Sierra Leone
Orphan Maurice Fomba (24) worked in a diamond mine during the civil war. It was demanding, physical work for which he got paid a pittance. When Maurice found out about a skills training programme run by Tools for Self Reliance partner Youth in Action Sierra Leone, he jumped at the chance.
I used to work in the local mine but I hated it. I wanted skills that would help me build my own life, not be stuck living alone while working a hard, dirty job. My friends told me about the carpentry training project and I went along to enrol.
I started out at a training centre then moved to a workshop to be an apprentice. I can make tables, chairs, beds and more, and I learnt how to interact with customers and price products according to the cost of labour and raw materials.
The training has been excellent for me. It’s taken me away from the mines and is helping me overcome the traumas of my past caused by the war. I’m able to have a better life and make my own money.
I’m looking forward to starting in business with others after my course is over.