LocationsUNDP support upgrades the business of a metal workshop entrepreneur in Kono.
March 27, 2024
Aiah Kamanda a welder from Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District
In the heart of Koidu Town, Gbense Chiefdom, Kono district, Aiah Kamanda, a skilled welder, once faced daunting challenges in upgrading his metal workshop business. Struggling to secure necessary equipment and resources, Aiah borrowed welding tools from friends to deliver his orders, all while dreaming of expanding his business to support his family.
However, in 2022, a beacon of hope emerged for Aiah and others like him as UNDP, in collaboration with implementing partner SEND Sierra Leone, extended a lifeline through funding from the Human Security Project. This initiative, backed by the United Nations Human Security Trust, aimed to enhance economic, political, and community security to foster social cohesion and elevate living standards in Kono District.
As part of this endeavour, selected young individuals engaged in transformative activities were directly supported, with SEND Sierra Leone identifying Aiah among 15 promising entrepreneurs in Gbense chiefdom to receive startup kits, enriching his metal workshop with essential tools.
“As a young man, I was struggling to upkeep my welding and metal workshop business. I had to borrow welding equipment from a friend to do my work. It was very strenuous for me to produce enough metal doors and windows that will bring me enough income to take care of my family”, Aiah said.
Reflecting on the impact of UNDP's intervention, Aiah expressed gratitude for the newfound stability and sense of purpose it brought to his life. He said, “The project provided me a generator, grinding machine, and other materials to enable me to produce more materials that bring me more income, and train young people who are also interested in metal work”.
Aiah Kamanda a welder from Gbense Chiefdom, Kono District with is apprentices.
Through UNDP's support, Aiah's metal workshop has become a thriving hub of activity. He has trained 25 young people in his Kono Metal Workshop since he received his startup support in 2022.
Today, Aiah not only supports his family but also contributes to the growth and development of his community in Kono.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Aiah is paying it forward by training young welding enthusiasts in his community. With the backing of the Human Security project, he currently mentors 15 apprentices, driving increased production of metal doors, windows, and related materials for sale.
“Now I can produce more metal materials that bring me more income to support my family and give monthly stipend to my apprentices. It fills me with pride to contribute to the growth of young people in Kono”, Aiah proudly said.
The story of Aiah Kamanda exemplifies the transformative power of UNDP's interventions in empowering entrepreneurs, fostering economic resilience, and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in Sierra Leone's rural communities. With continued support, more individuals like Aiah can discover their full potential and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
About the Human Security project
The UNDP Human Security project was to provide economic, political and community security opportunities to deepen social cohesion and improve living conditions in Kono District.
The key objectives of the programme are to
(i) Ensure that the community enjoys economic, political and community security, with expanded social cohesion, all of which promote and sustain peace; and
(ii) Ensure that community farmers realize improved livelihoods, higher incomes, and reduced vulnerability to climate, economic and other shocks through sustainable farming that also improves the nutrition status of all community residents.
Aiah Kamanda working in his metal fabrication shop in Koidu
About the Human Security project
The UNDP Human Security project was to provide economic, political and community security opportunities to deepen social cohesion and improve living conditions in Kono District.
The key objectives of the programme are to
(i) Ensure that the community enjoys economic, political and community security, with expanded social cohesion, all of which promote and sustain peace; and
(ii) Ensure that community farmers realize improved livelihoods, higher incomes, and reduced vulnerability to climate, economic and other shocks through sustainable farming that also improves the nutrition status of all community residents.
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