A SHORT STORY FROM ONE OF THE BENEFICIARY OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING
“My name is Fabrey Mbogella born in 2000. I was born into a family that didn’t have much, and from a young age, I knew what it meant to go without. My parents did their best, but the truth was, we struggled. I watched my friends have things I could only dream of, and it lit a fire in me to work hard, to break the cycle. I focused on my studies, knowing that education was my only way out. Then, one day, my hard work paid off. I still remember the day I got the letter from CCDO. They were offering me a scholarship to pursue my certificate in carpentry at Don Bosco Vocational Training Center situated at Iringa region. I could hardly believe it—someone saw my potential and was willing to help me build a future. That scholarship changed everything for me. It was like a door to a world I never thought I’d step into. After completing my studies, I didn’t know what was next. But CCDO didn’t just give me a scholarship; they believed in me even after. They handed me the responsibility of running a vocational training center. I was given machines and equipment, the tools to teach others what I had learned. At first, I was overwhelmed—me, leading a whole center? But with time, I grew into the role. I successful trained 85 youths since 2022. Some of my students got job opportunities from different places while others are self-employed. I recommend other youth to come and receive trainings at CCDO because it is free and can help them get job opportunities or even employ themselves and get out of poverty. Now, I look around and see how far I’ve come. I no longer worry about the things I once did. I can afford most of the things I need and want in life. The struggles of my past are still there, but now they’re reminders of where I started, not of where I’ll end up. More than anything, I’m happy—happy that I’ve not only found my way but that I can help others find theirs too.”