor shed for the planer now has its security doors. A band saw and a small lathe have been requested and we have some funds available for this.

We talked again about dangling carrots – computer lessons, the possibility of sending some mountain bikes to loan to students not just for transport but as a way of encouraging them to attend regularly, and also the possibility of loaning out tools to take home, as well as providing tools as a reward on completing studies.

Overall, what struck me was how much they appreciate the working relationship and encouragement from HATW; they have a lively workshop, a positive attitude, a great ethos and lots of potential. And they recognise and embrace the need to become more and more self-sufficient.

So, I'm sat beside the pool in our hotel in Zante. The conversation around me is all about "globalisation" and its effects on trips to Greece. "All of the refugees have ruined the tourist trade in Kos, lots of locals have gone bust as a result". There was also some slight sympathy for the plight of the refugees.

Meantime Paluoc continues in its efforts to provide invaluable training for youngsters in Kisumu. Globalisation is having an effect there too. We are concerned about the long term effects of cheap factory manufactured imports from China potentially displacing the demand for school desks, lockers etc which are currently the mainstay of Paluoc's workload. There is already an issue regarding carpentry training - it takes quite a long time and its not particularly highly regarded. The work connected with buildings, roofs etc is secure but beds, desks, cupboards less so. Our response is twofold: we are looking at more use of power tools. They already make good use of a planing machine, maybe now is the time to add a band saw, maybe a lathe
and other similar equipment. It will make the training more technical, the work easier and potentially the rewards greater.

Hopefully this, if it happens, will help recruitment and retention and also improve the quality of the work produced. There are also issues like how effectively can they be used and the training be given. Paul, our trainer says that he is confident and competent to do so. These improvements will need to be funded and sustained at least for a couple of years. We are aso looking at the possibility of diversifying at the workshop: can we also repair, refurbish, and sell bikes? We can supply an initial stock, if we can deal with transportation, and if the import duties are not prohibitively high. Understandably through Kenyans do not want a lot of cheap bikes dumped in Kisumu putting current repair shops out of business. Do we have the space for the expansion? Yes. Do we have the expertise on hand? Probably. Can we sort the transportation? Maybe. Is there a big and growing demand for bicycles - as has happened in many other countries as they have developed their economies? Not so sure. Has the globalisation of news and expectations led to a demand for motorcycles instead and straight away. "Bikes are OK for school children" If only life was more simple.

David Steiner, HATW's Executive Officer, is going to visit Paluoc later this month to check all of these things out. With the help of Paul, our trainer and manager, and with assistance from his trustees and some other locals, hopefully some more definite plans can be put into place. The carpentry workshop is still getting on with the day to day business and is giving youngsters a chance to learn and earn their way out of their current hardships.