‘WELDING IS GOOD FOR ME’

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the training center of NOYED-Ghana in Tamale has become much quieter. Where the sound of dozens of students practicing their metalworking lessons used to be heard, now only the crackling of welding machines from a handful of students can be heard.

One of those students is 25-year-old Abdul Azis Abukari. “Yes, I’m continuing with my course even now,” he says as he takes off his welding helmet. “Welding is good for me.”

NOT EASY

After earning his high school diploma, Abdul Azis had several jobs, but none of them paid enough to support himself, and later, his wife and child. “It wasn’t easy. I barely earned enough to eat. Buying new clothes and things like that was completely out of the question. That’s all improved a lot since I started this training.” That training is the welding and metalworking course at NOYED-Ghana. Since 2005, this organization has launched numerous projects to improve the living conditions of people in economically weak Northern Ghana. Providing metalworking vocational training is one of its core activities. Gered Gereedschap supports this by donating welding equipment and startup kits.

STARTUP KIT

Abdul Azis is about to complete his welding and metalworking training. “Just a little longer, and I’ll get my diploma. I’m very happy about that. This course has given me a huge boost. I’ve even been able to earn money during my training by taking on jobs here and there. NOYED gave me a startup kit with the tools I needed for that. Without it, I would never have been able to do those jobs.” Abdul Azis puts his welding helmet back on. “Now, I can even help out my brothers and sisters with some money from time to time,” he says with a smile.