Project HEART – Freddy’s Story

My name is Freddy*. I am 28 years of age and was trained in the field of mechanics within the Let Africa Live (LAV) center in 2013. Upon achieving my training, I started working to gain experience in other mechanic repair facilities and specialized in vehicle painting. In 2021, I rejoined the LAV organization's garage and was selected for the position of mechanical technician in the painting department.

The garage's primary functions are vehicle repair and the training of young people in this field. The overarching objective is to maintain customer satisfaction, foster their trust, and help young people achieve financial independence.

Since 2021, the garage has encountered challenges in painting vehicles due to the accumulation of dust, which has resulted in a loss of luster. However, the creation of a dedicated painting facility through Project HEART – funded by Mwendo Congo - has significantly enhanced the quality of our work.

At a personal level, I would like to say that, as a result of this employment, I have been able to establish a stable life for myself and my family. I am now married and father of a family, and together with my wife and child, we are now living a happy and contented life.

I thank LAV and its financial partner Mwendo Congo for all they do for vulnerable people. Thanks to their work, we have become responsible people and are now able to take care of ourselves with what we earn from this profession. I would also like to thank you for the various improvements we are seeing in our mechanics workshop, which has been strengthened with useful modern tools.

*Last name withheld upon request.