Helping young Kenyans survive and thrive in Kisumu

Things are progressing well at Paluoc Carpentry workshop. They are beginning to establish a reputation for good training: which means that students pass their exams and the workshop produces reliable workers. Recruitment is getting easier.

Needless to say the record is not a perfect one;

Stephen (above) is the first born in a family of two children. One boy and one girl. His education stopped at standard four. His mother died when he was ten years old. He lives with an aunt who has a small business in second hand clothes. His father repairs shoes.
He has thrived at the workshop. His attendance is very good. He took his grade 3 exams last year and passed. He is now learning how to make different types of furniture.

Then there is Jackline, below: She is the fourth in a family of nine children. Six of the children in their family have died. She is married with four children. Her husband is a mechanic.
She is a very committed trainee and has done a lot of practical joinery work. She is a candidate for this year’s examination, at the same time as being a full time mother of four. She has every prospect of passing, and her success has led to a second female trainee joining the workshop.

Another trainee who sat and passed his exams after time at the workshop was David (bottom). His attendance was irregular and he was unreliable and continues to be so still.
His background may help explain: He was the fifth born in a family of nine children, he left primary school in class five. Both parents are alive. The mother helps people with small jobs like washing clothes. The father is mentally disturbed and is unable to do any work.

The workshop is doing a good job with the sort of youngsters who need a second chance. Long may it continue!

And thank you very much for your support!