One decision can change the world...

Meet Simakanda. For several years, he has been learning carpentry with one of TWAM’s long term partners, Collins, who runs a workshop in a dusty back street in rural Zambia. Collins' mission is to use TWAM-donated tools to foster intelligence and enthusiasm among young people.

When reflecting on the kind of person he wants to help, Collins admits, "I try to identify students who behave well, who are intelligent and want to learn. I want students who will help others and not just themselves.”

Simakanda is one of the young people he helps. "I am studying at university to become a teacher as it is so important to give kids something to do," Simakanda says in between prepping a block of wood for the lathe. "My parents do not work, so I know how hard it is to keep going to school and how important an education is. For me, the challenge was always to stay at school and not become a drop out. If you drop out of school, it is very hard to get a good job.

I am still struggling to avoid being a drop-out as my parents are poor and cannot help me with university fees. I must pay for them myself and it is very hard. This is why I approached Collins and asked if he would teach me carpentry. This skill will help me pay my fees, as I will work very hard making furniture I can sell.

But I do not want these skills just for myself, I want to use them and my free time to teach youngsters like me to earn the money to go to school and college. I don’t want them to have the ability but no way to fulfill it. I can do this as I train and when I become a teacher.

Also, people should not rely on one thing, not even teaching which is under-paid. Carpentry gives another skill and a means of income. Maybe if I work in a community school that cannot pay me, I will have carpentry to support me."

Now, secure in the skills he has learnt, Simakanda is looking to teach others in turn. He uses the profits from furniture he makes to fund a local orphanage, and spends time there getting to know other teenagers in difficult situations.

Simakanda has learned the hard way how hard it is to complete an education and improve one's life. Thankfully, he has decided to use these tough experiences to encourage others.

"Many do not complete their schooling and if I teach them carpentry, this will give them a chance. I must help others who are struggling like me," he says with a gentle smile.

This is another amazing example of TWAM tools supporting students like Simakanda to learn a life-changing skill, but as the ripples go out, continue to help disadvantaged young people. Simakanda is a great example of our mission's ripple effect, as he will go on to use his new skills to train others.

And when, thanks to his skills, he completes his teaching, he can then go on to serve in a school - educating the poorest children.

This really is helping to change the world – one life at a time.