‘WITH THESE WELDING MACHINES, WE NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS’

“I’ve always wanted to do something with technology,” says Ambrose Omunu. “I used to want to be an engineer.” Ambrose is twenty-two years old and comes from a poor family with eight children. Being poor often means leaving school early in Uganda, and it was no different for Ambrose. “I only attended primary school. After that, I started working. I’ve had all sorts of jobs, doing this and that. As long as I could earn something.”

Ambrose pauses for a moment. He takes off his welding goggles and points to the welding machine on the workbench in front of him. “That one is from Gered Gereedschap. It’s a great machine. The welding machines from Gered Gereedschap have been used here for two years, and not a single one has broken down. Some of my friends bought their welding machines at the market here, and they always have issues. But with these machines, we never have any problems.”

Ambrose picks up the welding machine from the workbench. “A friend suggested I take the welding course here at FIDRA. It seemed like a good idea. I enjoy working with my hands, and here I have the chance to do something with technology. After this course, I want to keep learning. I want to become a really good welder. My dream is to start my own business. Maybe I won’t become an engineer, but being the owner of the best welding company in this area should be possible, right?” Ambrose laughs as he places the welding machine back on the workbench and puts his welding goggles back on.