Helping young Kenyans survive and thrive in Kisumu

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.