Lawrence Mukundane has walked a journey that speaks of resilience, determination, and hope at 24 years old. His childhood was not easy. When he was in Primary Five, his parents separated. Together with his family (five siblings; one sister and four brothers), he chose to live with their mother as their father refused to support them with school fees
His father later remarried and had four more children, leaving his mother, Fridah, to look after him and his siblings single-handedly.
Lawrence’s mother works as a cook at Migina Primary School in Itendero, Sheema district. His sons also put up a small-scale grocery shop for her, where she works once she has left the school. She uses the sales from her shop to take care of herself and the younger children.
A turning point came when his cousin introduced him to the AIRD Multis-killing Centre, where young people are equipped with practical, employable skills. Lawrence applied, was accepted, and began training in mechanics. That was the beginning of a better life for him.
Today, he is attending his internship at the Ministry of Works and Transport. He boasts of the rich experience he has learned from the training at the multi-skilling center and his internship workplace.
“ I have learnt how to service cars, whether they are big trucks, lorries, and graders or smaller cars such as pickups and passenger cars.”
Lawrence’s dream is to one day establish his own garage, where he can apply his knowledge, create jobs, and inspire others. He also aspires to be a professional driver with a deep understanding of how vehicles operate and how best to maintain them.
Lawrence’s story is one of strength and possibility. It shows that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, young people can rise above even the toughest beginnings to build meaningful futures.
“I want to be a driver who knows how to handle cars and can repair and maintain them anytime they get a problem.”
Lawrence is one of the many youth who have received training through AIRD’s multi-skilling center in Mbarara district. The center is run by AIRD in collaboration with partners like UNHCR and equips refugees and youth from host communities with skills in automotive mechanics, auto-electrical work, and motorcycle and small engine repairs.
Written by
Yvonne Njuna
