‘GIRLS NOW SEE THAT AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS ALSO FOR THEM’

Jennifer Ndagire began her journey at Kimuna Technical Services (KTS) as a student without many resources but with a strong will to succeed. In 2017, she earned her National Certificate in Automotive Mechanics, quickly distinguishing herself with her dedication and talent. “I always wanted to do something I was passionate about,” says Jennifer. “Repairing cars is a trade where you can continuously improve your skills, and that attracted me.”

Immediately after graduating, KTS offered her the opportunity to pass on her knowledge as a trainer. This was a huge honor for her. “I was so happy that I could continue following my passion, now as a teacher,” she explains. “It is so fulfilling to teach young people the skills I learned myself.”

THE POWER OF PRACTICAL TRAINING

Despite the joy of teaching, it wasn’t always easy. “We didn’t always have enough tools to make the lessons truly practical,” Jennifer says. “Sometimes we even had to send students to other institutes to learn certain skills, and that was often a challenge.”

This problem was solved when KTS, with support from Gered Gereedschap, received a large shipment of tools and equipment. Jennifer immediately noticed the difference. “When we received the tools, everything changed,” she says enthusiastically. “We could finally teach the students using the right equipment. They could now really get hands-on experience, and that made a huge difference in their motivation and skills.”

The donation from Gered Gereedschap not only made teaching easier but also improved the quality of education. “We see that students now understand what they are doing much better because they can practice everything hands-on. It has really taken our training to a higher level,” she explains.

GIRLS IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

One of the changes that has inspired Jennifer the most is the increase in female students in the program. “In the past, many girls thought automotive technology wasn’t for them,” she says. “But since we got these new tools and can really work hands-on, I see more and more girls interested in the training. They see that it’s not ‘men’s work,’ but a trade for everyone.”

Jennifer is proud of her role as a trainer, and even prouder of the impact the program has on students, both boys and girls. “It’s amazing to see them grow and their confidence increase. Especially the girls show that they can be just as good as the boys in this field. That gives me so much satisfaction.”

A FUTURE FULL OF POSSIBILITIES

For Jennifer, her work not only means training students but also helping them build a future for themselves. “The skills we teach here give these young people the chance to become independent,” she says. “They can start their own business or work as a mechanic. It makes me proud to be part of that.”

Jennifer’s story shows how education, combined with the right resources, not only changes lives but also breaks down barriers. “Thanks to the support from Gered Gereedschap, we can now train the next generation of mechanics, and I am incredibly grateful for that.”