‘I was jobless before I came here’, began 20 year old Mohammed Almos, ‘but now I hope to be able to support my whole family’ he continued, his wide smile beaming with enthusiasm.
In just two days time, Mohammed and his 24 class mates at the STARS training centre in Kabul, will graduate after four months of intensive training, learning to repair mobile phones. As well as his new qualification, Mohammed will receive all the tools he needs to continue his new trade in the outside world, including a light, tools and spare parts.
According to his trainer, mobile phone repair is a burgeoning industry as demand for technology in Afghanistan grows, and his skills can earn a comfortable income. And Mohammed’s entrepreneurial spirit is clearly strong. He hasn’t yet completed the course, but he already has 2 or 3 customers every day.
‘I have put signs up outside my house and posters around the community. My friends have spread the word that now I am an engineer. I earn between 1 and 3USD each time depending on the work. This is a good income and my skills are very marketable.’
But life hasn’t always been so positive for Mohammed. He qualified for his place on the course because his mother is a widow, and like many female-headed families they suffered greatly under the Taliban, as women were banned from working or studying.
‘We are very vulnerable, there are 10 of us in the family, and I am the only one earning money. I hope to make enough profit to support us all’. ‘I have made a very good start. I feel like I have the skills now to make a change.’
Once his technical lessons are complete, Mohammed will have some final training in business development, to help him plan how to grow and sustain his business.
‘I can’t wait to continue learning and build my experience, and use my skills to serve my community and my country.’
