James, aged 22 yrs, is from the family of Gayimba Monic that benefited from Habitat for Humanity Uganda’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children program with a new house, shower stall, VIP-Latrine and a 300 liter water harvesting tank.
In 2013, James’ dreams to complete the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) were shattered because his father’s chronic illness prevented him from paying his son’s school fees.
In the local community where James lived, he saw that people would travel over 200 km to Iganga town to buy and repair the metallic doors & windows for their houses. When an opportunity presented itself for the vocational skills training, he was selected to study Welding & Metal Fabrication in 2017 intake. He trained for four months at Pioneer Technical Institute and qualified for a certificate from the Directorate of Industry Training (DIT).
He gained experience working with HFH Uganda’s local contractors for 6 month for 2 contracts in Kiryandongo and Kumi districts. James got an assignment of 4 doors and 8 windors and he was paid UGX 1.5 million equivalent to USD $411 for his labour.
He has currently established his own workshop with the help of an uncle in Mpungwe Sub-county Mayuge District. Through his earnings, he has been able to support his mother, sick father and the siblings with school fees and other scholastic materials.