At around 6:30 in the morning, Andinda Nuwampiire, 19, leaves his rented room in Koranorya, Mbarara District, with a polythene bag containing his packed food for the day. The cool air brushes off his ears as he walks into the Mbarara Bypass. He is heading to Hi-Tech Automobile and Equipment Solutions Limited in the bustling Mbarara town, where he is practicing his internship after receiving training at the AIRD Multi-skilling center.
Andinda has always dreamed of a life where he could support his family while pursuing his passion. He comes from Rwabarata, Sanga, in Kiruhura District. His parents separated when he was in P5, and his mother was left alone to care for four children.
His mother, Loice Atuhaire, a peasant farmer from Rwabarata in Sanga, grows beans and maize on a small piece of land, and shares the produce with the landowner after harvesting. With her share, she feeds her children and sells whatever little remains to cover their needs. Loice’s days are long. She carries a saucepan to the gardens each morning, cooking lunch and supper, as there is no time to be wasted. Andinda and his siblings work by her side to quicken the work.
Despite completing his S.4, further studies seemed impossible for Andinda because the money his mother made from selling her produce was not enough for all the children to go to school at once. “When I finished school, I knew I couldn’t go on to A-level. My mother had done everything she could to support us, but she couldn’t take all of us to school. I decided to let my siblings go to school while I worked to support my mother,” Andinda recalls.
To help his family, he got a job to make chapati and run the stall, earning ($1.41) 5,000/= a day. He handed over the money to his mother to buy food and cover household expenses.
One day during his vacation, his mother’s friend visited their home and told them about AIRD’s multi-skilling center that offers vocational skilling. Andinda was intrigued and wanted to learn more about the facility and the training opportunities offered. It was at this moment that he decided to apply to the institution for enrolment. Luckily for him, he was admitted.
During the training, Andinda discovered a new world of opportunities. He learned practical skills in mechanics and electrical work, and now interns at Hi-Tech Automobile and Equipment Solutions Limited in Mbarara District.“My supervisor even taught me how to drive a car. Our colleagues are social, and they give us a chance to learn under their guidance,” he shares with pride.
At the workshop, Andinda assists with car maintenance, handling tools, and learning hands-on skills.“I have learned the procedures of servicing a car, how to repair a suspension system, replacing window glasses and windscreens.”
Beyond technical knowledge, the program changed his mindset.“Before the training, I had almost given up on my dreams. I know I can work, earn, and provide for my family,” Andinda says. He credits AIRD not only for teaching him mechanics but also for inspiring his ambition.“AIRD officials visit us to discuss our internship work, and that gives us hope,” he says. His family has noticed the transformation. His siblings cheer him on, and his relatives are proud of his achievements. Andinda dreams big: he plans to own his own garage someday, offer spray painting, panel beating, and car maintenance services, and even sell spare tires.
“I am doing this for my family, my mother, and my siblings. I want to show them that with hard work and determination, dreams can become reality, especially when you have someone to hold your hand, and AIRD was that for me,” he says.
Andinda’s story is a powerful reminder that opportunity, when met with resilience, can transform lives and inspire entire communities.
Andinda is one of many young people who have received training at the Multi-skilling Center, which is run by AIRD. The facility trains refugees and youth from host communities in automotive mechanics, auto electrical repairs, as well as motorcycle and small engine repairs. AIRD connects the trainees to different workshops for internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Written By
Yvonne Njuna
