Kenya - Sand River Mechanic School

From Scrap to Service: How the Sand River Mechanic School is Driving Change

In the Sand River Region, where opportunities for technical and vocational education are few and far between, something remarkable is happening. With support from our foundation family, we have established a small Mechanic Training School at an RAS Base Camp, giving young people the chance to gain practical skills, qualifications, and confidence for a better future. We are also making sure that their training is on equipment that is found in the area and directly relevant to future employment or self-employment.

So far, trainees from three soccer leagues have rebuilt three Land Rover 109’s from scrap, and nine trainees, three from each Sand River Soccer League, have proudly passed their Grade III Light Vehicle Mechanic Qualifications, and driving tests.

These Land Rovers have become much more than machines. They’ve been affectionately named:

– “Boss Lady” – serving the Osero Community Soccer League Community Based Organisation (CBO) – pictured below in maroon)

– “Billy Jean” – for the Olderkesi Community Sports League CBO (pictured below in blue)

– “Forest Queen” – completed, then repaired after a slightly bumpy start, and now back hard at work for the Naimina Enkiyio Community Soccer League CBO (Pictured below in green and during an official handover & community blessing ceremony in gratitude for this support).

They’re already making an impact, transporting players to tournaments, helping farmers take their produce to market, and ensuring people can reach the nearest clinic when in need, even in the middle of the night. Earlier this year, “Billy Jean” was used by the Olderkesi League to carry out a litter clean-up in Olpusmoru town. The Land Rovers are also being hired privately by Royal African Safaris and other local organisations.

All the Land Rovers have been officially handed over to the leagues, and they are working to maintain them themselves. In addition, seven trainees are training toward their Grade II Light Vehicle Mechanic Qualification, and two trainees are now working towards their Grade III.

These qualifications progress from Grade III up to Grade I, and are set by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). They involve practical and written exams to assess competency and require a minimum score of 70% to pass. These exams are part of NITA’s trade testing system, and the curriculum focuses on hands-on skills for light vehicle maintenance and repair. In addition, our team is also providing short courses in other aspects of ongoing vehicle maintenance, and business management skills as part of our wider Sand River Soccer Leagues empowerment project.

Over this next year, we hope to help them build on their skills and expand how they use these Land Rovers as vehicles for community service, including taking women in labour and other emergency cases to the hospital.

From scrap metal to social impact, our small Mechanic School is doing more than training mechanics; it’s fuelling a movement of young people who are literally driving change in their communities. Thank you to those who are making this journey possible. 

If you would like to support our mechanic school, and the mechanics’ continued training, please do so by clicking the link below:

Donate

100% of your donation will go to the project costs of the project you choose. We are a registered 501(c)(3) charity (EIN# 82-0537124) in the United States. Your donation is tax-deductible as provided for by law. If you have any questions please contact us.