My name is Doris Mutie. I am 19 years old, and I am proud to declare myself an electrician. As the second-born of three children, I have always known the value of hard work. My family relocated from Machakos to Mashimoni in Kibera seeking better opportunities, but my parents faced challenges finding well-paying jobs, which made life tough. Despite this, I was raised by my grandmother in the village and attended a nearby school with the resolve to uplift my family and improve our circumstances.
While my older sister married young after completing Form Four, I remained committed to my education. In May, I joined the St. Charles Lwanga SkillUp program, which provides crucial financial support to vulnerable students. I chose to specialize in electrical installation—a dream I have pursued since childhood. My instructor, Scholastica, emerged as a mentor, motivating me to excel in my field.
During a welding class, which is part of electrical fitting, we had unexpected visitors from Germany. We eagerly posed for photos, not realizing how this opportunity could change our lives. Shortly after, I was thrilled to learn that I had been selected for a six-week internship at IKA Company in Germany. The process of obtaining travel documents was stressful, and I faced moments of doubt. However, I persevered, and everything fell into place, allowing me to travel to Germany.
The internship at IKA exceeded my expectations. I acquired advanced skills and gained hands-on experience with modern machinery. I also had the chance to explore Germany’s neighboring countries. To prepare for my upcoming role in the company’s production unit in Kampala, Uganda, I underwent additional training in Germany and Malaysia. I am now awaiting my work visa, which will facilitate my travel and employment in Uganda.
Thanks to the Skill-Up program and St. Charles Lwanga Vocational Training Centre, I have a bright future ahead of me. I am proud of my decision to pursue this path, and I am confident that these opportunities will empower me to build a successful career.
