Belief in self helps mechanic realise dream

Elijah Opar had always wanted to be a motor vehicle mechanic.However, when he sat his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams in 2004, his future looked uncertain.

Although he qualified for mechanical training, his mother, a fish monger in Korogocho, Nairobi, was unable to afford the required fees.

Not willing to be held down by the crisis, two years ago, Opar, 26, approached a mechanic at the Kariobangi Light Industries in Nairobi for apprenticeship.

“I still believed I could become a mechanic despite being poor. I asked a mechanic to offer me a place where I could learn the basics of motor vehicle mechanics. He agreed to let me start by learning how to spray paint a vehicle under repair. Even if it was a humble beginning, I grabbed it. I had my eyes set on the future as a qualified mechanic and also having my own garage,” he says.

As a condition, he was required to have three paint brushes.

“I approached my mother who gave me money to buy them. She has been supportive of my progress to becoming a qualified mechanic. This is how I can help her become financially stable.”

Armed with these tools of trade daily, he is assured of taking home at least Sh800. When business is booming, especially at the end of the month, he can pocket up to Sh2,000.

With evident satisfaction, he says, “The more vehicles you spray, the more you are sure of taking home each evening. However, I make sure that I learn more skills than just getting the money.”

In keeping alive his ambition, Opar has gone back to school. He registered for Grade Three Mechanics exams at a Government training institution.

“I want to grow as I earn my little money daily. By the end of this year, I will be through with my Grade Three tests. I will eventually move to Grade Two and finally Grade One. Then I can easily count myself a qualified mechanic and possibly open a workshop. I will ensure that I give opportunities to youths who have ideas but lack the money to move them,” he says.